Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross are an active way that we can join with Jesus on his journey to the cross. A Stations experience is meant to be lived in the moment with tangible effects that involves all our senses, so that all of life - heart, soul, mind, and body grows deeper in discipleship. 

The following experience outline is offered as one approach to the Stations. The order of the Gospel readings is drawn from the work of Pope John Paul II.   

This particular version is offered as a written form and guide for what might be constructed in a physical space. 

An edited of this version form was produced by Schweitzer Church for an on-line version that you can view and participate with here:  

The Way of the Cross

a stations of the cross experience

 

Welcome to this journey with Jesus. 

When Jesus takes his disciples with him to the garden, he asked them to pray. 

The hours ahead will be excruciating for Him, for them there will be great temptation.

As we enter this sacred space, as we read, hear, and experience this sacred journey, let us pray with Jesus. Let us pray for the world, and ourselves.

 

In this journey you will find fourteen stations. At each station there will be a reading from the Gospels. There will also be a symbol of the events spoken of. There will be a suggestion for prayer, or an act of prayer suggested. Move through these at your own pace – walk with Jesus, hear from Jesus, pray with Jesus, behold the face of Jesus.

 

You may want to add the following prayer at the end of each station: 

Lord Jesus Christ, wounded and crushed, You gave your life that we might live.

 

Station 1: Jesus prays alone

Gospel: Luke 22.39-44

Symbol: Cup of Bitterness

Prayer of Action: Name to Jesus distractions that keep you from entering into prayer

 

Station 2: Jesus is arrested

Gospel: Matthew 26.47-56

Symbol: A club and a Hershey’s kiss

Action: Eat a kiss, feel the club

Prayer: With a kiss and clubs and all instruments between, we watch as Jesus is arrested. Lord forgive us for denying you.

 

Station 3: Sanhedrin tries Jesus

Gospel: Mark 14.61-64

Symbol: Silence

Action: Stand in silence for five minutes

Prayer: Jesus, you did not defend yourself when your accusers brought charges. Help us rely on your quiet and truth when we are accused.

 

Station 4: Pilate tries Jesus

Gospel: John 18.33-37

Symbol: A King’s crown

Action: Place the crown on Jesus – does it fit?

Prayer: Jesus help us know your Kingdom is not of this world.

Station 5: Pilate sentences Jesus

Gospel: Mark 15.6-15

Symbol: Castle prison

Action: Re-read the text and shout with the crowd; “Crucify Him”

Prayer: Jesus, we are all Barabbas at some point, and because of you, our jail door has been opened.

 

Station 6: Jesus wears a crown

Gospel: John 19.5

Symbol: A crown of thorns

Action: Touch the thorns

Prayer: Jesus, we expect our King to look differently, teach us under your garments, the way of suffering.

 

Station 7: Jesus carries His cross

Gospel: John 10.17-18

Symbol: Marbles and water

Action: Drop the marbles into the water, see the ripples; our actions have ripples

Prayer: Jesus, this way was of your choosing. How can this be?

 

Station 8: Simon carries Jesus’ cross

Gospel: Luke 23.26

Symbol: Rake and a sand box

Action: Run the rake through the sand

Prayer: Jesus, your cross interrupted Simon’s journey. Interrupt our journey and show us where you might like us to carry your cross.

 

Station 9: Jesus speaks to the women

Gospel: Luke 23.27-31

Symbol: Bottles of perfume

Action: Smell the perfume - Is there sadness

Prayer: Jesus, may the weeping you spoke of be far from our homes.

 

Station 10: Jesus is crucified

Gospel: Luke 23.33-34

Symbol: Cross, hammer, and nails

Action: Take a nail and pound it into the cross

Prayer: Jesus, I was there with the soldiers, speak your word over me and my world.

 

Station 11: Criminals speak to Jesus

Gospel: Luke 23.39-43

Symbol: Paper and pencil

Action: Take a moment, confess your sins to Jesus

Prayer: Help me, O Christ, confess truly my sins, like the thief who speaks truly.

 

Station 12: Jesus speaks to Mary and John

Gospel: John 19.25-27

Symbol: A pictorial directory of a community you are a part of; your friend group on a social media platform

Action: Look over the directory/page

Prayer: Jesus, you create a new community on the cross; help me to care for others, even as you care for your mother and disciple.

 

Station 13: Jesus dies on the cross

Gospel: John 19.28-34

Symbol: An empty cup

Prayer: Jesus, you emptied yourself so that we might have living water – it was our thirst you quenched. Thank you.

 

Station 14: Jesus is laid in tomb

Gospel: John 19.38-42

Symbol: Seed and soil

Action: Take a seed and plant it in the soil

Prayer: Jesus, out of love, Joseph and Nicodemus cared for your body, as we care for you. Plant within us the seed of hope, faith, and love. Let us care for you in the people to whom we meet in your world. Amen.