Stations of the Cross

Walking with Christ to the Cross

(STATIONS OF THE CROSS)
ART CREDIT: ScottEricksonArt.com, Stacey Livingston
PRAYER CREDIT: Clare Loughrige
BIBLE PASSAGES: NIV & NRSV translations.*
*Pronoun capitalization choice added for emphasis.

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INTRODUCTION:

This is a walk of reflection through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

It is meant to help us enter into the meaning of these miracles more deeply. Each stop has been made to reflect on a particular moment in the journey Jesus made to save humankind from sin. Pause with each piece of art, read the Scripture passage, consider its meaning through prayer, ending each time praying, “Lord Jesus, help us walk in Your steps.”

May these words become a sort of “breath prayer,” carrying us through this practice of remembrance and all the days of our journey home.

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OPENING PRAYER

ALL:
Lord, bless us as we gather
to reflect on Jesus’ suffering and death
that we may learn from His example
the way we should go.

By Your cross You have redeemed the world.

Lord Jesus, help us walk in Your steps.

Amen.

 

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SING

YOU WERE LED
Music & Lyrics ©DonCoppo

You set Your mind to the cause
Knowing the pain that lay before You
For a sin stained race of lost sons and daughters
You were led to the hill

But the pain would not compare
To the abandonment of the Father
As the sin of all mankind weighed on Him
He was led to the hill

Chorus
O my Lord Your love is amazing
Why would You do this for me
Suffer and die, take my own sin
And be my lifeline, my only lifeline

You knew You would win
That Your loss was gain and Your victory sure
And even though like sheep we were led astray
You were led to the hill

You were led by love
You were led by grace
You were led by the Father's heart
Now You lead me home
As I seek Your face
And I’m led unto Your throne

 

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STOP 1:
JESUS IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE

Matt 26:36-41 (NIV)

Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”

He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with Him, and He began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then He said to them,
“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”

Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. “Could you men not keep watch with Me for one hour?”

He asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

PRAYER

Savior in the garden, when my soul is overwhelmed, give me the strength to pray and follow Your will. When my friends can’t understand or stay awake, and I feel desperately alone in this world, keep me ever close to You. Lord Jesus, help us walk in Your steps.

 

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STOP 2:
JESUS IS BETRAYED BY JUDAS & ARRESTED

Mark 14:43-46 (NIV)

Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.

Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.”

Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested Him.

PRAYER

Almighty and Vulnerable God, grant me the courage and conviction to stand when friends betray me and evil is all around me. Lord Jesus, help us walk in Your steps.

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STOP 3:
JESUS IS CONDEMNED BY THE SANHEDRIN

Luke 22:66-71 (NIV)

At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus
was led before them. “If you are the Christ,” they said, “tell us.”

Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe Me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”

They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?”

He replied, “You are right in saying I am.”

Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.”

Mark 15:1-5 (NIV)

Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate.

PRAYER

Son of God and Son of Man, may I never cease to speak the truth, no matter the consequences, to bring about Your Kingdom rule on earth as it is heaven. Lord Jesus, help us walk in Your steps.

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STOP 4:
JESUS IS DENIED BY PETER

Luke 22:31-34

“Simon, Simon, listen! The Evil One has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

And he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You to prison and to death!” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know Me.”

PRAYER

All-Knowing Intercessor, teach me how to remain loyal to You in fearful times. Show me what is true and false within me so that I can let go of anything that keeps me from walking with You. Lord Jesus, help me walk in your steps.

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STOP 5:
JESUS IS JUDGED BY PILATE

Mark 15:1-5 (NIV)
“Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate.
“Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.
The chief priests accused Him of many things. So again Pilate asked Him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.” But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.

Mark 15:15 (NIV)
Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.

PRAYER

Silent God, grant me patience in times of suffering that words are not always necessary, and in silence, I can fulfill Your purpose in my life. Lord Jesus, help us walk in Your steps.

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STOP 6:
JESUS IS SCOURGED & CROWNED WITH THORNS

John 19:1-3 (NIV)
Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head. They clothed Him in a purple robe and went up to Him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they struck Him in the face.

PRAYER

Suffering Servant, you bore my grief and carried my sorrows, the chastisement of my peace was upon You, and by Your wounds, I am healed. Let me embody this reality with every breath. Lord Jesus, help us walk in Your steps.

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STOP 7:
JESUS TAKES UP HIS CROSS

John 19:6 (NIV)
As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw Him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”

John 19:15-17 (NIV)
But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!”
“Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked.
“We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.
Finally Pilate handed Him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying His own cross, He went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).

PRAYER

Accused God, grant me the resilience to journey through lies, accusations, and threats as I carry my cross. Lord Jesus, help us walk in Your steps.

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STOP 8:
JESUS IS HELPED BY SIMON TO CARRY HIS CROSS

Mark 15:21 (NIV)
A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they
forced him to carry the Cross.

PRAYER

God of the Disinherited, grant me a willing spirit that I may bear others’ burdens and fulfill the Law of Christ. Lord Jesus, help us walk in Your steps.

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STOP 9:
JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM

Luke 23:27-31 (NIV)
A large number of people followed Him, including women who mourned and wailed for Him. Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me; weep for yourselves and for your children.”

PRAYER

Weeping God, I don’t want my grief to be wasted energy. Grant that I may weep with those who mourn and have the grace to let the healing waters flow where they belong. Lord Jesus, help us walk in Your steps.

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STOP 10:
JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS

Luke 23:33-34 (NIV)
When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him, along with the criminals-one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

PRAYER

Oh, Merciful God, grant me an open heart that I may ask and receive forgiveness for myself and bring reconciliation to all who don’t know what they are doing. Lord Jesus, help us walk in Your steps.

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SING

UP ON A HILL
Music & Lyrics ©DonCoppo

Up on a hill
Three trees
Two of them wrong
One of them King
One comes to save our lives

One of them speaks
Mocks the just One
The other believes
He is now set free
One comes to save our lives

Up on a hill
There is One who they
Choose to kill
The deed it is done
But it is our victory
That is won

His life He gave, unselfishly
His life He gave
And now we are free
One comes to save our lives

He said it is finished
And our lives began
He said it is finished
And sits at God’s right hand
One comes to save our lives

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STOP 11:
JESUS PROMISES HIS KINGDOM TO THE REPENTANT THIEF

Luke 23:39-43 (NIV)
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him:
“Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this Man has done nothing wrong.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into Your kingdom.”

Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise.”

PRAYER

Hospitable One, I pray I will never stop seeking You or looking for the last-minute miracles of redemption. Lord Jesus, help us walk in Your steps.

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STOP 12:
JESUS ENTRUSTS MARY AND JOHN TO EACH OTHER

John 19:25-27 (NIV)
Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

PRAYER

Generous God, awaken us to receive, uphold and nourish those in need. Lord Jesus, help us walk in Your steps.

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STOP 13:
JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS

Luke 23:44-46 (NIV) *Matt 27:46 (NRSV)
It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. *And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?”

And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” When He had said this, He breathed His last.

PRAYER

Forsaken God, when the dark night of the soul has descended, heaven is silent, and abandonment seeks to overtake my soul, give me the grace to experience You in pre-resurrection realities. Tear the veil that keeps my soul unaided. I want to commit my spirit into Your invisible hands. Lord Jesus, help us walk in Your steps.

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SING

WERE YOU THERE
American Spiritual, Public Domain

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

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STOP 14:
JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB

Matt 27:57-61 (NIV)
As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.

PRAYER

God of the tomb, what do I have to give You between the now and the not yet? May I have the faith to wait. Form my soul to enter into the emptiness and provide space for resurrection. Lord Jesus, help us walk in Your steps.

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SING

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS
George Bennard 1915, Public Domain

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown

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STOP 15:
JESUS RISES

Matt 28:1-6 (NIV)
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.”

PRAYER

Hallelujah to the Risen Christ!
I am astonished! I am breathless! I am humbled. Your death, burial, resurrection, and indwelling Holy Spirit are the redemption story. Fill me afresh with Your life as I wait in joyful hope for our savior Jesus Christ’s coming again. Lord Jesus, help us walk in Your steps.

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SING

AMAZING GRACE
John Newton, Public Domain

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun.

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CLOSING PRAYER

Reader:
Lord Jesus, Your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites earth and heaven and reconciles all people to You.

May we who have reflected on these mysteries follow in Your steps and so come to share Your glory in heaven where You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever.

ALL:
Amen.

 

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