Praying the Biblical Stations of the Cross - Serenity in Suffering
Entering what many Christians call, “Holy Week”, I nurture a posture of reflection. My devotional focus lingers on Jesus’ final week on earth culminating in His betrayal, trial, torture, death, burial and resurrection. Complementing my reflective devotions, in recent years, I chose incorporating the powerful practice of praying the biblical stations of the cross. Well-known as a Catholic ritual, and often “dismissed” as unscriptural by evangelicals, it is lush with meaningful meditation. Arguably one of the best ways of apprehending a more meaningful encounter with Christ as He drinks the cup of wrath meant for us.
Welcome to Mindfulness Monday! Where we learn some easy ways to be more present “in the moment” at our jobs, in our homes, with our families and friends. Learning to recognize God and what He has for us in each divine moment He offers. We acknowledge the belief that God is with us always. We confess His presence is available to us, lifting our spirit and helping us with power and grace. Learning to “be still”, so we can hear His voice and view ourselves, others and our surroundings through His eyes.
what are the stations of the cross?
The stations of the cross, also known as the “way of the cross” or the “way of sorrows” is a religious tradition born of the historical half mile route Jesus carried the cross to Golgotha. Catholic tradition commences the fourteen stations with Jesus’ sentencing before Pilate, and concludes with His placement in the tomb. Embellished with a few stations taken from church history without scriptural verification are the main reasons cited by evangelicals for its inauthenticity.
Many main-line church denominations also practice praying the stations of the cross, typically during Holy Week or on a special “Good Friday” service. The Catholic church has pictures lining the sanctuary depicting these stations, and during the service you move from station to station in reflection and prayer walking to the cross. Other denominations hold a “way of the cross” or a “walk to he cross” live re-enactment where they do have someone as Jesus carry a cross through a specified route through town, stopping at pre-determined times to reflect and pray. “Bystanders” are anyone that chooses to join the walk open to all.
why pray through the biblical stations of the cross?
Experiencing the liturgical representation of the stations of the cross left an enduring impression upon me. “Knowing” the account of Christ’s final week and reading the scriptures certainly speaks to our hearts. But walking “with Him” through each event from the Garden of Gethsemane to the Tomb fosters an intimacy hard to find in merely reading or hearing read the accounts of these events. Tracing Jesus’ footsteps, we pause along the way for deep reflection uniting our hearts with His.
Praying the biblical stations of the cross, puts us in “the story”, we focus on each event more fully, allowing the Holy Spirit to move and work in our hearts. We come face to face with the cost of our sin, and God’s response to an evil world. In Christ’s suffering for mankind, we are reminded He suffers with mankind. Walking through each event from betrayal, condemnation, horror or torture, death, burial and glorious resurrection, our hearts move from sorrow over sin and defeat to hope and joy in victory.
praying the biblical stations of the cross
All Four Gospels detail the most pivotal week in world history, offering us ample substance for praying the biblical stations of the cross. If your denomination offers a liturgical service for the stations of the cross this year, I encourage you to participate. Choosing the solitude of your own home, however, provides a truly meaningful and intimate setting for mindful reflection and prayer. A genuinely moving experience, I prefer my own space and time for lingering in the Presence of God.
There are fourteen stations of the cross; I make time on Thursday and Friday of Holy Week for praying through seven on each day. Arrange for at least one hour each day of uninterrupted time; if possible, allow for more time. Begin with a time of silence, engaging in mindful breathing, keeping your focus on your breath, letting thoughts come and go without retaining them. After a few moments begin by praying Psalm 130 to the Lord, followed by a time of confession. When you feel ready, begin praying the biblical stations of the cross.
Station 1-The Garden of Gethsemane
Bible Reading: Luke 22:39-46.
Reflection: Perhaps in the Garden of Gethsemane as in no other place, we see Jesus’ humanity as His agony over all He faced plunged Him into deep grief and sorrow. Though He ultimately surrendered to the Father’s will, His wrestling with the Father was in every way a struggle of acceptance. Consider He was indeed tested, but without sin (Hebrews 4:15) and therefore understands our weaknesses and struggles to accept God’s will for our lives.
Pray: Lord Jesus, reflecting on your experience at Gethsemane, I’m reminded you were fully God yet fully man. Emmanuel, God with us, God with me. You also are with me in the hard places, you know what it’s like to wrestle with the Father’s will. My heart swells in gratitude for all you did then and all you do for me now as intercessor.
Station 2-Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest
Bible Reading: Luke 22:47-48
Reflection: Jesus experienced betrayal by one who followed and claimed to love Him. Consider the times though you profess devotion to Him, you betrayed Him in your heart and actions and placed yourself on the throne of your life.
Pray: Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I pledged my love to you, only to betray you by my thoughts, actions and the way I live. Reveal my divided heart that I may be wholly devoted to you.
Station 3-Jesus Condemned by the Sanhedrin
Bible Reading: Luke 22:66-71
Reflection: Brought before the religious leaders of the day, Jesus stood rejected as Messiah and rightful heir to the Kingdom of God, but met only condemnation as a criminal worthy of death. Do you eagerly await the establishment of Jesus’ Kingdom on earth, or are your loyalties in this present world?
Pray: Lord Jesus, the religious leaders did not recognize you as the promised Messiah and rejected your kingdom, viewing you instead as a criminal worthy of death. Please increase my devotion to you and my love for your Kingdom over the kingdom of this present world.
Station 4-Peter Denies Jesus
Bible Reading: Luke 22:54-62
Reflection: Peter denied Jesus out of fear. He failed to understand everything happening to Jesus was fulfillment of prophecy and he feared for his life. Peter’s “fear of man” led to his denial of Christ. Consider the times when you likewise feared others more than God, ultimately denying Him through words and actions.
Pray: Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times when my fear of man led to my denial of our relationship. Forgive me when I am afraid and don’t trust you are in control of every situation. Help me trust you more, love you more and remain faithful to you in every circumstance.
Station 5-Jesus Judged by Pilate
Bible Reading: Luke 23:13-25
Reflection: Pilate attempted to blame others for sentencing Jesus to crucifixion, by washing his hands as a public display of innocence. History shows Pilate viewed Jesus as a threat, or at the least a nuisance, choosing to sentence Jesus to death was an easy solution. Are you like Pilate? Do you refuse taking responsibility for your sin, excuse it or blame it on others?
Pray: Lord Jesus, I confess I take the easy way out and excuse my sin or blame others for it rather than confessing it. Please reveal areas where I am presently avoiding responsibility for my sin. Please help me to seek confession of sin, that I might receive the forgiveness you freely offer.
Station 6-Jesus Scourged and Crowned with Thorns
Bible Reading: Luke 22:63-65, John 19:2-3
Reflection: We cannot imagine the physical pain, let alone the emotional and mental agony Jesus endured at the hands of His own creation. Mocked as “King of the Jews” the King of Kings and Lord of Lords stood humiliated in a makeshift purple robe and a cruel crown of thorns. Sit with this picture in your mind of what your sin wrought upon Jesus.
Pray: Lord Jesus, it is painful to read of the abuse, agony and suffering you endured prior to the crucifixion. My mind cannot grasp the extent of your sufferings. I can but offer feeble gratitude for walking the path of suffering and shame in my place. Help me to live and honor you as the true King of my life.
Station 7- Jesus Takes Up the Cross
Bible Reading: Mark 15:20
Reflection: Jesus foretold the manner of his death. Though He did not call down legions of angels to deliver Him, He was fully in control of every aspect of this day, to the moment He was led away to take up the cross. Ponder His complete submission to the Father’s will in every aspect.
Pray: Lord Jesus, though you were arrested, sentenced, and led away to Golgotha, you chose the cross. Because You chose the cross, I go free, I have forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father. Thank you Lord Jesus for your obedience!
Station 8-Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry the Cross
Bible Reading: Luke 23:26
Reflection: Simon of Cyrene was compelled by Roman soldiers to carry Jesus’ cross. We have little information on this transaction, but imagine what this was like for both Simon and Jesus. Simon may or may not have believed Jesus was the Messiah, but he stood afterwards with His blood upon him. What does it mean to deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow Jesus?
Pray: Lord Jesus, the picture of Simon carrying your cross reminds me of the sacrificial nature of a disciple of Christ. Please forgive me when I resist and complain about the hardships in my life. Please help me to deny my own desires that I might follow you more fully.
Station 9-Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
Bible Reading: Luke 23:27-31
Reflection: Despite the religious leaders hatred for Jesus, the multitudes loved and followed Him. This day was no different, for many followed weeping as the women referenced here in Luke’s gospel. Consider as they wept for Him, He admonished them to weep for themselves.
Pray: Lord Jesus, as I am reminded of the women who wept for you on your journey to the cross, may I weep at the cost you bore for my sins. Thank you for carrying the cross for me.
Station 10- Jesus is Crucified
Bible Reading: Luke 23:33-47
Reflection: At Golgotha Jesus was stripped of his garments and nailed to the cross. There He was lifted up between two thieves as the innocent Lamb of God for your sins. Though He suffered tremendous physical agony, it compared not to the wrath of the Father poured out upon Him for the sins of the whole world. There, for the first and only time, He was forsaken by the Father. Sit with the magnitude of the love poured out this day to purchase your pardon.
Pray: Lord Jesus, no gratitude I offer is adequate for your demonstration of love for me on the cross. But I thank you with my whole being for my eternal life purchased with your precious blood. Please help me to never take for granted the cost of my sin nor your great love for me.
Station 11-Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief
Bible Reading: Luke 23:39-43
Reflection: Despite the mocking crowds and curses of one thief, amidst the excruciating pain, Jesus offers mercy and salvation to the “good” thief who believed. In His humanity, Jesus suffered, while at the same time as God, He loved and pardoned sinners even while dying on the cross.
Pray: Lord Jesus, thank you for your great mercy; you offer us not what we deserve, but your goodness instead. Thank you that you hear me when I cry out in despair, even in my own sin. Thank you for the promise of spending eternity with you.
Station 12- Jesus on the Cross, His Mother, His Disciple
Bible Reading: John 19:25-27
Reflection: Forsaken by most of His followers, the women remained, including Mary, His mother. John, the only disciple present stood with Mary at the foot of the cross. Jesus, after He cared for the thief, turned His care upon His mother at His last moments, entrusting her care to beloved disciple, John. Consider the great love of God for His own, even in His suffering.
Pray: Lord Jesus, as I consider You as the Son of God bearing the sins of the world, you were also in that moment the son of Mary. Thank you for this picture of your great love for Your own. Thank you for knowing every need and caring for me tenderly.
Station 13- Jesus Dies on the Cross
Bible Reading: Luke 23:44-47
Reflection: As Jesus dies, the sun is darkened and the temple veil is torn in half from top to bottom. Luke records a Roman Centurian crying out “surely this was a righteous man!” Only a perfect sacrifice could purge the sins of men once for all, “It is finished”. Sit with this thought of Jesus’ finished work on the cross.
Pray: Lord Jesus, I praise You as the Righteous One! The perfect, final sacrifice opening the way for reconciliation with the Father. I can but look upon Your sacrifice with wonder, Your Great love, mercy and compassion. Thank you Lord Jesus for my redemption!
Station 14-Jesus Placed in the Tomb
Bible Reading: Luke 23:50-54, Mark 16:1-4
Reflection: Two secret disciples of Jesus, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, took the body of Jesus and buried him in Joseph’s tomb. Jesus was buried, to prove He was dead to those who did not believe. Those who loved Him, grieved His loss, without understanding He would rise. Reflect on the grief of this loss from their point of view without knowing the “end of the story”.
Pray: Lord Jesus, I cannot imagine what those who loved You felt that day when you were buried. I thank you I will never know that grief of losing You, because You made a way for me to be with You forever.
the transforming power of the walk to the cross
Critics of praying the biblical stations of the cross complain they end with Jesus in the tomb, leaving out His resurrection. They miss the point. Moving through the stations of the cross affords us an opportunity to reflect deeply on the suffering and sacrifice made for the atonement of our sin. Well we are left at the tomb, where we linger in cleansing grief. For from this point of grief we rise with Christ on Resurrection Sunday. How great our joy in the victory over satan, sin and the grave! We cannot know joy apart from the experience of sorrow; we cannot truly appreciate the victory apart from the bitter taste of defeat.
We reflect upon Jesus enduring the cross, despising the shame, for the joy set before Him of redeeming His creation from the curse of sin and death. Walking the way of the cross in deep reflection and prayer prepares our hearts to celebrate the greatest miracle of transformation we can ever know.
I compiled a PDF print out of praying the biblical stations of the cross for you below.
Praying-the-Biblical-Stations-of-the-Cross
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