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Passion of Christ

Stations of the Cross

Walk with Christ through fourteen moments of his Passion.

Stations of the Cross — devotional artwork

About this prayer

The Stations of the Cross grew from the devotion of pilgrims who retraced Jesus’ final journey in Jerusalem. The traditional fourteen stations invite us to remain with Christ in his suffering, death and burial. Our companion offers an image, Scripture, reflection and prayer for every station, with cues for a prayer leader and the community.

Learn more: Prayer background & source ↗

Prayer text

Prayer leader

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.

Everyone

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Pray this response at each station. The brief prayers below provide a simple way to meditate; the guided companion includes the fuller community prayers and Scripture readings.

1. Jesus is condemned to death
Reflection · Prayer leader

Jesus stands before the power of the world, vulnerable and rejected. We remember those judged unfairly and those whose voices are not heard.

Everyone

Jesus, give us courage to speak the truth with love and to stand beside those who are treated unjustly. Amen.

2. Jesus carries his cross
Reflection · Prayer leader

Jesus accepts the weight of the cross. He meets us in the burdens we carry, even those we cannot explain to others.

Everyone

Jesus, walk with us in our struggles. Help us carry today’s responsibilities with patience and love. Amen.

3. Jesus falls the first time
Reflection · Prayer leader

We contemplate Jesus brought low beneath the cross. Weakness does not place us beyond God’s love; it can become the place where we learn to receive it.

Everyone

Jesus, when our strength fails, draw us close to you. Teach us to ask for help and begin again. Amen.

4. Jesus meets his mother
Reflection · Prayer leader

Mary remains near her Son in suffering. We remember parents who watch their children struggle and all who keep a loving vigil beside another.

Everyone

Jesus, with Mary, help us remain faithful in love. Comfort families carrying grief, worry or separation. Amen.

5. Simon helps Jesus carry the cross
Reflection · Prayer leader

Simon’s ordinary day is interrupted by another’s suffering. A small act of service can become a place of encounter with Christ.

Everyone

Jesus, open our eyes to the burdens of our neighbours. Make us generous with our time, our hands and our hearts. Amen.

6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
Reflection · Prayer leader

In Veronica’s act of tenderness, we contemplate the courage of compassion. We honour Christ whenever we protect the dignity of a person in distress.

Everyone

Jesus, help us recognise your face in others. May our kindness bring comfort without seeking recognition. Amen.

7. Jesus falls the second time
Reflection · Prayer leader

Repeated struggles can leave us discouraged. Jesus invites us to stay close to him, learning the patience of a humble and gentle heart.

Everyone

Jesus, renew our hope when we stumble again. Give us patience with ourselves and mercy toward others. Amen.

8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
Reflection · Prayer leader

Even in suffering, Jesus calls others to a change of heart. Compassion invites us beyond tears toward lives shaped by justice, forgiveness and peace.

Everyone

Jesus, turn our sorrow into faithful action. Guide our families and communities in the ways of peace. Amen.

9. Jesus falls the third time
Reflection · Prayer leader

At the edge of exhaustion, we place our trust in God. We remember those who feel they cannot take another step and ask that they never be left alone.

Everyone

Jesus, be near to all who are overwhelmed. Send them strength, companionship and the help they need. Amen.

10. Jesus is stripped of his garments
Reflection · Prayer leader

Jesus is exposed to humiliation. We remember every person stripped of safety, shelter or respect, and the dignity that no cruelty can take away.

Everyone

Jesus, forgive the ways we humiliate others. Help us protect the vulnerable and share what we have. Amen.

11. Jesus is nailed to the cross
Reflection · Prayer leader

From the cross, Jesus prays for forgiveness. His mercy reaches into the places where hatred seems strongest and calls us to interrupt the cycle of harm.

Everyone

Jesus, heal the wounds we carry and the wounds we cause. Lead us toward forgiveness, justice and reconciliation. Amen.

12. Jesus dies on the cross
Reflection · Prayer leader

We stand in silence before the mystery of love poured out completely. Jesus entrusts himself to the Father, and we entrust to God all who are dying and all who mourn.

Everyone

Jesus, remember us in your mercy. Receive the dying into your peace, and hold the grieving in your love. Amen.

13. Jesus is taken down from the cross
Reflection · Prayer leader

Joseph steps forward to care for the body of Jesus. Love continues its quiet work even when words fail and all seems lost.

Everyone

Jesus, bless those who care for the dying and the dead. Make our communities places of tenderness and support. Amen.

14. Jesus is laid in the tomb
Reflection · Prayer leader

In the stillness of the tomb, we wait in hope. God’s promise reaches beyond what we can see; the darkness of Good Friday will give way to the light of Easter.

Everyone

Jesus, teach us to trust you in times of waiting. Keep alive in us the hope of your resurrection. Amen.

A MOMENT WITH GOD

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