The Way of the Cross involves 15 stations taking us on a journey through the last days of Jesus' life, from the Garden of Gethsemane where he is arrested to his death on the cross and ultimately his resurrection. These stations may be used as a focus for personal prayer throughout Holy Week or altogether on Good Friday. 

Each station has an opening, a reading, a prayer and a final response led by people from the local community. The first station also includes an introduction to The Way of the Cross.

The words for this episode are included below:

The Way of the Cross

¶ The Gathering

The ministers enter in silence.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All Amen.

Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.’ Matthew 16.24,25

Once we were far off, but now in union with Christ Jesus we have been brought near through the shedding of Christ’s blood, for he is our peace. Ephesians 2.13,14

An appropriate greeting may be given.

A minister may introduce the service and then says

Let us pray.

A brief moment of silence follows.

Almighty and everlasting God, who in your tender love towards the human race sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross: grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

All Amen.

All Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, have mercy upon us.

The Way of the Cross

Monday

First Station: Jesus in agony in the Garden of Gethsemane

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

All because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading

A reading from the Gospel according to Mark.

They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.’ And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, ‘Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.’ Mark 14.32-36

Reflection / Meditation

Reflection or meditation may follow.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you entered the garden of fear

and faced the agony of your impending death:

be with those who share that agony

and face death unwillingly this day.

You shared our fear and knew the weakness of our humanity:

give strength and hope to the dispirited and despairing.

To you, Jesus, who sweated blood,

be honour and glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit,

now and for ever.

All Amen.

All Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, have mercy upon us.