STATIONS OF THE CROSS Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church Holy Week 2020 Calhan, CO GUIDE TO “STATIONS OF THE CROSS” LITURGY ➢ Background ➢ Stations of the Cross ➢ Notes ➢ Lenten Hymn Titles BACKGROUND The Stations of the Cross or the Way of the Cross, also known as the Way of Sorrows or the Via Crucis, refers to a series of images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion and accompanying prayers. The stations grew out of imitations of Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem which is believed to be the actual path Jesus walked to Mount Calvary. The object of the stations is to help the Christian faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage through contemplation of the Photo by Cees Verhoog / CC BY-SA 3.0 Passion of Christ. It has become one of the most popular devotions and the stations can be found in many Western Christian churches, including Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and Roman Catholic. en.wikipedia.org - Text under CC-BY-SA license BACKGROUND Here at St. Paul, we have the stations in one place. View them as we pray and take time throughout the church year to contemplate the wonder of Christ’s death as it has redeemed us and will at last raise us to eternal life. STATIONS OF THE CROSS We begin: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit + Amen Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. We will glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ: In whom is our salvation, our life and resurrection. STATIONS OF THE CROSS Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH Station 1 We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH Station 1 As soon as it was morning, the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation; and they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him to Pilate. And they all condemned him and said, “He deserves to die.” When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called the Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. Then he handed Jesus over to them to be God did not spare his own Son, crucified. but delivered him up for us all. Station 1 JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the Cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen Holy God Holy and Immortal One, Holy and Mighty, Have mercy upon us. Station 1 JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH Beneath the Cross of Jesus Beneath the Cross of Jesus, I long to take my stand; the shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land, a home within a wilderness, a rest upon the way, from the burning of the noontide heat and burdens of the day. Station 2 JESUS TAKES UP HIS CROSS We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. JESUS TAKES UP HIS CROSS Jesus went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the Place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. Like a lamb he was led to slaughter; and like a sheep that before its shearers is mute, so he opened not his mouth. The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all: For the transgression of my people was he stricken. Station 2 Station 2 JESUS TAKES UP HIS CROSS Almighty God, whose beloved Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption: Give us courage to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen Holy God Holy and Immortal One, Holy and Mighty, Have mercy upon us. Station 2 JESUS TAKES UP HIS CROSS Beneath the Cross of Jesus Upon the Cross of Jesus, my eye at times can see the very dying form of one who suffered there for me. And from my contrite heart, with tears, two wonders I confess: the wonder of his glorious love and my unworthiness. Station 3 THE CROSS IS LAID ON SIMON OF CYRENE We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. Station 3 THE CROSS IS LAID ON SIMON OF CYRENE As they led Jesus away, they came upon a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross to carry it behind Jesus. “If any would come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their crosses and follow me. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Whoever does not take up the cross and follow me: Cannot be my disciple. THE CROSS IS LAID ON SIMON OF CYRENE Station 3 Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in God’s name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen Holy God Holy and Immortal One, Holy and Mighty, Have mercy upon us. Station 3 THE CROSS IS LAID ON SIMON OF CYRENE Beneath the Cross of Jesus I take, O cross, your shadow for my abiding place; I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face; Content to let the world go by, to know no gain or loss, My sinful self my only shame, my glory all, the cross. Station 4 JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. Station 4 JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM There followed after Jesus a great multitude of the people, and among them were women who bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning to them said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.” Those who sowed with tears: Will reap with songs of joy. Station 4 JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM Teach your Church, O Lord, to mourn the sins of which it is guilty, and to repent and forsake them; that, by your pardoning grace, the results of our iniquities may not be visited upon our children and our children’s children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Holy God Holy and Immortal One, Holy and Mighty, Have mercy upon us. Station 4 JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM When I survey the Wondrous Cross When I survey the wondrous cross on which the prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. Station 5 JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. Station 5 JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS When they came to a place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull), they offered him wine to drink, mingled with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And they divided his garments among them by casting lots. This was to fulfill scripture. They gave me gall to eat: And when I was thirsty they gave me vinegar to drink. JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS Station 5 Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that will be revealed: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Holy God Holy and Immortal One, Holy and Mighty, Have mercy upon us. Station 5 JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS When I survey the Wondrous Cross Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast save in the death of Christ my God; all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood. Station 6 JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. Station 6 JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS At the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him; and with him they crucified two criminals, one on the right, the other on the left, and Jesus between them. And the scripture was fulfilled which says, “He was numbered among the transgressors.” They pierce my hands and feet They stare and gloat over me. Station 6 JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your name.