Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross is one of the most simple, yet powerful, ways to prayerfully walk alongside Jesus and encounter him like never before.
There are fourteen Stations of the Cross. Each is an invitation to contemplate and experience a pivotal moment from Jesus’ sentencing to his death to his burial. They are a powerful way to step into some of the most significant moments in human history and encounter Jesus like never before. One of the most impactful times to pray the Stations of the Cross is during Holy Week, especially on Good Friday.
There are fourteen Stations of the Cross. Each is an invitation to contemplate and experience a pivotal moment from Jesus’ sentencing to his death to his burial. They are a powerful way to step into some of the most significant moments in human history and encounter Jesus like never before. One of the most impactful times to pray the Stations of the Cross is during Holy Week, especially on Good Friday.
Prepare for the First Station
Before you begin, choose which set of stations you plan to pray with, the original or Scriptural. Then, as you prepare yourself for prayer, ask yourself how to make this time in meditation peaceful. For example, you might want to close your eyes or take a few deep breaths before you begin.
Next, make the Sign of the Cross and walk to, look at, or lead your thoughts to the scene of the first station.
Next, make the Sign of the Cross and walk to, look at, or lead your thoughts to the scene of the first station.
Name the Station
Kneel or genuflect before the station. Then, take a moment to quiet your heart and mind to be present with Christ at this moment.
If you’re praying with the original stations, Christ has just been condemned to death by Pontius Pilate. If you’re praying with the Scriptural stations, Christ is praying with his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane.
If you’re praying with the original stations, Christ has just been condemned to death by Pontius Pilate. If you’re praying with the Scriptural stations, Christ is praying with his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Pray
We adore you oh Christ and we praise you, for by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
St. Alphonsus de Liguori wrote this prayer, along with a popular series of meditations on the stations.
St. Alphonsus de Liguori wrote this prayer, along with a popular series of meditations on the stations.
Meditate
Spend some time contemplating this station. You may kneel, look at an image of the station, close your eyes and imagine being in the moment with Christ. When you’re ready, you might read the verse associated, or listen to your guide on Hallow as you begin to pray.
Pray
Close your time before each station with a prayer, such as the Lord’s Prayer. Focus on speaking honestly with God.
Repeat
Repeat this pattern for all 14 stations.