About the Service
The devotion known as the Way of the Cross is an adaptation to local usage of a custom widely observed by pilgrims to Jerusalem: the offering of prayer at a series of places in that city traditionally associated with our Lord’s passion and death.
The number of stations, which at first varied widely, finally became fixed at fourteen. Of these, eight are based directly on events recorded in the Gospels. The remaining six are based on inferences from the Gospel account or from pious legend. In this meditation, these six stations have been omitted.
The form which follows is appropriate either as a public service or as a private devotion, particularly on the Fridays of Lent, but it typically does not displace the Proper Liturgy of Good Friday. It could also be better used as a service on Holy Wednesday or on Holy Saturday before the evening Easter Vigil.
Traditionally, the stations are made before a series of plain wooden crosses placed along the walls of the church or in some other convenient place. With each cross there is sometimes associated a pictorial representation of the event being commemorated.
The hymn Stabat Mater (“At the cross her station keeping”) has frequently been associated with this service, but is not an integral part of it. Selected stanzas of this hymn may appropriately be sung at the entrance of the ministers, and (after the opening devotions before the Altar) as the procession approaches the first station.
In the form which follows, the Trisagion (“Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One”) is the chant recommended as the procession goes from station to station. Alternatively, the Trisagion may be used to conclude each station, and stanzas of appropriate hymns sung as the procession moves. It is appropriate that all present take part in the procession.
There may be one officiant at the service, whether clerical or lay, or readings and versicles can be appropriately assigned to multiple people.
Adapting for Home Use
There is nothing in this service that cannot be done in homes, with a group or alone. Consider assigning a Leader (L) and the Congregation (C) or rotate the Leader part among everyone with you. At each station, reflect on the image before reading the story. Choose to sing all the songs, or just some. This service can be high adaptable and could be used at a different time of day than the Maundy Thursday or Good Friday services, or even on Holy Saturday as a meditation on the cross and tomb.
The Way of the Cross may be used for individual prayer or as a public liturgy, particularly on the Fridays in Lent. The congregation may assemble in the church, or at another appointed place (especially if outdoor stations are to be made).
L In the name of the Father, and of the T Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C Amen
L Lord, have mercy.
C Christ, have mercy.
L Lord, have mercy.
Lord’s Prayer
C Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen
L We will glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
C in whom is our salvation, our life, and resurrection.
L Let us pray.
Mercifully assist us, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may remember with joy the mighty acts whereby you have given us life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C Amen
The procession moves to the first station.
First Station
Jesus is Condemned to Death
L We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
C By your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate spoke to the crowd: “What do you wish me to do with the man you call the king of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” So, after flogging Jesus, Pilate handed him over to be crucified.
L God did not spare his own Son,
C but delivered him up for us all.
He Never Said a Mumbalin’ Word
African-American Spiritual
They led him to Pilate’s bar,
not a word, not a word, not a word.
They led him to Pilate’s bar,
not a word, not a word, not a word.
They led him to Pilate’s bar,
but he never said a mumbalin’ word;
not a word, not a word, not a word.
They all cried, “crucify,”
not a word, not a word, not a word.
They all cried, “crucify,”
not a word, not a word, not a word.
They all cried, “crucify,”
but he never said a mumbalin’ word;
not a word, not a word, not a word.
We nailed him onto a tree,
not a word, not a word, not a word.
We nailed him onto a tree,
not a word, not a word, not a word.
We nailed him onto a tree,
but he never said a mumbalin’ word;
not a word, not a word, not a word.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Thomas Andrew Dorsey and George Nelson Allen
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near
When my life is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
When the darkness appears and the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
L Let us pray.
Almighty God, your Son our Savior suffered at the hands of sinners and endured the shame of the cross. Grant that we may walk in the way of his cross and find it the way of life and peace; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
C Amen
Trisagion (Thrice-Holy)
L Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one,
C have mercy upon us.
The procession moves to the second station.
Second Station
Jesus Take Up His Cross
L We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
C By your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
Carrying the cross by himself, Jesus went out to the place called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. ALthough he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches, and wisdom and strength, and honor and glory and blessing.
L The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all:
C for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
Fanny J. Crosby and William H. Doane
Jesus, keep me near the cross,
Near that precious fountain;
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.
Refrain
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Shed its beams around me.
Near the cross! I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever;
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.
Let All That is Within Me Cry, “Worthy!”
Melvin Harrel and Charles High
Let all that is within me cry Worthy
Let all that is within me cry Worthy
Worthy, Worthy,
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
Let all that is within me cry Risen
Let all that is within me cry Risen
Risen, Risen,
Risen is the Lamb that was slain
Let all that is within me cry Coming
Let all that is within me cry Coming
Coming, Coming,
Coming is the Lamb that was slain
Let all that is within me cry Jesus
Let all that is within me cry Jesus
Jesus, Jesus
Jesus is the Lamb that was slain
L Let us pray.
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.
C Amen
Trisagion (Thrice-Holy)
L Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one,
C have mercy upon us.
The procession moves to the third station.
Third Station
The Cross is Laid on Simon of Cyrene
L We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
C By your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
As they led Jesus away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
L Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me
C cannot be my disciple.
Lead Me, Guide Me
Doris M. Akers
Refrain
Lead me, guide me, along the way,
for if you lead me, I cannot stray.
Lord, let me walk each day with thee.
Lead me, oh Lord, lead me.
I am weak and I need thy strength and pow’r
to help me over my weakest hour.
Help me through the darkness thy face to see,
lead me, oh Lord, lead me.
Help me tread in the paths of righteousness,
be my aid when Satan and sin oppress.
I am putting all my trust in thee.
Lead me, oh Lord, lead me.
I am lost if you take your hand from me,
I am blind without they Light to see,
Lord, just always let me thy servant be.
Lead me, oh Lord, lead me.
All to Jesus I Surrender
Judson W. Van DeVenter and Winfield S. Weeden
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
Refrain
I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow;
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me Jesus, take me now.
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
May Thy Holy Spirit truly fill me,
May I know Thy power divine.
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
L Let us pray.
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 his 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.
C Amen
Trisagion (Thrice-Holy)
L Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one,
C have mercy upon us.
The procession moves to the fourth station.
Fourth Station
Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
L We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
C By your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
A great number of the people followed Jesus, and among them were women who were wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.”
L Those who sowed with tears
C will reap with songs of joy.
I Want Jesus to Walk With Me
African-American Spiritual
I want Jesus to walk with me;
I want Jesus to walk with me;
all along my pilgrim journey,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me;
when I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me;
when my heart is almost breaking,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me;
in my trials, Lord, walk with me;
when my head is bowed in sorrow,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
By the Waters of Babylon
By the Waters of Babylon
By the waters, the waters of Babylon,
we lay down and wept, and wept for thee Zion.
We remember thee, remember thee, remember thee Zion.
L Let us pray.
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.
C Amen
Trisagion (Thrice-Holy)
L Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one,
C have mercy upon us.
The procession moves to the fifth station.
Fifth Station
Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
L We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
C By your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
When they came to a place called Golgotha, they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. The soldiers divided his garments among them by casting lots. This was to fulfill what the scripture says, “They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.”
L They gave me gall to eat,
C and when I was thirsty they gave me vinegar to drink.
When the Storms of Life Are Raging
Charles A. Tindley
When the storms of life are raging,
Stand by me;
When the storms of life are raging,
Stand by me;
When the world is tossing me
Like a ship upon the sea,
Thou Who rulest wind and water,
Stand by me.
In the midst of tribulation,
Stand by me;
In the midst of tribulation,
Stand by me;
When the hosts of hell assail,
And my strength begins to fail,
Thou Who never lost a battle,
Stand by me.
In the midst of persecution,
Stand by me;
In the midst of persecution,
Stand by me;
When my foes in battle array
Undertake to stop my way,
Thou Who saved Paul and Silas,
Stand by me.
When I’m growing old and feeble,
Stand by me;
When I’m growing old and feeble,
Stand by me;
When my life becomes a burden,
And I’m nearing chilly Jordan,
O Thou “Lily of the Valley,”
Stand by me.
Oh, Freedom
African-American Spiritual
Oh, freedom, oh freedom,
oh, freedom over me.
Refrain
And before I’d be a slave
I’ll be buried in my grave,
and go home to my Lord and be free.
Oh, freedom, oh freedom,
oh, freedom over me.
No more weeping, no more weeping,
no more weeping over me.
Oh, freedom, oh freedom,
oh, freedom over me.
L Let us pray.
O God, your Son chose the path which led to pain before joy and the cross before glory. Plant his cross in our hearts, so that in its power and love we may come at last to joy and glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
C Amen
Trisagion (Thrice-Holy)
L Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one,
C have mercy upon us.
The procession moves to the sixth station.
Sixth Station
Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
L We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
C By your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified Jesus; and with him they crucified two criminals, one on the right, and one on the left. He poured out himself to death, and yet he bore the sin of many.
L They pierce my hands and my feet;
C they stare and gloat over me.
On a Hill Far Away
George Bennard
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,
its shame and reproach gladly bear;
then he’ll call me some day to my home far away,
where his glory forever I’ll share.
Were You There? (sts. 1-2)
African-American Spiritual
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
L Let us pray.
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.
C Amen
Trisagion (Thrice-Holy)
L Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one,
C have mercy upon us.
The procession moves to the seventh station.
Seventh Station
Jesus Dies on the Cross
L We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
C By your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman behold your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold your mother.” And when Jesus had received the vinegar he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
L Christ for us became obedient unto death,
C even death on a cross.
Amazing Grace
John Newton
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
Calvary
African-American Spiritual
Refrain
Calvary, Calvary,
Calvary, Calvary,
Calvary, Calvary,
surely he died on Calvary.
Can’t you hear him calling his Father?
Can’t you hear him calling his Father?
Can’t you hear him calling his Father?
Surely he died on Calvary.
Hear him say, “It is finished!”
Hear him say, “It is finished!”
Hear him say, “It is finished!”
Surely he died on Calvary.
L Let us pray.
O God, you gave your only Son to suffer death on the cross for our redemption, and by his glorious resurrection you delivered us from the power of death. Make us die every day to sin, so that we may live with him forever in the joy of the resurrection; who lives and reigns now and forever.
C Amen
Trisagion (Thrice-Holy)
L Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one,
C have mercy upon us.
The procession moves to the eighth station.
Eighth Station
Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
L We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
C By your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb.
L You will not abandon me to the grave,
C nor let your holy one see corruption.
Were You There? (st. 3)
African-American Spiritual
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
King of My Life
Jennie E. Hussey and William J. Kirkpatrick
King of my life I crown thee now
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget thy thorn-crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary.
Refrain
Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget thine agony,
Lest I forget thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.
May I be willing, Lord, to bear
Daily my cross for thee;
Even thy cup of grief to share
Thou hast borne all for me.
L Let us pray.
O God, your blessed Son was laid in a tomb in a garden, and rested on the Sabbath day. Grant that we who have been buried with him in the waters of baptism may find our perfect rest in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns forever and ever.
C Amen
Trisagion (Thrice-Holy)
L Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one,
C have mercy upon us.
The procession may move to the chancel or the place of gathering.
Conclusion
L Savior of the world, by your cross and precious blood you have redeemed us.
C Save us and help us, we humbly beseech you, O Lord.
L Let us pray.
We thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered us from the dominion of sin and death and brought us into the kingdom of your Son; and we pray that, as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his love he may raise us to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C Amen
L To Christ our Lord who loves us, washed us in his own blood, and made us a kingdom of priests to serve his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever.
C Amen
Resources compiled by the Rev. Andrew Ames Fuller, director of communications for the North American Lutheran Church and an ordained deacon in the Anglican Church in North America. Liturgies adapted from This Far By Faith: An African American Resource for Worship, ©1999 Augsburg Fortress in cooperation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.