How to Pray Through The Stations of the Cross

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On Good Friday followers of Jesus focus their hearts and minds on Jesus’ suffering and death on a cross.

In 1991, Pope John Paul II revised the 14 Stations of the Cross to align with
events as they were recorded in Scripture.

So let’s pause today and…

Walk the steps of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, through the stations of the cross ... remembering that His love is perfect and complete.

C. S. Lewis wrote…

“When He died in the Wounded World He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.“

Praying Through the Stations of the Cross

1. Jesus Prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane – Mark 14:32–41

Lord Jesus, You cried out in prayer anticipating Your suffering and death and the disciples slept. You ask me to watch and pray, but I can easily grow tired in my circumstances weighted by worries … and fall asleep. You sweat drops of blood. You pleaded with the Father. And then, You surrendered to His will. You made our greatest need Your greatest priority. You gave everything and I will forever thank and praise You. Amen.

2. Jesus Betrayed by Judas and Arrested – Matthew 26:47–56

Lord Jesus, Friends still betray friends. People still run away to protect themselves. Forgive us. We are no different than those who betrayed You. May I boldly stand for truth. May I stand strong in faith. You are the Rock of our Salvation. Help me faithfully follow You wherever You lead even when the path is hard and I’m afraid. Amen.

3. Jesus Condemned by the Sanhedrin – Luke 22:66–71

Lord Jesus, People lied and You paid the price. Still today, we fail to consistently speak the truth. Forgive us. We can fail to profess You before others because we fear men more than we love You. Forgive us. Help me focus on Your gracious love. Give me the courage to faithfully speak the truth about You, my Savior, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Amen.

4. Jesus Denied by Peter – John 18:15–18,25–27

Lord Jesus, Like Peter, we boast that we will follow You through anything, but that’s before we’re afraid or the struggle overwhelms us. It is only through the Holy Spirit’s strength that I am able to have what I need when I’m confronted and afraid. Please help me. I never want “deny You.” (Matthew 10:32–33) Please give me the courage to proclaim the wonderful things You have done for me to the glory of Your Holy name. Amen.

5. Jesus Judged by Pilate – John 19:1–16

Lord Jesus, I’m ashamed to imagine myself in the crowd shouting “Crucify Him.” Like Pilate, we, your children, can be tempted to wash our hands and look away when others condemn or deny You. Forgive us. Forgive me. Help us. Help me. I need You. Amen.

6. Jesus Beaten and Crowned with Thorns – John 19:1–3

Lord Jesus, It breaks my heart that You were tortured and abused for me. You took my pain, my shame … my punishment. Forgive me. I am so very sorry. Each time I sin through lack of obedience or defiant disobedience I place my mark on Your punishment. A punishment I deserved. Forgive me. Amen. 

7. Jesus Carried His Cross – John 19:17

Lord Jesus, You were broken and beaten … forced to carry the instrument of Your death. You said that Your followers must be willing to carry their cross. (Luke 9:23) And around the world believers are abused and martyred because they trust You. Please give me everything I need to remain faithful and carry whatever You assign. Please help me. Give me the courage and strength I need to trust and obey. Amen. 

8. Jesus Helped by Simon the Cyrene to Carry His Cross – Mark 15:21

Lord Jesus, Thank you for the people who help me. Simon was not among Your close followers. We don’t even know if He knew You, but he carried Your cross. When You ask us to come alongside and help carry the burdens of those beaten and abused … help us shine the light of Your love. Make us caring and compassionate. Help us love like You. Amen. 

9. Jesus Addressed the Women of Jerusalem – Luke 23:28–31

Lord Jesus, We cry out. There is so much pain. So much loss. Hurting hearts need You. We cry over Your suffering. We cry over a suffering world. We cry over our suffering. Comfort us and help us to comfort and help one another. Amen. 

10. Jesus Nailed to the Cross – Mark 15:23–25

Lord Jesus, It feels too hard to watch. I want to look away. Excruciating pain and humiliation. My punishment. My suffering. My shame. I am so sorry. I’m guilty. Simply saying “thank you” is not enough. May I faithfully give myself to You in humble love as You gave Your all to give me life. I love You. I adore You. I worship You forever. Amen. 

11. Jesus Promised His Kingdom to a Thief – Luke 23:39–43

Lord Jesus, You made a promise, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” A powerful promise to a dying thief. A powerful promise for humble sinners who have received Your gift of redeeming grace. Death gives way to life eternal. Thank you for giving us this amazing promise full of hope. Amen. 

12. Jesus Provided for His Mother – John 19:25–27

Lord Jesus, Thank you for showing us that You care about the details of our lives by providing for Your mother. You lived and died not for my future hope alone, but for every day I live and breathe. Triune God, Father, Son, and Spirit . . . You provide and care for every need. You keep every promise. I thank and praise You now and always. Amen. 

13. Jesus Died on the Cross – John 19:28–30

Lord Jesus, You felt excruciating pain and suffering. You willingly gave Your life. You suffered death. And although I will face death one day, I know I will not face it alone. You promise to be with me always. You are full of love and compassion filling me with strength and hope. You gave Yourself into the Father’s hands and as I wait for Sunday, I do not wait as those who have no hope. Because I trust You, my Lord and Savior. Amen

14. Jesus Laid in a Tomb – Matthew 27:57–61

Lord Jesus, You rested in a borrowed tomb as Your followers gathered in fear and confusion. It must have felt like the end for them. But the tomb could not hold You. It was temporary. And through this truth, I will wait and anticipate the victory that begins our eternal celebration. Thank you, Jesus. Amen. 

As we focus with faith on the Stations of the Cross, remember…

• The Father gave His Son.

For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

• The Son gave His life.

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Romans. 5:6

• The Spirit helps us SEEK, KNOW, LOVE, TRUST, and OBEY.

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. Romans 8:26a

May you be blessed this Holy Friday as you remember how much the Lord loves you … focus your heart and mind on Him as you think about all He has done for us through the Stations of the Cross.

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