The Stations of the Cross (also called the Way of the Cross) is a traditional liturgical devotion commemorating the last day of Jesus’ life.

The prayers and other spoken words in this devotion come from The Episcopal Church’s Book of Occasional Services.

Opening Devotion

Prior to the first station, the devotion traditionally opens with the following, or similar, prayers. The prayers may be recited by an Officiant and congregation (or a parent and family) – as presented here – or they may be prayed by an individual.

Officiant text is in regular type and responses are in bold.

After a short period of silence, the Officiant begins the devotion as all make the sign of the Cross:

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

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. Amen.

We will glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ:
In whom is our salvation, our life, and our resurrection.

Let us pray.
Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Proceed to Station 1 and click the first button below.