Ecumenical Stations of the Cross

First thing this morning, I took our three boybarians to Lake Murray for the Stations of the Cross. Veneta had lit the candles and rehung the Stations that had slipped off the walls (don'tcha love masking tape?). It was lovely. I went through once with the boys, and then let them play outside while I went through them by myself, pausing before the Scriptures and the copies of Old Masters' paintings depicting each event and imagined myself there, walking through this time with Jesus.

Then at noon I took the boys to an outdoor ecumenical Stations of the Cross in Alpine. Over 100 people, Protestant and Catholic, followed six pastors down a series of fourteen crosses along the side of a church parking lot. At each of the Stations, one of the pastors read the designated Scripture passage, then the crowd would move to the next cross, singing these verses to "Were You There?" I've put the each of the verses here only once, but I'm sure you're aware that the verse is sung twice, then the chorus, then the verse once more.

It was such an amazing experience that I would like to type it out for you so you can do this, if you feel so lead, in the your own homes (or gardens) on this holy day.

Opening Prayer: Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross so that he might draw the whole world to himself. Grant that we, who glory in this death for our salvation, may also glory in his call to take up our cross and follow him, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Following the Way of the Cross.....

1. Jesus Prays Alone
Read: Luke 22:39-44
Sing: "Were you there when they couldn't watch one hour?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble."

2. Jesus Is Arrested
Read: Matthew 26:47-56
Sing: "Were you there when a kiss betrayed Our Lord?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble."

3. Jesus' Trial Before the Sanhedrin
Read: Mark 14:61-64
Sing: "Where you there when they asked, 'Are you the Christ?'
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble."

4. Jesus' Trial Before Pilate
Read: John 18:33-37
Sing: "Were you there when Pilate called Him King?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble."

5. Pilate Sentences Jesus to Death
Read: Mark 15:6-15
Sing: "Were you there when the crowd cried, 'CRUCIFY!'?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble."

6. The Crown of Thorns
Read: John 19:5
Sing: "Were you there when He wore the Crown of Thorns?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble."

7. Jesus Carries His Cross
Read: John 10:17-18
Sing: "Were you there when He laid His own life down?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble."

8. Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
Read: Luke 23:26
Sing: "Were you there when Simon bore the cross?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble."

9. Jesus Speaks to the Women
Read: Luke 23:27-31
Sing: "Were you there when the women wailed and wept?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble."

10. Jesus Is Crucified
Read: Luke 23:33-34
Sing: "Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble."

11. The Criminals Speak to Jesus
Read: Luke 23:39-43
Sing: "Were you there when He promised paradise?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble."

12. Jesus Speaks to Mary and John
Read: John 19:25b-27
Sing: "Were you there when Mary lost her Son?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble."

13. Jesus Dies upon the Cross
Read: John 19:28-34
Sing: "Were you there when the Lord said, 'It is done.'?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble."

14. Jesus Is laid in the Tomb
Read: John 19:38-42
Sing: "Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble."

Then we all left in silence, to contemplate and meditate upon Jesus' suffering and death for our sins and for our restoration with the Father.

Where is the Resurrection, you ask? Today, "Good Friday," is a day of sorrow as we remember His passion and death. Now, we watch and wait for His glorious Resurrection from the dead on the third day!