How To Do the Stations Of the Cross

At the start of Lent — the forty days leading up to Easter — call up a local church and see whether it offers a group service or if you can go on your own.

Remember that churches are considered holy ground by their members, who generally frown upon T-shirts, cut-offs, and flip-flops. So dress in something nice.

Arriving at the church, locate a church official and say you are there for the Stations of the Cross service or individual walk-through. He or she should provide you with a prayer book that guides you through each station. Traditionally, there are fourteen.

Find out where the stations begin. Look for the Roman numeral “I” and a caption reading: “Jesus is condemned to death.” Above this caption, you will see an artistic rendering of this historic moment.

Find the corresponding prayers that accompany station one in your prayer book.

Stand respectfully in front of the station. Examine the way in which the artist has chosen to depict the event. Has he done so literally or symbolically?

Expect to see familiar prayers, such as the Our Father, as well as some unfamiliar ones. Some prayer books may divide up each station with words for a leader and words for the congregation. If you are alone, read both parts quietly.

Take your time. Reflect on the meaning of the event and how it speaks to your beliefs.

Move on to subsequent stations two through fourteen, stopping in front of each to contemplate the artwork and read the corresponding prayers.

When you arrive at station fourteen, you will read, “Jesus is laid in the tomb.” You have now walked a virtual Via Dolorosa—the “Way of Sorrows” in Jerusalem that physically commemorates the steps Jesus took from his judgment to his crucifixion.

Consider dropping a little money in the donation box. If you fasted from a meal as well, you will have accomplished the trifecta of Christian spirituality: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.