HOLY WEEK
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
In a time of social distancing, we invite you to seek how God is present around you through Holy Week.
This worship combines selected Stations of the Cross while seeking various objects to walk you through a Holy Week encounter. The stations are self-paced; you may decide to do them all at once, you may decide to complete a few at a time throughout the week, you may choose to go through this encounter several times.
A complementary video with readings, prayers, and songs is available with each station. You can also print a written version. We invite you to share photos along your journey by tagging @UCMtxstate.
It is our prayer that while we are physically apart, this time of reflection will bring us spiritually closer.
JESUS ARRIVES ON PALM SUNDAY
Station 1 - Online Worship Companion
SEEK: Find a Palm Branch (or other branch/plant)
READ: Mark 11:7-11 while waving the branch
RESPOND: Sing “Hosanna”
REFLECT: How are you welcoming God into your life right now?
PRAY: God, we praise you with the highest hosannas. We celebrate the ways you are entering our lives. Amen.
JESUS ANOINTED BY THE WOMAN
Station 2 - Online Worship Companion
SEEK: Find perfume or a pleasant smelling fragrance
READ: Mark 14:3-9 and pour out perfume for a strong smell
RESPOND: Create a list of how you can practice generosity to others in the name of Christ
REFLECT: What treasure are you willing to give to God?
PRAY: Lord, help me spend today as one of the faithful serving you. Guide me to give my gifts to others. Amen.
JESUS GATHERS THE DISCIPLES
Station 3 - Online Worship Companion
SEEK: Find a piece of bread (or cracker).
Find a bowl of water and a towel.
READ: Mark 14:22-25 as you break and eat the bread
John 13:3-5,12-17 as you wash hands
RESPOND: Sing “All The Poor & Powerless”
REFLECT: How are you preparing yourself for God’s new thing?
PRAY: Jesus, we give you thanks for calling us. Gather us together spiritually in your grace. Amen.
JESUS DENIED BY THE DISCIPLES
Station 4 - Online Worship Companion
SEEK: Find a candle (or flashlight)
READ: Mark 14:32-34 then light the candle
John 18:18
RESPOND: Sing “Go to Dark Gethsemane”
Confess in prayer a time when you denied God
REFLECT: What ways do you deny Christ in your life?
PRAY: Holy Spirit, forgive us when we try to limit and confine your power and love in our life. Amen.
THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS
Station 5 - Online Worship Companion
SEEK: Find a nail, hammer, and piece of wood.
Find vinegar (or something that tastes bitter).
READ: Mark 15:1;12-15; Mark 15:16-20;
Pound the nail into the wood.
Mark 15:33-39 while putting vinegar to you lips.
RESPOND: Sing “Were you there when they crucified my Lord”
REFLECT: When have you left others to take the blame for one of your own failures? How has the death of Jesus on a cross made a difference in your life?
PRAY: God, we are humbled as Christ died on cross for the sake of the whole world – including me. Amen.
THE BURIAL OF JESUS
Station 6 - Online Worship Companion
SEEK: Find an empty box (or bag) and a rock
READ: Mark 14:40, 43, 46-47 and put the Holy Week items in box, close it, and place a stone on the lid.
RESPOND: Sing “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross”
REFLECT: When life is at its worst and all hope seems lost, what are signs of God’s love that remain?
PRAY: Lord, help us to grieve on this day knowing that you share in our sorrows. Amen.
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