STATIONS OF THE CROSS FOR THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND
A Journey of Suffering, Faith, and Trust
INTRODUCTORY PRAYER
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus, I come to You in my weakness. My body is frail, my spirit weary. Illness and suffering have changed my life in ways I never expected. Some days, I feel forgotten. Other days, I long for the strength and freedom I once had.
Yet, I know You are here. You, too, experienced suffering. You, too, felt the weight of pain, loneliness, and exhaustion. Be with me in this moment. Walk with me on this journey. When I feel like I cannot take another step, remind me that You walk beside me. When I struggle to see meaning in this suffering, remind me that nothing is wasted in Your hands.
Lord, I do not understand why I must suffer, but I place my trust in You. In my weakness, be my strength. In my loneliness, be my companion. In my fear, be my peace. Let this suffering draw me closer to You, transforming my pain into an offering of love.
Jesus, I trust in You. Hold me close to Your heart. Amen.
FIRST STATION: JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DIE
“He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” (Isaiah 53:3)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
When sickness entered my life, it felt like a sentence—something forced upon me without choice. The world moves forward as if nothing has changed, but for me, everything is different. People mean well, but they don’t always understand. I am judged for my limitations, my slowness, my inability to do what I once could. It is a quiet kind of suffering, one that isolates and weighs heavily on my spirit.
Jesus, You stood before Pilate, falsely accused, judged, and abandoned. You, too, knew what it was like to have Your life turned upside down. You were misunderstood, treated unfairly, and left without a voice. Help me to accept what I cannot change and trust that You are with me in my suffering. When others do not understand my pain, remind me that You do.
Though I may feel alone in my struggles, I am not. You were despised and rejected, yet You remained faithful. Give me the courage to follow Your example, to trust that even when the world overlooks me, You do not. My suffering is not meaningless, for You are with me, working even in my trials.
Jesus, when I feel powerless, remind me that You are my strength. Amen.
SECOND STATION: JESUS TAKES UP HIS CROSS
“Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:38)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
This illness is my cross. Some days, I bear it well. Other days, it feels too heavy. The pain, the exhaustion, the loss of independence—I never expected to carry this burden. I did not choose this suffering, yet here I am, struggling under its weight.
Yet, Jesus, You carried Your cross for love. You did not resist it, even though You knew the suffering it would bring. You embraced it, knowing that through it, redemption would come. Teach me to carry my cross with faith, not bitterness. Help me to trust that even in this suffering, You are working for my good.
I do not want to suffer, Lord, yet if this is the path I must walk, help me to carry this cross with love. Let me not be consumed by self-pity but transformed by grace. When I feel weak, remind me that You are my strength. When I feel burdened, help me to see that even the heaviest crosses can lead to resurrection.
Jesus, when my cross feels too heavy, help me carry it with love. Amen.
THIRD STATION: JESUS FALLS FOR THE FIRST TIME
“The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.” (Psalm 145:14)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
Some days, I feel like I just can’t do this anymore. The pain, the fatigue, the loneliness—it’s overwhelming. I put on a brave face, but inside, I feel exhausted. The smallest tasks feel impossible. The weight of my illness presses down on me, and I wonder if I will ever feel relief. I struggle not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
But You, Lord, fell too. You were crushed under the weight of the cross, yet You got up. You found the strength to keep going—not because You had to, but because love called You forward. Help me to rise when I feel like giving up. Even if all I can do is take one small step today, let me trust that You are lifting me up. If I fall again, remind me that You are always there, reaching out to help me stand.
And if there are days when I cannot rise, when the pain or weakness keeps me down, let me not despair. Remind me that even in stillness, even in my lowest moments, I am not abandoned. Sometimes, just resting in Your presence is enough. When I can do nothing else, let me rest in You, trusting that You are holding me close.
Jesus, when I stumble, give me the strength to rise again. Amen.
FOURTH STATION: JESUS MEETS HIS MOTHER
“And his mother kept all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
Mary, you looked into the eyes of your suffering Son and shared His pain. You couldn’t take it away, but your presence gave Him strength. You stood with Him, loving Him in His suffering, reminding Him that He was not alone. Even in His agony, He knew He was loved.
There are people in my life who stand by me in my suffering—family, friends, caregivers—people who cannot take my pain away but who love me through it. Sometimes, I push them away because I don’t want to be a burden. I feel guilty for needing help. But love is not a burden—it is a gift. Help me to receive the love of others with humility and gratitude, knowing that just as You were strengthened by Mary’s presence, I, too, am strengthened by those who walk this road with me.
And Lord, for those who feel alone in their suffering, for those who have no family or friends to sit beside them, send Your mother to them. Let her presence bring them comfort, just as she comforted You. And when I feel abandoned, help me to feel the embrace of her love, knowing she carries me to You.
Jesus, bless those who love and care for me. Amen.
FIFTH STATION: SIMON HELPS JESUS CARRY HIS CROSS
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
It’s hard to ask for help. I don’t want to feel weak or dependent. I used to be the one who helped others. Now, I need assistance, and that is humbling. I struggle with the reality that I cannot do what I once could. I grieve my independence.
Jesus, You allowed Simon to help You carry Your cross. Though You were the Savior of the world, You accepted help from an ordinary man. Teach me that accepting help is not weakness but grace. Open my heart to receive kindness without shame, and help me to trust that love is a gift meant to be shared. When others reach out to assist me, let me see their generosity as a reflection of Your love, not as a sign of my limitations.
And Lord, just as You allowed Simon to help You, show me ways that I can still help others. Even in my suffering, I can be a source of encouragement, a voice of kindness, a witness to faith. Help me to see that even when I am weak, I can still love, still pray, still offer hope to those who carry their own heavy crosses.
Jesus, give me the humility to accept help with a grateful heart and the wisdom to offer help however I can. Amen.
SIXTH STATION: VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
As You struggled beneath the weight of the cross, Jesus, covered in blood, sweat, and dust, a woman stepped forward. She could not take away Your suffering, but she did what she could—she wiped Your face. In that simple act of kindness, she offered You a moment of comfort, a reminder that You were not alone.
Lord, I know what it is to suffer, to feel worn down, unseen, and forgotten. Illness can make me feel invisible, like the world passes me by without noticing my struggle. Sometimes, I long for just one moment of tenderness—a hand to hold, a kind word, a sign that someone still sees me, still cares. Help me to recognize the Veronicas in my life, those who show me love in small but meaningful ways.
And, Lord, even in my suffering, help me to be like Veronica. Though I may not have the strength to do great things, let me never underestimate the power of small acts of love. A prayer for someone in pain, a smile for a weary caregiver, a word of encouragement to another who suffers—these are my ways of wiping Your face. Let me bring Your love to others, just as Veronica did.
Jesus, help me to receive kindness with gratitude and to offer love in every small way I can. Amen.
SEVENTH STATION: JESUS FALLS A SECOND TIME
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
Jesus, You fall again. The pain, exhaustion, and weight of the cross press down even harder this time. Your body is growing weaker, yet the journey is not over. You struggle to rise, knowing there is still more suffering ahead. But You do not stay down. Love gives You the strength to take another step.
I know what it feels like to fall again and again. I try to stay hopeful, but setbacks, pain, and fatigue drain my spirit. Just when I think I’m improving, another challenge comes. Some days, I wonder if I will ever feel whole again. It is discouraging to battle the same struggles over and over. But You, Lord, understand this feeling. You know what it is to be exhausted, to feel like You cannot go on, yet You rose once more.
Help me, Jesus, to rise again. Even when my body is weak, let my heart remain strong in faith. And if I cannot rise physically, lift my spirit with Your love. When I am tempted to despair, remind me that You are near, whispering, “Keep going, I am with you.” May my falls not define me, but my trust in You give me the courage to continue.
Jesus, when I fall into discouragement, help me to rise again with You. Amen.
EIGHTH STATION: JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM
“Weep not for me, but for yourselves and for your children.” (Luke 23:28)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
As You struggle forward, Jesus, You see the sorrow in the eyes of the women of Jerusalem. They weep for You, but You, in Your suffering, turn Your heart toward them. Even in Your pain, You see their burdens, their fears, their struggles. You do not focus on Yourself; instead, You console them, reminding them that their own suffering matters.
Lord, when I am overwhelmed by my illness, it is easy to focus only on my own pain. I feel consumed by my struggles, by what I have lost, by the frustration of not being able to do what I once could. But help me, even in my suffering, to see the struggles of others. Let me not become so lost in my own difficulties that I fail to notice those around me who also carry heavy burdens.
And Jesus, when I feel unseen, when I long for someone to notice my suffering, remind me that You see me. You understand my fears and my struggles. Just as You turned to the women of Jerusalem, turn to me now. Comfort me with Your presence and help me to trust that I am never alone.
Jesus, even in my pain, help me to see and comfort others. Amen.
NINTH STATION: JESUS FALLS A THIRD TIME
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
Jesus, You fall again. This time, the exhaustion is unbearable. You have almost nothing left to give. The weight of the cross crushes You down, and those around You wonder if You will ever rise again. Yet, with one final effort, You push forward, knowing that even in weakness, You are fulfilling the will of the Father.
I know this feeling, Lord. There are days when my suffering is relentless. I have fallen before, and now I am on the ground again, weary, defeated, and wondering how much more I can endure. The burden of my illness feels heavier than before, and I wonder if I have the strength to keep going.
But You, Lord, show me that my weakness does not mean I am forgotten. Even when I feel completely drained, Your grace sustains me. When I fall into despair, lift my heart. And if my body cannot rise, let my soul remain strong in You. No fall is final when You are near.
Jesus, when I feel like I cannot go on, be my strength. Amen.
TENTH STATION: JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS
“They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” (Psalm 22:18)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
At the top of the hill, they strip You of everything, Jesus. The dignity You once had is taken away. You stand exposed, humiliated, and vulnerable. Even in suffering, they take more from You. There is nothing left to shield You from the cruelty of this moment.
Illness has stripped much from me, too. I have lost my health, my independence, my ability to do simple things with ease. Some days, I do not recognize myself. The limitations placed on me make me feel exposed and helpless. There is grief in this—grief for what I once had and what I may never regain.
Yet, even in this moment of complete vulnerability, You remained the Son of God. No suffering could take away Your identity. And Lord, if that is true for You, then it must be true for me as well. My illness does not define me. My suffering does not make me less worthy of love. Remind me that even when I feel stripped of all I once had, I am still Yours.
Jesus, when I feel vulnerable and broken, clothe me in Your love. Amen.
ELEVENTH STATION: JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS
“They crucified Him, and with Him two others, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle.” (John 19:18)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
The hammer strikes, the nails pierce Your hands and feet, and the pain is unimaginable. You are held in place by suffering. With each breath, agony fills Your body, yet You do not cry out in anger. Instead, You offer words of forgiveness. Even in this moment of unbearable pain, You choose love.
Lord, there are days when I feel nailed to this suffering. I cannot move freely, I cannot escape the pain. I feel trapped by my illness, unable to do what I once could. I long for relief, but some days, it does not come. Like You, I am held in place by something I did not choose.
But in Your suffering, You still loved. You still forgave. You still saw the needs of others. Teach me, Jesus, to do the same. When I feel trapped, let me offer my suffering to You. When I feel bound by pain, let me unite it with Yours, trusting that even in this, You are working something good. And when I struggle to see beyond my own pain, open my heart to love, just as You did.
Jesus, when I feel nailed in place, help me to choose love. Amen.
TWELFTH STATION: JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
“Into Your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
The sky darkens, the earth trembles, and the world holds its breath. Jesus, You take Your final breath, surrendering everything into the hands of the Father. The pain is over, but the grief remains. To those who stood by the cross, it must have seemed like the end.
There are moments in my suffering when I, too, feel like I have reached the end. The exhaustion, the pain, the constant battle—it feels like too much. Some days, I want to surrender, to let go, to stop fighting. In those moments, Lord, remind me that surrendering to You is not the same as giving up. You surrendered not in despair, but in trust.
Help me to trust You, even when I do not understand. When my suffering feels unbearable, let me place it in Your hands. When my body is weak, let my spirit remain strong. And when my time on this earth is done, may I surrender myself fully into Your loving embrace, knowing that life does not end in death, but is fulfilled in Your love.
Jesus, when I feel like I cannot hold on, help me to trust in You. Amen.
THIRTEENTH STATION: JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
The world has grown quiet. The crowds have left, and the suffering has ended. Your body, Jesus, is taken down from the cross and placed in the arms of Your mother. The ones who love You the most now hold You, mourning the terrible loss. There is nothing left to do but grieve.
Lord, I, too, know the weight of grief. I grieve the loss of my health, my independence, the life I once had. There are things I can no longer do, and sometimes that reality fills me with sorrow. I miss the days when I felt strong and capable, when I could move freely without pain or exhaustion. This loss is real, and it is difficult to bear.
But in this moment, Jesus, You are not alone. Even in death, You are held by love. Help me to recognize the love that still surrounds me. Though I have lost much, I have not lost You. Though my body may weaken, my spirit is still alive in Your grace. Help me to find comfort in knowing that my suffering is not meaningless, and that I am always in the arms of my loving Father.
Jesus, when I grieve what I have lost, help me to rest in the comfort of Your love. Amen.
FOURTEENTH STATION: JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB
“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Me, even if he dies, will live.” (John 11:25)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
The stone is rolled into place. The tomb is sealed. To those who loved You, Jesus, this must have felt like the end. The silence must have been deafening. It seemed as if darkness had won. But what they did not yet understand is that this was not the end of the story.
Lord, there are times when my suffering feels like a tomb. I feel trapped in my pain, in my weakness, in my isolation. I wonder if I will ever feel whole again, if I will ever escape the heaviness of this burden. It is easy to believe that nothing will change, that my suffering is the final word.
But You have taught me, Jesus, that the tomb is not the end. Even in the silence, You are working. Even in the darkness, new life is beginning. Help me to trust that You are bringing resurrection to my pain, even when I cannot yet see it. Give me the patience to wait for the dawn, knowing that in Your time, all things will be made new.
Jesus, when I feel trapped in suffering, help me to hold on to the hope of resurrection. Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord Jesus, this journey of sickness is not one I would have chosen, yet I trust that I do not walk it alone. You have walked this road before me, and You walk it with me now. In my weakness, You are my strength; in my loneliness, You are my companion; in my suffering, You are my hope.
When my body grows weary, lift my spirit.When I feel unseen, remind me that You see me.When fear grips my heart, calm me with Your peace.When darkness surrounds me, shine Your light upon my path.
Help me to see that my suffering is not meaningless, that even in this, You are drawing me closer to Your heart. Let my pain be a prayer, my struggles an offering of love, and my trials a pathway to deeper trust in You. And when the time comes for me to lay down this cross, lead me into the joy of eternal life, where every tear will be wiped away and all things will be made new.
Jesus, I trust in You.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
INTRODUCTORY PRAYER
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus, I come to You in my weakness. My body is frail, my spirit weary. Illness and suffering have changed my life in ways I never expected. Some days, I feel forgotten. Other days, I long for the strength and freedom I once had.
Yet, I know You are here. You, too, experienced suffering. You, too, felt the weight of pain, loneliness, and exhaustion. Be with me in this moment. Walk with me on this journey. When I feel like I cannot take another step, remind me that You walk beside me. When I struggle to see meaning in this suffering, remind me that nothing is wasted in Your hands.
Lord, I do not understand why I must suffer, but I place my trust in You. In my weakness, be my strength. In my loneliness, be my companion. In my fear, be my peace. Let this suffering draw me closer to You, transforming my pain into an offering of love.
Jesus, I trust in You. Hold me close to Your heart. Amen.
FIRST STATION: JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DIE
“He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” (Isaiah 53:3)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
When sickness entered my life, it felt like a sentence—something forced upon me without choice. The world moves forward as if nothing has changed, but for me, everything is different. People mean well, but they don’t always understand. I am judged for my limitations, my slowness, my inability to do what I once could. It is a quiet kind of suffering, one that isolates and weighs heavily on my spirit.
Jesus, You stood before Pilate, falsely accused, judged, and abandoned. You, too, knew what it was like to have Your life turned upside down. You were misunderstood, treated unfairly, and left without a voice. Help me to accept what I cannot change and trust that You are with me in my suffering. When others do not understand my pain, remind me that You do.
Though I may feel alone in my struggles, I am not. You were despised and rejected, yet You remained faithful. Give me the courage to follow Your example, to trust that even when the world overlooks me, You do not. My suffering is not meaningless, for You are with me, working even in my trials.
Jesus, when I feel powerless, remind me that You are my strength. Amen.
SECOND STATION: JESUS TAKES UP HIS CROSS
“Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:38)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
This illness is my cross. Some days, I bear it well. Other days, it feels too heavy. The pain, the exhaustion, the loss of independence—I never expected to carry this burden. I did not choose this suffering, yet here I am, struggling under its weight.
Yet, Jesus, You carried Your cross for love. You did not resist it, even though You knew the suffering it would bring. You embraced it, knowing that through it, redemption would come. Teach me to carry my cross with faith, not bitterness. Help me to trust that even in this suffering, You are working for my good.
I do not want to suffer, Lord, yet if this is the path I must walk, help me to carry this cross with love. Let me not be consumed by self-pity but transformed by grace. When I feel weak, remind me that You are my strength. When I feel burdened, help me to see that even the heaviest crosses can lead to resurrection.
Jesus, when my cross feels too heavy, help me carry it with love. Amen.
THIRD STATION: JESUS FALLS FOR THE FIRST TIME
“The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.” (Psalm 145:14)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
Some days, I feel like I just can’t do this anymore. The pain, the fatigue, the loneliness—it’s overwhelming. I put on a brave face, but inside, I feel exhausted. The smallest tasks feel impossible. The weight of my illness presses down on me, and I wonder if I will ever feel relief. I struggle not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
But You, Lord, fell too. You were crushed under the weight of the cross, yet You got up. You found the strength to keep going—not because You had to, but because love called You forward. Help me to rise when I feel like giving up. Even if all I can do is take one small step today, let me trust that You are lifting me up. If I fall again, remind me that You are always there, reaching out to help me stand.
And if there are days when I cannot rise, when the pain or weakness keeps me down, let me not despair. Remind me that even in stillness, even in my lowest moments, I am not abandoned. Sometimes, just resting in Your presence is enough. When I can do nothing else, let me rest in You, trusting that You are holding me close.
Jesus, when I stumble, give me the strength to rise again. Amen.
FOURTH STATION: JESUS MEETS HIS MOTHER
“And his mother kept all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
Mary, you looked into the eyes of your suffering Son and shared His pain. You couldn’t take it away, but your presence gave Him strength. You stood with Him, loving Him in His suffering, reminding Him that He was not alone. Even in His agony, He knew He was loved.
There are people in my life who stand by me in my suffering—family, friends, caregivers—people who cannot take my pain away but who love me through it. Sometimes, I push them away because I don’t want to be a burden. I feel guilty for needing help. But love is not a burden—it is a gift. Help me to receive the love of others with humility and gratitude, knowing that just as You were strengthened by Mary’s presence, I, too, am strengthened by those who walk this road with me.
And Lord, for those who feel alone in their suffering, for those who have no family or friends to sit beside them, send Your mother to them. Let her presence bring them comfort, just as she comforted You. And when I feel abandoned, help me to feel the embrace of her love, knowing she carries me to You.
Jesus, bless those who love and care for me. Amen.
FIFTH STATION: SIMON HELPS JESUS CARRY HIS CROSS
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
It’s hard to ask for help. I don’t want to feel weak or dependent. I used to be the one who helped others. Now, I need assistance, and that is humbling. I struggle with the reality that I cannot do what I once could. I grieve my independence.
Jesus, You allowed Simon to help You carry Your cross. Though You were the Savior of the world, You accepted help from an ordinary man. Teach me that accepting help is not weakness but grace. Open my heart to receive kindness without shame, and help me to trust that love is a gift meant to be shared. When others reach out to assist me, let me see their generosity as a reflection of Your love, not as a sign of my limitations.
And Lord, just as You allowed Simon to help You, show me ways that I can still help others. Even in my suffering, I can be a source of encouragement, a voice of kindness, a witness to faith. Help me to see that even when I am weak, I can still love, still pray, still offer hope to those who carry their own heavy crosses.
Jesus, give me the humility to accept help with a grateful heart and the wisdom to offer help however I can. Amen.
SIXTH STATION: VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
As You struggled beneath the weight of the cross, Jesus, covered in blood, sweat, and dust, a woman stepped forward. She could not take away Your suffering, but she did what she could—she wiped Your face. In that simple act of kindness, she offered You a moment of comfort, a reminder that You were not alone.
Lord, I know what it is to suffer, to feel worn down, unseen, and forgotten. Illness can make me feel invisible, like the world passes me by without noticing my struggle. Sometimes, I long for just one moment of tenderness—a hand to hold, a kind word, a sign that someone still sees me, still cares. Help me to recognize the Veronicas in my life, those who show me love in small but meaningful ways.
And, Lord, even in my suffering, help me to be like Veronica. Though I may not have the strength to do great things, let me never underestimate the power of small acts of love. A prayer for someone in pain, a smile for a weary caregiver, a word of encouragement to another who suffers—these are my ways of wiping Your face. Let me bring Your love to others, just as Veronica did.
Jesus, help me to receive kindness with gratitude and to offer love in every small way I can. Amen.
SEVENTH STATION: JESUS FALLS A SECOND TIME
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
Jesus, You fall again. The pain, exhaustion, and weight of the cross press down even harder this time. Your body is growing weaker, yet the journey is not over. You struggle to rise, knowing there is still more suffering ahead. But You do not stay down. Love gives You the strength to take another step.
I know what it feels like to fall again and again. I try to stay hopeful, but setbacks, pain, and fatigue drain my spirit. Just when I think I’m improving, another challenge comes. Some days, I wonder if I will ever feel whole again. It is discouraging to battle the same struggles over and over. But You, Lord, understand this feeling. You know what it is to be exhausted, to feel like You cannot go on, yet You rose once more.
Help me, Jesus, to rise again. Even when my body is weak, let my heart remain strong in faith. And if I cannot rise physically, lift my spirit with Your love. When I am tempted to despair, remind me that You are near, whispering, “Keep going, I am with you.” May my falls not define me, but my trust in You give me the courage to continue.
Jesus, when I fall into discouragement, help me to rise again with You. Amen.
EIGHTH STATION: JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM
“Weep not for me, but for yourselves and for your children.” (Luke 23:28)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
As You struggle forward, Jesus, You see the sorrow in the eyes of the women of Jerusalem. They weep for You, but You, in Your suffering, turn Your heart toward them. Even in Your pain, You see their burdens, their fears, their struggles. You do not focus on Yourself; instead, You console them, reminding them that their own suffering matters.
Lord, when I am overwhelmed by my illness, it is easy to focus only on my own pain. I feel consumed by my struggles, by what I have lost, by the frustration of not being able to do what I once could. But help me, even in my suffering, to see the struggles of others. Let me not become so lost in my own difficulties that I fail to notice those around me who also carry heavy burdens.
And Jesus, when I feel unseen, when I long for someone to notice my suffering, remind me that You see me. You understand my fears and my struggles. Just as You turned to the women of Jerusalem, turn to me now. Comfort me with Your presence and help me to trust that I am never alone.
Jesus, even in my pain, help me to see and comfort others. Amen.
NINTH STATION: JESUS FALLS A THIRD TIME
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
Jesus, You fall again. This time, the exhaustion is unbearable. You have almost nothing left to give. The weight of the cross crushes You down, and those around You wonder if You will ever rise again. Yet, with one final effort, You push forward, knowing that even in weakness, You are fulfilling the will of the Father.
I know this feeling, Lord. There are days when my suffering is relentless. I have fallen before, and now I am on the ground again, weary, defeated, and wondering how much more I can endure. The burden of my illness feels heavier than before, and I wonder if I have the strength to keep going.
But You, Lord, show me that my weakness does not mean I am forgotten. Even when I feel completely drained, Your grace sustains me. When I fall into despair, lift my heart. And if my body cannot rise, let my soul remain strong in You. No fall is final when You are near.
Jesus, when I feel like I cannot go on, be my strength. Amen.
TENTH STATION: JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS
“They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” (Psalm 22:18)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
At the top of the hill, they strip You of everything, Jesus. The dignity You once had is taken away. You stand exposed, humiliated, and vulnerable. Even in suffering, they take more from You. There is nothing left to shield You from the cruelty of this moment.
Illness has stripped much from me, too. I have lost my health, my independence, my ability to do simple things with ease. Some days, I do not recognize myself. The limitations placed on me make me feel exposed and helpless. There is grief in this—grief for what I once had and what I may never regain.
Yet, even in this moment of complete vulnerability, You remained the Son of God. No suffering could take away Your identity. And Lord, if that is true for You, then it must be true for me as well. My illness does not define me. My suffering does not make me less worthy of love. Remind me that even when I feel stripped of all I once had, I am still Yours.
Jesus, when I feel vulnerable and broken, clothe me in Your love. Amen.
ELEVENTH STATION: JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS
“They crucified Him, and with Him two others, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle.” (John 19:18)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
The hammer strikes, the nails pierce Your hands and feet, and the pain is unimaginable. You are held in place by suffering. With each breath, agony fills Your body, yet You do not cry out in anger. Instead, You offer words of forgiveness. Even in this moment of unbearable pain, You choose love.
Lord, there are days when I feel nailed to this suffering. I cannot move freely, I cannot escape the pain. I feel trapped by my illness, unable to do what I once could. I long for relief, but some days, it does not come. Like You, I am held in place by something I did not choose.
But in Your suffering, You still loved. You still forgave. You still saw the needs of others. Teach me, Jesus, to do the same. When I feel trapped, let me offer my suffering to You. When I feel bound by pain, let me unite it with Yours, trusting that even in this, You are working something good. And when I struggle to see beyond my own pain, open my heart to love, just as You did.
Jesus, when I feel nailed in place, help me to choose love. Amen.
TWELFTH STATION: JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
“Into Your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
The sky darkens, the earth trembles, and the world holds its breath. Jesus, You take Your final breath, surrendering everything into the hands of the Father. The pain is over, but the grief remains. To those who stood by the cross, it must have seemed like the end.
There are moments in my suffering when I, too, feel like I have reached the end. The exhaustion, the pain, the constant battle—it feels like too much. Some days, I want to surrender, to let go, to stop fighting. In those moments, Lord, remind me that surrendering to You is not the same as giving up. You surrendered not in despair, but in trust.
Help me to trust You, even when I do not understand. When my suffering feels unbearable, let me place it in Your hands. When my body is weak, let my spirit remain strong. And when my time on this earth is done, may I surrender myself fully into Your loving embrace, knowing that life does not end in death, but is fulfilled in Your love.
Jesus, when I feel like I cannot hold on, help me to trust in You. Amen.
THIRTEENTH STATION: JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
The world has grown quiet. The crowds have left, and the suffering has ended. Your body, Jesus, is taken down from the cross and placed in the arms of Your mother. The ones who love You the most now hold You, mourning the terrible loss. There is nothing left to do but grieve.
Lord, I, too, know the weight of grief. I grieve the loss of my health, my independence, the life I once had. There are things I can no longer do, and sometimes that reality fills me with sorrow. I miss the days when I felt strong and capable, when I could move freely without pain or exhaustion. This loss is real, and it is difficult to bear.
But in this moment, Jesus, You are not alone. Even in death, You are held by love. Help me to recognize the love that still surrounds me. Though I have lost much, I have not lost You. Though my body may weaken, my spirit is still alive in Your grace. Help me to find comfort in knowing that my suffering is not meaningless, and that I am always in the arms of my loving Father.
Jesus, when I grieve what I have lost, help me to rest in the comfort of Your love. Amen.
FOURTEENTH STATION: JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB
“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Me, even if he dies, will live.” (John 11:25)
I adore You, O Christ, and I praise You.Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
The stone is rolled into place. The tomb is sealed. To those who loved You, Jesus, this must have felt like the end. The silence must have been deafening. It seemed as if darkness had won. But what they did not yet understand is that this was not the end of the story.
Lord, there are times when my suffering feels like a tomb. I feel trapped in my pain, in my weakness, in my isolation. I wonder if I will ever feel whole again, if I will ever escape the heaviness of this burden. It is easy to believe that nothing will change, that my suffering is the final word.
But You have taught me, Jesus, that the tomb is not the end. Even in the silence, You are working. Even in the darkness, new life is beginning. Help me to trust that You are bringing resurrection to my pain, even when I cannot yet see it. Give me the patience to wait for the dawn, knowing that in Your time, all things will be made new.
Jesus, when I feel trapped in suffering, help me to hold on to the hope of resurrection. Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord Jesus, this journey of sickness is not one I would have chosen, yet I trust that I do not walk it alone. You have walked this road before me, and You walk it with me now. In my weakness, You are my strength; in my loneliness, You are my companion; in my suffering, You are my hope.
When my body grows weary, lift my spirit.When I feel unseen, remind me that You see me.When fear grips my heart, calm me with Your peace.When darkness surrounds me, shine Your light upon my path.
Help me to see that my suffering is not meaningless, that even in this, You are drawing me closer to Your heart. Let my pain be a prayer, my struggles an offering of love, and my trials a pathway to deeper trust in You. And when the time comes for me to lay down this cross, lead me into the joy of eternal life, where every tear will be wiped away and all things will be made new.
Jesus, I trust in You.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.