STATIONS OF THE CROSS FOR THE LONELY AND STRUGGLING
A Journey of Suffering, Faith, and Hope
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 loneliness, my struggles, and my weariness. Some days feel empty, as if no one sees me or understands the burdens I carry. I long for connection, relief, and a sense of belonging.
Yet, You know what it is to feel abandoned, to carry a burden alone, to suffer in silence. As I walk this journey with You, remind me that I am never truly alone. Help me to trust that even in my darkest moments, You are near, walking with me, carrying me when I am weak.
Jesus, be my comfort, my strength, and my hope. 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.
The weight of loneliness can feel like a sentence—one I never chose, one that isolates me from the life I once knew or hoped for. I watch as others laugh, connect, and move forward, while I remain unseen, unheard, struggling to find my place. The silence of isolation can be deafening, and the sting of rejection cuts deep. It hurts when people misunderstand, dismiss, or overlook me, when my struggles seem invisible, as if they do not matter. Some days, I wonder if anyone truly sees me at all.
Jesus, You stood before Pilate, condemned not for what You had done, but simply for who You were. You, too, were rejected by those You loved, abandoned by those who once followed You. You faced injustice, misunderstanding, and betrayal. You know what it is like to stand alone, to feel the cold sting of isolation. Yet, in the face of it all, You remained faithful, trusting in the Father’s love.
Teach me to do the same. When I feel unseen, remind me that You see me. When I feel unheard, remind me that You listen. When I feel abandoned, remind me that You are always near. Let me find comfort in knowing that I never walk alone, for You have already walked this path before me.
Jesus, when loneliness feels like a heavy sentence, let me find hope in Your presence. Amen.
SECOND STATION: JESUS TAKES UP HIS CROSS
“Whoever does not take up their 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 cross is heavy—the weight of loneliness, of feeling unseen, of wondering if I will always struggle like this. Some days, I wake up hoping it will be easier, only to feel the familiar ache settle into my heart again. I watch others go about their lives, connected, fulfilled, while I carry this burden in silence. It presses down on me, making every step feel harder.
I grow tired of putting on a strong face, of pretending I am fine when I am not. The weight of my struggles is exhausting, and I long for someone to lift it from me. But no one seems to see the burden I carry.
But You, Jesus, took up Your cross willingly. You did not run from it, though You knew the suffering it would bring. You embraced it, knowing that through it, love would triumph. Help me to do the same. Teach me to trust that even this cross—this pain I bear—has meaning. Remind me that I do not carry it alone, for You walk beside me, step by step, bearing the weight with me.
When my suffering feels pointless, remind me that You are working even in the struggle. When I feel I cannot take another step, give me the strength to keep going. And when I grow tired of carrying this cross, let me lean on You, knowing that You carried Yours for love of me.
Jesus, help me to carry my cross with courage and faith, trusting that You will never let me walk this road alone. 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.
There are days when I feel like I simply cannot go on. The weight of loneliness, of silent struggles, of prayers that seem unanswered—it all becomes too much. I try to keep moving forward, but the heaviness in my heart slows me down. Exhaustion sets in, and I begin to wonder: Will things ever get better? Will I always feel this way?
Jesus, You know this feeling. You fell beneath the weight of the cross, crushed by exhaustion, pain, and suffering. Your body was weak, and the journey seemed impossible. Yet, You did not stay down. You found the strength to rise, to take one more step, to continue forward despite the overwhelming burden.
Lord, help me to do the same. When I fall into despair, lift me up. When loneliness makes me feel unworthy, remind me that I am loved. When I feel forgotten, assure me that You see me. When I struggle to take another step, give me the strength to keep going.
I may fall again, but I will not remain down, for You are here, reaching out Your hand to help me rise.
Jesus, when I fall, give me the courage and 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.
Amid the chaos and cruelty of the road to Calvary, there is a moment of love. Jesus, carrying the unbearable weight of the cross, meets the eyes of His mother. No words are spoken, yet everything is understood. Mary cannot stop Your suffering, but she is there. She remains. Her presence alone is a comfort.
Loneliness often makes me believe that no one sees me, that no one truly understands my pain. I long for someone to simply be present—to sit with me in my suffering without trying to fix it or make it disappear. I ache for the reassurance that I am not alone in what I carry.
Jesus, like Mary, help me to see those You have placed in my life who care for me, even when I fail to recognize them. Soften my heart to receive love, even in small and quiet ways. And when I struggle to find companionship, remind me that I am never truly alone—for You see me, You know me, and You walk this road beside me.
Jesus, open my heart to recognize the presence of love, even in unexpected places. 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 is hard to admit when I need help. I tell myself I should be able to handle my struggles on my own. I don’t want to be a burden, to appear weak, or to rely on others. But there are days when the weight of loneliness, pain, and exhaustion is simply too much. I long for someone to step in, to see my struggle, to remind me that I do not have to carry this cross alone.
Jesus, You, too, needed help. Though You carried Your cross with love, You accepted Simon’s help with humility. You did not resist the kindness offered to You. In doing so, You taught us that even the strongest need support, that love is meant to be shared, and that we are not meant to walk through suffering alone.
Teach me to do the same. Give me the grace to ask for help when I need it, and the humility to accept it. Help me to recognize that seeking support is not weakness, but an invitation to love and connection. And when I see others carrying heavy burdens, may I be a Simon to them, offering my presence, my compassion, and my strength.
Jesus, give me the courage to ask for help when I need it and the heart to help others when 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.
A simple cloth. A brief moment. A courageous act of love. Veronica could not stop Your suffering, Jesus, but she did what she could. She stepped forward, ignoring the risk, and offered You comfort. Her gesture did not remove Your pain, but it reminded You that You were not alone.
I know the power of small kindnesses. A kind word, a gentle touch, a listening ear—these can mean everything when I am struggling. Yet, in my loneliness, I sometimes fail to recognize these moments of love. I focus on what I lack, rather than the quiet ways You send comfort through others.
Lord, help me to see these small graces in my life—the smile from a stranger, the call from a friend, the warmth of someone simply being present. And when I can, give me the courage to be like Veronica, to offer kindness even when I think it won’t make a difference. Because love is never wasted.
Jesus, help me to give and receive love, even in the smallest ways. 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.
I try to be strong. I try to move forward. But I keep falling. I take steps toward healing, only to find myself back in loneliness, discouragement, and despair. I wonder if I will ever truly move past this pain. I grow weary of the struggle, of feeling like no matter how hard I try, I am still stuck in the same place.
Jesus, You fell again—not just once, but twice. Your strength was failing, the weight of the cross pressing down on You. Yet, You did not remain in the dust. You rose, not because it was easy, but because love called You forward. You knew that beyond the suffering, there was a greater purpose.
Help me to believe that, too. When I fall back into sadness, lift me up. When my heart feels too broken to continue, remind me that You are near. When I feel like I keep failing, teach me that my worth is not measured by how many times I fall, but by my willingness to rise again with You.
Jesus, when I feel trapped in despair, give me the strength to take just one more step. 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.
Jesus, even as You struggled beneath the weight of the cross, You noticed the suffering of those around You. Bruised, bleeding, and exhausted, You still looked with love upon the women who wept for You. Instead of focusing on Your own pain, You comforted them.
It is easy for me to become consumed by my struggles, to focus only on my loneliness and sorrow. Yet, in doing so, I sometimes fail to see the pain of others. There are people around me—perhaps even those close to me—who are also struggling, also feeling unseen, also longing for love.
Lord, help me to see beyond myself. Open my eyes to those who need encouragement, companionship, or a simple word of kindness. Even in my own suffering, show me how to be a source of comfort to others. Let my pain make me more compassionate, not withdrawn. Let my struggles open my heart to love, rather than close it in fear.
Jesus, even in my pain, help me to see and care for others who are hurting. 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 a third time. The weight of the cross crushes You, Your body is drained, and every step feels impossible. You have already stumbled twice, and now, You are face down in the dirt again. Everything in You must have screamed to stay down, to give in to the exhaustion, to let the suffering end.
I know that feeling. The days when I wake up already defeated. The times when I think I am making progress, only to slip back into loneliness, despair, or doubt. I tell myself to be strong, to push forward, but sometimes, I have nothing left to give. I feel trapped in a cycle of falling and failing, wondering if I will ever rise again.
But You, Lord, did not stay down. Though You had no strength left, You rose—one more time. Not because You had to, but because love called You forward. Love for me. Love for the world.
Help me to rise again, too. Even when I am weak, let me trust in Your strength. Even when I feel lost, remind me that You are leading me forward. And even when I feel too weary to hope, let me rest in the truth that You are holding me, lifting me, carrying me forward.
Jesus, when I have nothing left to give, 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.
Jesus, as You stand before the crowd, You are stripped of everything—Your dignity, Your comfort, even the last piece of clothing that covered You. The cruelty of those around You goes beyond physical pain; they seek to humiliate You, to expose You, to take away every shred of humanity. You are left with nothing, completely vulnerable.
I, too, know what it is to feel exposed, vulnerable, and empty. Loneliness strips away my security. Struggles take away my sense of worth. There are moments when I feel unseen, forgotten, and unprotected—like I have nothing left to hold onto, like everything that once gave me comfort has been taken away.
Yet, even in this moment of complete loss, You remain who You are—the beloved Son of God. No suffering, no humiliation, no betrayal can take that from You. And if that is true for You, then it must also be true for me. No struggle, no rejection, no hardship can take away my worth in Your eyes.
Jesus, when I feel stripped of hope, clothe me in Your love. When I feel unseen, remind me that You see me. When I feel like I have nothing left, help me to trust that I still have You. And that is enough.
Jesus, when I feel exposed and vulnerable, wrap me in Your mercy and remind me that I am still Yours. 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 falls. The nails tear through Your hands and feet. Pain explodes in Your body as You are fixed to the wood of the cross. Every movement, every breath, becomes agony. You are held in place—unable to move, unable to fight back, unable to escape. You are exposed to the cruelty of those who mock You, their words like weapons, adding insult to Your suffering. And yet, You do not turn away from this cross.
Loneliness can feel like being nailed in place—trapped, unable to change my situation, bound by fear, grief, or the weight of struggles I cannot escape. The hurt lingers. The silence grows louder. Relief seems far away. I wonder if I will ever break free, if this pain will ever ease.
But even as You hung on the cross, Jesus, You still loved. You forgave those who hurt You. You noticed the suffering of the thief beside You. You saw Your mother and John, and You made sure they would not be alone. In Your greatest agony, Your heart remained open.
Help me to believe that my suffering does not mean You have abandoned me. Teach me to turn my struggles into prayer, my loneliness into a deeper closeness with You. When I feel trapped, when I see no way forward, remind me that Your love is never beyond reach. Even in pain, even in sorrow, even in what feels like my darkest hour—You are here.
Jesus, when I feel stuck in suffering, let me cling to You and find my strength in Your 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, the weight of all suffering pressing down upon You. Every wound, every insult, every moment of abandonment You endured was given in love. And now, with arms stretched wide, You surrender completely to the Father.
There are moments when my struggles feel like an ending—like something inside me is dying. The loss of a loved one, the breaking of a relationship, the fading of a long-held dream—these moments leave me feeling empty, wondering if I will ever feel whole again. Loneliness deepens, and I struggle to see beyond my pain.
But You, Lord, show me that surrender is not the same as defeat. It is trust. It is choosing to let go, not out of hopelessness, but out of faith that the Father still holds me. You could have clung to life, yet You chose to release everything into His hands. Help me to do the same. Teach me to surrender my fears, my loneliness, and my pain to You. When hope seems distant, remind me that the story is not over. Even in the silence of suffering, You are still working, still loving, still drawing me toward resurrection.
Jesus, when I feel abandoned and afraid, help me to trust in the Father’s love. 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 crowd has dispersed. The mocking voices have fallen silent. The suffering has ended, yet sorrow remains. Jesus, Your lifeless body is taken down from the cross and placed in the arms of Your mother. What grief she must have felt—holding You one last time, remembering the baby she once cradled, the child she once protected, the Son she watched suffer beyond what words can express.
There is something unbearable about loss. When something or someone we love is taken away, a part of us feels torn, empty, incomplete. I, too, have known loss—loss of loved ones, of friendships, of dreams that will never be. Grief lingers like a wound that refuses to fully heal. I long for what once was, for the security, joy, and love I have lost.
Yet, Lord, even in this moment of mourning, You are still present. You are in the arms that hold me when I weep, in the silence that allows my heart to grieve, in the gentle reminders that I am not alone. Help me to find comfort in Your embrace. Let me not be afraid to mourn, but also to trust that even in loss, You are working toward something greater.
The tomb is near, but the story is not over. Sorrow fills the moment, but hope is not lost. Teach me, Jesus, to grieve with faith—to honor what has been lost, but to trust in what is still to come.
Jesus, when I grieve, remind me that I am never alone. 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. The voices that once shouted Your name—both in praise and in condemnation—are now silent. Those who loved You are left in grief, staring at the cold rock that seems to mark the end of all they hoped for. To them, this must have felt final. The One who healed, who loved, who promised life was now lifeless in a grave.
There are moments when my struggles feel like a tomb—dark, heavy, and inescapable. I feel trapped in my loneliness, my fears, my unanswered prayers. Hope seems buried beneath layers of pain, silence, and disappointment. I wonder if I will ever break free from the weight of what I carry.
But Your story does not end in the tomb, and neither does mine. The silence is not the final word. The darkness is not eternal. Even when I cannot see it, You are at work—transforming, renewing, resurrecting. The waiting may be long, the sorrow deep, but You are a God who brings life out of death, joy out of grief, and light out of the darkest places.
Help me, Lord, to trust in Your unseen work. When I feel buried in despair, remind me that the stone will not stay in place forever. When my heart feels lifeless, breathe new hope into me. Give me the faith to believe that beyond this suffering, beyond this loneliness, You are preparing something beautiful.
Jesus, when I feel trapped in despair, help me to hold on to the hope of resurrection. Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Jesus, You know my struggles, my loneliness, and my fears. You carried the weight of the cross, and You carry me now. Thank You for walking this journey with me, for never leaving me in my sorrow, and for reminding me that I am never truly alone.
When I feel unseen, let me rest in Your loving gaze.When I feel unheard, let me hear Your quiet whisper of love.When I feel abandoned, draw me ever closer to Your heart.
Give me the strength to face each day with faith. When loneliness overwhelms me, fill my heart with Your presence. When struggles weigh me down, help me to trust that You are leading me forward. Let me never lose sight of the hope that in You, all sorrow will be transformed, all burdens will be lifted, and all wounds will be healed.
But Lord, do not let my suffering turn me inward. Just as Simon helped You carry the cross, and Veronica wiped Your face, open my eyes to others who feel unseen, unheard, or forgotten. Even in my own pain, let me be an instrument of Your love—a gentle word, a small act of kindness, a quiet presence for those who are struggling.
Help me to love as You love, give as You give, and walk as You walk. And when my journey is complete, lead me into Your eternal embrace, where all suffering will end, and joy will be everlasting.
Jesus, walk with me, and teach me to walk with others.
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 loneliness, my struggles, and my weariness. Some days feel empty, as if no one sees me or understands the burdens I carry. I long for connection, relief, and a sense of belonging.
Yet, You know what it is to feel abandoned, to carry a burden alone, to suffer in silence. As I walk this journey with You, remind me that I am never truly alone. Help me to trust that even in my darkest moments, You are near, walking with me, carrying me when I am weak.
Jesus, be my comfort, my strength, and my hope. 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.
The weight of loneliness can feel like a sentence—one I never chose, one that isolates me from the life I once knew or hoped for. I watch as others laugh, connect, and move forward, while I remain unseen, unheard, struggling to find my place. The silence of isolation can be deafening, and the sting of rejection cuts deep. It hurts when people misunderstand, dismiss, or overlook me, when my struggles seem invisible, as if they do not matter. Some days, I wonder if anyone truly sees me at all.
Jesus, You stood before Pilate, condemned not for what You had done, but simply for who You were. You, too, were rejected by those You loved, abandoned by those who once followed You. You faced injustice, misunderstanding, and betrayal. You know what it is like to stand alone, to feel the cold sting of isolation. Yet, in the face of it all, You remained faithful, trusting in the Father’s love.
Teach me to do the same. When I feel unseen, remind me that You see me. When I feel unheard, remind me that You listen. When I feel abandoned, remind me that You are always near. Let me find comfort in knowing that I never walk alone, for You have already walked this path before me.
Jesus, when loneliness feels like a heavy sentence, let me find hope in Your presence. Amen.
SECOND STATION: JESUS TAKES UP HIS CROSS
“Whoever does not take up their 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 cross is heavy—the weight of loneliness, of feeling unseen, of wondering if I will always struggle like this. Some days, I wake up hoping it will be easier, only to feel the familiar ache settle into my heart again. I watch others go about their lives, connected, fulfilled, while I carry this burden in silence. It presses down on me, making every step feel harder.
I grow tired of putting on a strong face, of pretending I am fine when I am not. The weight of my struggles is exhausting, and I long for someone to lift it from me. But no one seems to see the burden I carry.
But You, Jesus, took up Your cross willingly. You did not run from it, though You knew the suffering it would bring. You embraced it, knowing that through it, love would triumph. Help me to do the same. Teach me to trust that even this cross—this pain I bear—has meaning. Remind me that I do not carry it alone, for You walk beside me, step by step, bearing the weight with me.
When my suffering feels pointless, remind me that You are working even in the struggle. When I feel I cannot take another step, give me the strength to keep going. And when I grow tired of carrying this cross, let me lean on You, knowing that You carried Yours for love of me.
Jesus, help me to carry my cross with courage and faith, trusting that You will never let me walk this road alone. 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.
There are days when I feel like I simply cannot go on. The weight of loneliness, of silent struggles, of prayers that seem unanswered—it all becomes too much. I try to keep moving forward, but the heaviness in my heart slows me down. Exhaustion sets in, and I begin to wonder: Will things ever get better? Will I always feel this way?
Jesus, You know this feeling. You fell beneath the weight of the cross, crushed by exhaustion, pain, and suffering. Your body was weak, and the journey seemed impossible. Yet, You did not stay down. You found the strength to rise, to take one more step, to continue forward despite the overwhelming burden.
Lord, help me to do the same. When I fall into despair, lift me up. When loneliness makes me feel unworthy, remind me that I am loved. When I feel forgotten, assure me that You see me. When I struggle to take another step, give me the strength to keep going.
I may fall again, but I will not remain down, for You are here, reaching out Your hand to help me rise.
Jesus, when I fall, give me the courage and 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.
Amid the chaos and cruelty of the road to Calvary, there is a moment of love. Jesus, carrying the unbearable weight of the cross, meets the eyes of His mother. No words are spoken, yet everything is understood. Mary cannot stop Your suffering, but she is there. She remains. Her presence alone is a comfort.
Loneliness often makes me believe that no one sees me, that no one truly understands my pain. I long for someone to simply be present—to sit with me in my suffering without trying to fix it or make it disappear. I ache for the reassurance that I am not alone in what I carry.
Jesus, like Mary, help me to see those You have placed in my life who care for me, even when I fail to recognize them. Soften my heart to receive love, even in small and quiet ways. And when I struggle to find companionship, remind me that I am never truly alone—for You see me, You know me, and You walk this road beside me.
Jesus, open my heart to recognize the presence of love, even in unexpected places. 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 is hard to admit when I need help. I tell myself I should be able to handle my struggles on my own. I don’t want to be a burden, to appear weak, or to rely on others. But there are days when the weight of loneliness, pain, and exhaustion is simply too much. I long for someone to step in, to see my struggle, to remind me that I do not have to carry this cross alone.
Jesus, You, too, needed help. Though You carried Your cross with love, You accepted Simon’s help with humility. You did not resist the kindness offered to You. In doing so, You taught us that even the strongest need support, that love is meant to be shared, and that we are not meant to walk through suffering alone.
Teach me to do the same. Give me the grace to ask for help when I need it, and the humility to accept it. Help me to recognize that seeking support is not weakness, but an invitation to love and connection. And when I see others carrying heavy burdens, may I be a Simon to them, offering my presence, my compassion, and my strength.
Jesus, give me the courage to ask for help when I need it and the heart to help others when 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.
A simple cloth. A brief moment. A courageous act of love. Veronica could not stop Your suffering, Jesus, but she did what she could. She stepped forward, ignoring the risk, and offered You comfort. Her gesture did not remove Your pain, but it reminded You that You were not alone.
I know the power of small kindnesses. A kind word, a gentle touch, a listening ear—these can mean everything when I am struggling. Yet, in my loneliness, I sometimes fail to recognize these moments of love. I focus on what I lack, rather than the quiet ways You send comfort through others.
Lord, help me to see these small graces in my life—the smile from a stranger, the call from a friend, the warmth of someone simply being present. And when I can, give me the courage to be like Veronica, to offer kindness even when I think it won’t make a difference. Because love is never wasted.
Jesus, help me to give and receive love, even in the smallest ways. 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.
I try to be strong. I try to move forward. But I keep falling. I take steps toward healing, only to find myself back in loneliness, discouragement, and despair. I wonder if I will ever truly move past this pain. I grow weary of the struggle, of feeling like no matter how hard I try, I am still stuck in the same place.
Jesus, You fell again—not just once, but twice. Your strength was failing, the weight of the cross pressing down on You. Yet, You did not remain in the dust. You rose, not because it was easy, but because love called You forward. You knew that beyond the suffering, there was a greater purpose.
Help me to believe that, too. When I fall back into sadness, lift me up. When my heart feels too broken to continue, remind me that You are near. When I feel like I keep failing, teach me that my worth is not measured by how many times I fall, but by my willingness to rise again with You.
Jesus, when I feel trapped in despair, give me the strength to take just one more step. 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.
Jesus, even as You struggled beneath the weight of the cross, You noticed the suffering of those around You. Bruised, bleeding, and exhausted, You still looked with love upon the women who wept for You. Instead of focusing on Your own pain, You comforted them.
It is easy for me to become consumed by my struggles, to focus only on my loneliness and sorrow. Yet, in doing so, I sometimes fail to see the pain of others. There are people around me—perhaps even those close to me—who are also struggling, also feeling unseen, also longing for love.
Lord, help me to see beyond myself. Open my eyes to those who need encouragement, companionship, or a simple word of kindness. Even in my own suffering, show me how to be a source of comfort to others. Let my pain make me more compassionate, not withdrawn. Let my struggles open my heart to love, rather than close it in fear.
Jesus, even in my pain, help me to see and care for others who are hurting. 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 a third time. The weight of the cross crushes You, Your body is drained, and every step feels impossible. You have already stumbled twice, and now, You are face down in the dirt again. Everything in You must have screamed to stay down, to give in to the exhaustion, to let the suffering end.
I know that feeling. The days when I wake up already defeated. The times when I think I am making progress, only to slip back into loneliness, despair, or doubt. I tell myself to be strong, to push forward, but sometimes, I have nothing left to give. I feel trapped in a cycle of falling and failing, wondering if I will ever rise again.
But You, Lord, did not stay down. Though You had no strength left, You rose—one more time. Not because You had to, but because love called You forward. Love for me. Love for the world.
Help me to rise again, too. Even when I am weak, let me trust in Your strength. Even when I feel lost, remind me that You are leading me forward. And even when I feel too weary to hope, let me rest in the truth that You are holding me, lifting me, carrying me forward.
Jesus, when I have nothing left to give, 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.
Jesus, as You stand before the crowd, You are stripped of everything—Your dignity, Your comfort, even the last piece of clothing that covered You. The cruelty of those around You goes beyond physical pain; they seek to humiliate You, to expose You, to take away every shred of humanity. You are left with nothing, completely vulnerable.
I, too, know what it is to feel exposed, vulnerable, and empty. Loneliness strips away my security. Struggles take away my sense of worth. There are moments when I feel unseen, forgotten, and unprotected—like I have nothing left to hold onto, like everything that once gave me comfort has been taken away.
Yet, even in this moment of complete loss, You remain who You are—the beloved Son of God. No suffering, no humiliation, no betrayal can take that from You. And if that is true for You, then it must also be true for me. No struggle, no rejection, no hardship can take away my worth in Your eyes.
Jesus, when I feel stripped of hope, clothe me in Your love. When I feel unseen, remind me that You see me. When I feel like I have nothing left, help me to trust that I still have You. And that is enough.
Jesus, when I feel exposed and vulnerable, wrap me in Your mercy and remind me that I am still Yours. 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 falls. The nails tear through Your hands and feet. Pain explodes in Your body as You are fixed to the wood of the cross. Every movement, every breath, becomes agony. You are held in place—unable to move, unable to fight back, unable to escape. You are exposed to the cruelty of those who mock You, their words like weapons, adding insult to Your suffering. And yet, You do not turn away from this cross.
Loneliness can feel like being nailed in place—trapped, unable to change my situation, bound by fear, grief, or the weight of struggles I cannot escape. The hurt lingers. The silence grows louder. Relief seems far away. I wonder if I will ever break free, if this pain will ever ease.
But even as You hung on the cross, Jesus, You still loved. You forgave those who hurt You. You noticed the suffering of the thief beside You. You saw Your mother and John, and You made sure they would not be alone. In Your greatest agony, Your heart remained open.
Help me to believe that my suffering does not mean You have abandoned me. Teach me to turn my struggles into prayer, my loneliness into a deeper closeness with You. When I feel trapped, when I see no way forward, remind me that Your love is never beyond reach. Even in pain, even in sorrow, even in what feels like my darkest hour—You are here.
Jesus, when I feel stuck in suffering, let me cling to You and find my strength in Your 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, the weight of all suffering pressing down upon You. Every wound, every insult, every moment of abandonment You endured was given in love. And now, with arms stretched wide, You surrender completely to the Father.
There are moments when my struggles feel like an ending—like something inside me is dying. The loss of a loved one, the breaking of a relationship, the fading of a long-held dream—these moments leave me feeling empty, wondering if I will ever feel whole again. Loneliness deepens, and I struggle to see beyond my pain.
But You, Lord, show me that surrender is not the same as defeat. It is trust. It is choosing to let go, not out of hopelessness, but out of faith that the Father still holds me. You could have clung to life, yet You chose to release everything into His hands. Help me to do the same. Teach me to surrender my fears, my loneliness, and my pain to You. When hope seems distant, remind me that the story is not over. Even in the silence of suffering, You are still working, still loving, still drawing me toward resurrection.
Jesus, when I feel abandoned and afraid, help me to trust in the Father’s love. 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 crowd has dispersed. The mocking voices have fallen silent. The suffering has ended, yet sorrow remains. Jesus, Your lifeless body is taken down from the cross and placed in the arms of Your mother. What grief she must have felt—holding You one last time, remembering the baby she once cradled, the child she once protected, the Son she watched suffer beyond what words can express.
There is something unbearable about loss. When something or someone we love is taken away, a part of us feels torn, empty, incomplete. I, too, have known loss—loss of loved ones, of friendships, of dreams that will never be. Grief lingers like a wound that refuses to fully heal. I long for what once was, for the security, joy, and love I have lost.
Yet, Lord, even in this moment of mourning, You are still present. You are in the arms that hold me when I weep, in the silence that allows my heart to grieve, in the gentle reminders that I am not alone. Help me to find comfort in Your embrace. Let me not be afraid to mourn, but also to trust that even in loss, You are working toward something greater.
The tomb is near, but the story is not over. Sorrow fills the moment, but hope is not lost. Teach me, Jesus, to grieve with faith—to honor what has been lost, but to trust in what is still to come.
Jesus, when I grieve, remind me that I am never alone. 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. The voices that once shouted Your name—both in praise and in condemnation—are now silent. Those who loved You are left in grief, staring at the cold rock that seems to mark the end of all they hoped for. To them, this must have felt final. The One who healed, who loved, who promised life was now lifeless in a grave.
There are moments when my struggles feel like a tomb—dark, heavy, and inescapable. I feel trapped in my loneliness, my fears, my unanswered prayers. Hope seems buried beneath layers of pain, silence, and disappointment. I wonder if I will ever break free from the weight of what I carry.
But Your story does not end in the tomb, and neither does mine. The silence is not the final word. The darkness is not eternal. Even when I cannot see it, You are at work—transforming, renewing, resurrecting. The waiting may be long, the sorrow deep, but You are a God who brings life out of death, joy out of grief, and light out of the darkest places.
Help me, Lord, to trust in Your unseen work. When I feel buried in despair, remind me that the stone will not stay in place forever. When my heart feels lifeless, breathe new hope into me. Give me the faith to believe that beyond this suffering, beyond this loneliness, You are preparing something beautiful.
Jesus, when I feel trapped in despair, help me to hold on to the hope of resurrection. Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Jesus, You know my struggles, my loneliness, and my fears. You carried the weight of the cross, and You carry me now. Thank You for walking this journey with me, for never leaving me in my sorrow, and for reminding me that I am never truly alone.
When I feel unseen, let me rest in Your loving gaze.When I feel unheard, let me hear Your quiet whisper of love.When I feel abandoned, draw me ever closer to Your heart.
Give me the strength to face each day with faith. When loneliness overwhelms me, fill my heart with Your presence. When struggles weigh me down, help me to trust that You are leading me forward. Let me never lose sight of the hope that in You, all sorrow will be transformed, all burdens will be lifted, and all wounds will be healed.
But Lord, do not let my suffering turn me inward. Just as Simon helped You carry the cross, and Veronica wiped Your face, open my eyes to others who feel unseen, unheard, or forgotten. Even in my own pain, let me be an instrument of Your love—a gentle word, a small act of kindness, a quiet presence for those who are struggling.
Help me to love as You love, give as You give, and walk as You walk. And when my journey is complete, lead me into Your eternal embrace, where all suffering will end, and joy will be everlasting.
Jesus, walk with me, and teach me to walk with others.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.