These short prayers for each Station of the Cross were written for men and women in the Army and Navy in 1914. They were published in a small prayer book by John J. Burke, C.S.P., and have an imprimatur from the Archbishop of New York, John Cardinal Farley.
As a mother of all boys, I found these short prayers – that reference bravery, courage, and loyalty – somewhat helpful in stirring up similar aspirations in my sons as they repeated the prayers (I did make a few modifications.)
The introduction gives information on how the sick or those unable to get to a church can still receive the indulgences for the Stations with a blessed Way of the Cross Crucifix. For more information about the Way of the Cross Crucifix, and how to gain indulgences for the Stations, please read this article on Catholic Culture.
For printable versions, click here for the Google Drive doc. Or click below to open in Scribd.
The Way of the Cross
If the Way of the Cross, or the Stations, may not be made in church, it may be made before a Crucifix blessed for that purpose. If thus made, the Indulgences may be gained by reciting an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Gloria after every Station; and at the end five Our Fathers, Hail Marys and Glorias, and an additional one of each for the intentions of the Holy Father. These must be recited while holding the Crucifix in the hand. The Crucifix blessed for the Stations may not be sold, given away or lent for the purpose of enabling others to gain the Indulgence.
1. Jesus is condemned to death.
Thy will, O God, is supreme. May my one great purpose be to seek it and follow it.
2. Jesus receive the Cross.
Grant, O divine Savior, that I may faithfully fulfill every duty for love of Thee.
3. Jesus falls the first time under the Cross.
How many times, O Lord, have I been faithless though sin, to Thee.
4. Jesus is met by His Blessed Mother.
Mary, my Mother, intercede for me with thy Divine Son.
5. The Cross is laid upon Simon of Cyrene.
Every time I put temptation aside and resist sin I help Thee, Jesus, to carry Thy Cross.
6. Veronica wipes the Face of Jesus.
Thy suffering was for me. I will not desert Thee, but always defend Thee.
7. Jesus falls the second time.
Forgive me, O merciful Lord, my many, my repeated sins.
8. Jesus speaks to the women of Jerusalem.
Thy words of mercy and pardon give me fresh hope and confidence.
9. Jesus falls the third time.
May my sins never discourage me, but lead me to seek more and more Thy help.
10. Jesus is stripped of His Garments.
I will be Thy valiant soldier. My conduct will never shame Thee before men.
11. Jesus is nailed to the Cross.
Thy commands mean that I should conquer every unholy desire. I will conquer in Thy name.
12. Jesus dies on the Cross.
When my hour comes, may I die bravely, dear Jesus, for Thee.
13. Jesus is taken down from the Cross.
In camp; on the march; in battle, Thou, O Lord, will be my true, though unseen, Comrade.
14. Jesus is laid in the sepulchre.
Thee, my eternal Captain, will I always serve. With Thee I live, and with Thee I die.
I remember being able to go to the stations of the cross every Friday during lent when I was in the military, pre-children. I look forward to being able to do this again so day but until then this is a really simple stations I can do with the children. Thanks for sharing. P.S. I am sure I would love some of the other prayers you do also!
There are more gems in this prayer book that I plan on sharing! It’s nice to hear that you were able to attend Stations…no need for a Way of the Cross Crucifix when you are able to visit a chapel!
I hope your children like the prayers, too !