The Way of the Cross is such a beautiful, versatile prayer that isn’t limited to the season of Lent.
I’ve pulled out this personalized version a lot lately as I deal with my own undiagnosed chronic illness.
NIRWANAPOKER adalah arena di mana keberanian dan kecerdasan bertemu. Dengan menguji kemampuan Anda dalam mengambil risiko dan membuat keputusan cepat, Anda dapat meningkatkan keterampilan Anda dalam permainan ini. Bergabunglah dengan IDN Poker dan mulailah menantang diri Anda sendiri.
Feeling frustrated and impatient with all the questions and “not knowing”, I’ve been hurt by the lack of support and understanding I feel my loved ones and professionals should have given.
I’ve felt the guilt and sadness of not being able to give what my family needs, or to live out my dreams, or even do basic things people take for granted.
I know I’m not strong enough to carry this cross – I need to cling to the One who has already carried it for me.
This Way of the Cross gives me the opportunity to find purpose in suffering, to feel like I’m being carried, and to remind me to keep my eyes fixed on the hope of the Resurrection. I pray this devotion to the cross will give you some of that peace during your chronic illness as well.
click here to download the way of the cross pdf
WAY OF THE CROSS during A CHRONIC ILLNESS
I. JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH
Jesus, You were with me when I first realized I was more than a little sick, that this was going to stay. You were with me with all my medical appointments as they start to throw scary diagnosis out. I was hit with a wave of anxiety and sorrow. There is nothing I can do to stop or change my illness, but You are God. You could have changed being condemnation, but you chose silence so that you could be with me now and hold me, feeling each wave of emotion that hits me. When you were standing before the judge, you were thinking of me. You did not move, did not speak, because I need at this moment a God who is my Rock that I can lean on. Please, give me the strength to get up and face this road.
Ayo, mari bergabung dalam aksi toto slot dan rasakan sensasi taruhan yang memukau! Dengan beragam tema dan fitur menarik, setiap putaran slot menjanjikan pengalaman bermain yang tak terlupakan. Jangan lewatkan kesempatan untuk meraih jackpot dan hadiah-hadiah fantastis lainnya. Segera daftar dan nikmati kegembiraan bermain totoslot bersama kami!
II. JESUS CARRIES HIS CROSS
Jesus, there is so much weight on my shoulders when I wake up to face the day. I want to do so many good things, but my body won’t let me. I’ve had to change so many plans, delay or even give up most of my goals for this year. I’m struggling with my purpose. What is your plan for this? This is too much for me to carry, but You have already picked up this cross before. You are strong enough to bear the weight. Would you help me? Walk with me in all these questions; remind me to take it one step at a time.
III. JESUS FALLS FOR THE FIRST TIME
Oh, Jesus, it’s been a really hard day. I couldn’t seem to do anything. I feel so helpless and useless. I can’t sleep because I can’t stop worrying and wondering about the future. How long will this last? Did you feel this emptiness when you fell? Please, please stay with me tonight, be my light.
IV. JESUS MEETS HIS MOTHER
Mother Mary, Jesus was tired, weak, and his heart was breaking. He needed His mother to hold him, just for a moment. How tender that would have been. You couldn’t stop his suffering, couldn’t give him all the answers, you could just, simply hold him and share his pain like the best of mothers would. Dearest Mother, would you come meet me here, too? I need to be held. Pray I discern what I’m meant to give through this illness, and what I’m meant to let go of.
V. SIMON HELPS CARRY THE CROSS
Jesus, my body is in pain and is so tired. I didn’t know how much this sickness would affect me physically every day. I can’t get comfortable. I’m always stressed and have gotten knots in my shoulder and neck from this cross. I’m not sleeping. Jesus, you created the tree they used for your cross, but you still were so humble, you accepted help to carry it. Please send help from others and help me to receive it. I offer up my daily pains, so I can share this cross with you.
VI. VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS
Jesus, I’m weak and need help for so many things I once took for granted. I don’t know what I’d do without the support I’ve had. Thank you for sending friends and family, nurses and doctors to help me. Please help me to be thankful and respectful to them, even when I don’t agree or am too tired to really want to reach out. Please bless them with wisdom and compassion.
VII. JESUS FALLS FOR THE SECOND TIME
I didn’t realize the emotional cost that would come from this sickness. It’s so hard to say no when I want to say yes. I’ve let people down when I misjudged how sick I am. Not everyone seems to understand what I’m going through and it hurts they aren’t being more supportive. It hurts when they expect more than I can give them. Some people think I’m lazy or even making this up. I’m struggling with what people think of me, but I can’t control that. Jesus, You know my heart and you know what I struggle with every day. Please help me to let go of other’s expectations, and rely on You. We will get up together.
VIII. JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM
I wish I could do more, but all I can do is faithful, little things in my day. Is that what these women felt? I’m sure they wanted to do more for you, but crying was all they could do, so they put as much love and tenderness into that little action possible. Please help me to see the purpose and good behind every little thing I can do for you. Please help me to be patient and find a way to lift others’ spirits as you did for the women who came to you.
IX. JESUS FALLS FOR THE THIRD TIME
Jesus, I’ve failed so many times. I haven’t been patient. I’ve struggled with trusting you and staying hopeful. I just want this to end, and I don’t understand what your purpose is for this yet. When you were lying on the ground, you heard the questions in my heart. You must have so much love for me to be able to get up again, knowing that some would walk away from you anyway. Guide me in my questions. I am begging you, don’t let me fall from you when I can’t do this without you. Help me to get up again, with a stronger faith and love for you than ever before.
X. JESUS’ CLOTHES ARE REMOVED
I’m stripped of all the layers I had in my life that I thought were important and constant. I’m not the same person I was before this all started. Jesus, they tried to take everything from you, especially your dignity, making you vulnerable, but you stayed true and secure in your knowledge of who you are, no matter what you had to go through. You are a God who loves me unconditionally. Please use this season to show me what I had valued more than you, and teach me how to keep you as the center of my life.
XI. JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS
Dear Jesus, you must have felt the cost of this choice with the nails. You had the power to stop them; it was love for me that kept your hands still. The cost of this sickness is piling up: financially, physically, emotionally, spiritually. I’m so tired. Would you please fill me up with that same sacrificial love? Give me to strength to keep going another day.
XII. JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
I don’t know how this will end. You trusted your Father with your life and death, therefore I would like to entrust myself to you now. You love me more than I could ever know, and I know I am made for heaven. I believe my Heavenly Physician knows what is best for me, whether it be healing or to continue carrying this cross. Thank you from the depth of my heart for dying for me. May I share this last Station with you by giving you my hopes, my dreams, my pain and suffering, and surrender my future to you. I believe I will find peace and freedom with this choice to die to myself. May I also share in your Resurrection. Amen.
Thank you for praying with me!
I would love to hear from you about your own health journey. Feel free to contact me to tell your story and/or ask for prayers.
Click here to find your free printable for this Way of the Cross.
read more:
- Still wanting to serve others in your illness? Consider reaching out to families in the hospital.
- Check out my Way of the Cross for caregivers of loved ones in the hospital.
- 8 Rules to Thrive in Isolation
- Stuck in survival mode? Try this one thing to thrive