The First Station: Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane

Location: Western Lawns

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

Genuflect

People: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.

Stand

Reader: A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew (26:36–41)
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou will.” And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Sit/Kneel

Leader:
Prayers and love are learned in the hour when prayer has become impossible, and our hearts have turned to stone. Jesus knew that the hour for his departure had arrived, and he turned in prayer to his Father. If the hour and the cup could not pass, then he must let be what his Father wills. He returns to find his disciples not much help. On returning he finds them sleeping, ‘in sorrow’. Jesus tells them to pray, not to be tested.

Let us pray:
O Lord, as you prayed in the garden, let your will guide us, may we be strengthened by your love and overcome the tribulations of life. Please help us to follow your path and accept your plan for us. Amen.

All stand

Leader: Lord, have mercy. People: Lord, have mercy.
Leader: Christ, have mercy. People: Christ, have mercy.
Leader: Lord, have mercy. People: Lord, have mercy.

 

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