You’ve probably prayed the Stations of the Cross — the traditional prayer that follows the events and stopping points Jesus endured on his Way of the Cross. Most Catholic churches have the Stations of the Cross displayed, and this devotion is common during Lent especially.
There isn’t one standard way to pray the Stations, so many different variations have sprung up over the centuries. Check out our list here of 8 different ways to pray the Stations of the Cross.
Readers have recently gotten fruit from a special Stations of the Cross for the slothful, composed by Tom Hooopes.
And after Easter, you can pray the lesser known but beautiful Stations of the Resurrection (we love these artistic posters to aid in praying this devotion!)
This year, consider praying the Stations of the Cross as designed for specific prayer intentions.
Not only Catholics but also all people of goodwill are welcome to join in praying this devotion, uniting ourselves to Christ during his Passion and asking for his aid.
Here are three different ways to pray the Stations of the Cross for specific intentions that call for prayers in our world today.
1Praying for persecuted Christians
If you’re not familiar with Aid to the Church in Need, definitely check out their critical work. This Catholic charity is specifically focused on helping Christians in need where they are persecuted or oppressed.
Their Stations of the Cross for 2026 ties each station to a prayer intention connected to the persecuted Church:
Join us this Lent with a series of meditations compiled by ACN team members and project partners from around the world. This year’s meditations of the Way of the Cross are written by ACN team members and esteemed project partners from countries where Christians face severe trials and suffering. Among them are missionaries, who, often far from their home countries, bring the Good News of Christ to the suffering. Mission is not optional. It is the lifeblood of the Church — and it depends on the generosity of those who make it possible. This is something that Pope Leo XIV knows very well, having served as a missionary bishop in Peru for many years.
2Praying to overcome the sin of racism
Catholic Mobilizing Network will host a virtual event this March 13 at 12:00 p.m. EDT to pray this Stations of the Cross, specially adapted to reflect on our call and ongoing work to overcome the sin of racism:
Through praying the stations, testimonials and reflections, musical moments, and prayerful silence, we will journey together in sacred prayer, inspired by the US Bishops’ pastoral letter against racism: Open Wide Our Hearts, the Enduring Call to Love.
You can also find the USCCB’s Stations of the Cross: Overcoming Racism prayer here for personal use.
3Praying for those living in poverty around the world
Catholic Relief Services, known for the popular Rice Bowl program, offers a Stations of the Cross specifically for our brothers and sisters suffering around the world from poverty and lack of access to resources.
You can find video meditations of this Stations devotion on their website, or a printable version for personal use.
