Stations of the Resurrection     

We welcome you to participate in a meditative journey. This journey will lead you through the process of the resurrection, teaching, and events of the Risen Christ.

 
Christ Risen by Rubens

Each Station will emphasize one aspect of this historical event. This is not, however, simply an historical review. Rather, each station will also prompt you for a response, a response of prayer and action, engaging not only your mind but all of your senses as you grapple with the experience of Christ and with your own Christian journey.
Description
Narrative

The Scriptures tell us the story of Christ's Resurrection.  Though many details we would like to know are left out, this is the framework which we must use in order to touch the reality.  The Gospels tell the story of the witnesses, the one's who saw and touched the risen Messiah.   It is holy, and it is history.  What is written about did in fact happen.  The many witnesses tell us so.

Participation

Scripture is but an aspect of who we are.  In coming before Christ we come with the same Spirit he possessed.  Thus we are removed from his time and connected with his story.  Our imaginations can be sanctified, allowing us to enter into this time, letting our conscious selves be encouraged by our souls.  It is difficult to let loose our daily lives.  In this section, however, a meditation is presented which draws one into the story, finding our part then and now.

Though this is a creative act of the imagination, it seeks to stir you to consider the narrative more closely, to illustrate images or thoughts which are too easily overlooked.  In many ways this is like a sermon, developing the passage, involving the reader, focusing the heart and mind even more on this most important story.

Praise

When Jesus rose it was not the end of the story, it was the beginning.  We celebrate what happened and we grow in understanding this world and ourselves.  What happened was prophesied, it was meaningful.  We participate in a story within a larger story.  This consideration reminds us of the broader work of God in time, space, and our lives.

Prayer

Prayer is the coming before God with an open heart and mind.  We take what we learn and respond to him, acting out in faith.  When we pray we speak with the trust that God is listening.  Our hearts are bare before him.   A prayer is suggested at the end of each meditation.  Use this, and use your own words to convey to God the expression of your heart as you enter into this story.  
  Preparation

The world around us is full of noise and turmoil.  So it is proper to pause a moment before we seek to engage our hearts and souls.  Whatever allows you to quiet and find calm is the best way, we all have our own rhythms and patterns.  If you do not know your own calming practices, here are some suggestions before beginning.

  • Find a quiet place. Shut the door, or find another way of allowing solitude. If this is not possible, turn on some quiet music, something which soothes, and lets your heart calm.
  • Breathe in deeply, exhale. Breathe in deeply... exhale. Sit up straight, your hands on your knees. Breath in... exhale. Relax your body, let your thoughts of the day clear, let your worries go.
  • Relax your shoulders, let the tenseness out of your limbs. Relax your legs... your hands... your chest... let all your muscles feel calm and rest
  • Pray a prayer of focus, such as "Lord Jesus, have mercy on me." Repeat this as you breath inhaling with the first phrase, exhaling with the second. Continue until you feel the calm of the Spirit.
  • After a moment of empty silence, pray these words:  "Dear Lord, as I enter into a time of worship and meditation may you be my teacher. Show me the truth of your story and speak to me that I might hear your voice.  Amen.
The Stations of the Resurrection

When you are ready, click here to begin:

The Women Come to the Tomb Peter and John Come Running Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene The Road to Emmaus Station Five Jesus Appears to Thomas Jesus Appears on the Mountain
Jesus Appears by the Sea Jesus Speaks to Peter Jesus Tells of the Coming Spirit Jesus Appears to the Five Hundred Jesus Appears to James The Ascension Pentecost