Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns

Mark 15:16-20
They dressed him in royal purple, then wove a crown of thorns and put it on him, and began to salute him, "All hail! King of the Jews!" Continually striking Jesus on the head with a reed and spitting at him, they genuflected before him and pretended to pay him homage. When they had finished mocking him, they stripped him of the purple dressed him in his own clothes, and led him out to crucify him.

"We are horrified when we think of what was done to Jesus. But are we equally horrified when this is done to others? . . . When the range and depth of the sufferings of others and what we do to one another no longer bothers us, nor moves us to remedy the situation and stop the pain, then we have lost a part of our own humanity, our own soul. Such sufferings must bother us, and we must speak of them and firmly resolve to find ways to eliminate them from our world. . . . The abuse in families, children dying as a result of parental rage, spousal abuse, and the torture of the elderly are bred of the same callousness of the torturer. The teasing, insulting, excluding, and humiliating of students, the inflicting of pain, are learned from watching it practiced as the national and international way of reacting to others who frighten us whom we feel we cannot control and so must kill."
. . . excerpts from "The New Stations of the Cross" by Megan McKenna

We have learned to breathe under water, to live in spite of the death-dealing that surrounds us. We should be drowning in remorse, sputtering and choking in rage, but instead we adapt to a new reality so we can continue in our daily life, floating along unaffected by the cries of children being abused, wives being beaten, prisoners being raped, by Jesus being crowned with thorns. Is this how you created us, oh God? Take away our ability to inflict pain, and our desperate need to look away from pain inflicted in our witness. Help us see the holiness in each of your children, and lead us to repent for our self-centered view of the world.

We pray for victims of violence, for the restoration of their physical and spiritual wholeness. We pray for those who have given up on life, and thus feel no remorse. We pray for all who are locked in the prison of poverty and need. We pray for those who feel unloved, unworthy, unnecessary. We pray for persons trapped in addiction. We pray for victims of prison violence, those falsely accused, all who are wrongly imprisoned, and for prisoners on death row.

Save us from our complacency that allows us to breathe in the violence of the world. Open our lungs that we might cry out with on behalf of those who can not, free our hands that we may act on behalf of those who are bound by fear and hatred. Push us forward when we want to stand back. Show us the way to be your people.

In the name of Jesus, we pray.

Jesus is Judged by Pilate

Mark 15:12-15
"What am I to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?" They shouted back, "Crucify him!" Pilate protested, "Why? What crime has he committed?" They only shouted the louder, "Crucify him!" So Pilate, who wished to satisfy the crowd, released Barabas to them: and after he had had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified.

"This station is about politics, about nationalism and about self-interest and when and how we as religious people and religious institutions stand in collusion with the power of the state to further our own ends." . . . excerpt from "The New Stations of the Cross" by Megan McKenna

Abba, Father, We pray for your protection against harm, physical, spiritual and emotional. Cover us in your love, that we might be protected from the dangers that are present in our world. We lift up all incarcerated men, women and youths, especially these prayers made known to us:

Be with Linda Boyd and help her find success in her rehab. Send your abundant love for Debra Devoe and Della Werch. Lift up your daughers, Carla Ashley and Rhenneonta Hope with your healing love. Guide and protect your children, Beau L. Stevison, Arthur Malone, Marsha Nicole Gatlin and Melissa Wright. Use your servant Kerry Smith as a messenger of your love, and restore him to his community in your grace. Help Esther Werner Nelson and her husband become strong in their faith and love, and show them the way you want them to go in service to you.

We lift up all prison chaplains, administrators and correctional officers. Strengthen them in their faith, inspire them with your abundant love to perform their jobs with fairness and compassion. Protect them from all harm, and cleanse their spirits from the stress, frustrations and anger that might lead them into harmful situations.

We lift up judges and prosecutors, defense attorneys, parole supervisors and policy makers. Sharpen their vision so they can see the truth, and strengthen their will, so they will have the courage to do what is right, even if it is not what is popular.

We pray for our broken society, in which so many lives are thrown away as a result of violence, drug abuse, and reckless disregard for others. Let us see YOU in the face of each of our brothers and sisters, and forgive us when we fail to recognize YOU in our own mirror.

In Jesus name we pray.

Peter Denies Jesus

Mark 14: 66-72
While Peter was down in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came along. When she noticed Peter warming himself, she looked at him more closely and said, "You, too, were with Jesus of Nazareth." But he denied it: "I do not know what you are talking about! What are you getting at?" Then he went out into the gateway (at that moment a codk crowed). The servant girl, keeping an eye on h im, started again to tell the bystanders, "This man is one of them." Once again he denied it. A little later the bystanders said to Peter once more, "You are certainly one of them! You are a Galilean, are you not?" He began to curse, and to swear. " I do not even know the man you are talking about!" Just then a second cockcrow was heard, and Peter recalled the prediction Jesus had made to him: "Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times." He broke down and began to cry.

"When do we begin as Peter did, feigning ignorance about someone, an incident, an issue or teaching of the gospel? Or we deny, either point blank or by obvious silence, that we are connected to Christ, being baptized and calling ourselves followers of the Suffering Servant? When do we or the groups we are a part of in the church refuse to stand in solidarity with others or ignore and resist the teachings of Christ because they may put us in a poor light with others, or in jeopardy? Do we have the same difficulty as Peter in even beginning 'to deny our very selves'?" . . . excerpt from "The New Stations of the Cross" by Megan McKenna

Let the cock crow for us, Lord Jesus, and open our eyes to where we have been too afraid, too weak, to limited in our thinking. Let the cock crow for us, Lord Jesus, and open our hearts to feel remorse for the evil we have done and the good left undone. Let the cock crow for us, Lord Jesus, and show us how we are denying you first place in our lives. Show us how to deny ourselves, and be your true servants in the world.

We lift up the cares and concerns of your children today. We pray for Cynthia Corbin, and her children John and Amanda. Keep watch over them, comfort and calm their anxiety, and protect them from all evil during their separation. We pray for David Flores, Jr. and his wife Renee, keep their hearts joined in your love, and help them persevere. We ask your blessings on Louise Newmeyer, and her Aunt Peachy, and her sister-in-law Becky. Strengthen and support these women for the work you have called them to do. Help them find joy in their family relationships, and know that in all they do, they are serving you. We pray for Delia Cerda to find courage and strength for the living of each day, and that your Spirit will remain with her and guide her in your way. We pray for John Cahill for healing and restoration. We pray for all those who are lost to addiction. Break through their denial, and show them a better way to life in you.

For these brothers and sisters in faith, and for all who are afraid, who are weak, who live limited lives because of our denial of your claim on our lives, we pray for forgiveness, encouragement, and renewal. Let us all walk together as your people.

Jesus is Condemned

Mark 14:55-56
The chief priests with the whole Sanhedrin were busy solicinting testimony against Jesus that would lead to his death, but they could not find any. Many people gave false evidence against Jesus, but their stories did not agree. . .

"Jesus stands condemned. He stands with everyone who has stood before tribunals and courts, without lawyer or counsel, not understanding the language of the culture, those who run out of time in their appeals, those who are tried as adults though they are juveniles, children or mentally retarded or uneducated. He stands with those falsely accused, those who face imprisonment and death because evidence is not allowed to be entered into their trial proceedings, and those who are caught in a system that has decided this was the time to make a statement on being tough on crime--"three strikes and you're out"--or appeal to a consitituency that is mired in its own fears and insecurity and so feels the need to single out someone for punishment. . . . " excerpt from "The New Stations of the Cross" by Megan McKenna


Almighty God, in the person of Jesus, you humbled yourself to walk with us, to share your great love and to teach us what we need to know to be your people. You stood up for the weak and defenseless, you challenged the status-quo, and upset the powers-that-be, so much so that you were condemned. As a people of the cross, you call us to do the same. Show us the way to stand up for the poor, the weak, the hopeless. And give us the strength to follow the vision you will provide.

We ask your blessing on Angela Miller, Martha Duran-Perry, Roseann Ortega and Juanita Arrazo, Dean and Nancy Plotner. For your children made in your image, Daniel Bolls, Gayle Johnson, Sandee Walker, Kevin Brick, and Carrie Walker. We lift up William Buckingham to your tender mercy. We remember the women of the and Gatesville Unit, and Delores Pointer, Brenda White, James H. Mills, Kevin Simon.

Forgive us when we lose our focus on your message. Forgive us for becoming comfortable with our interpretation of your love for us and the world. Challenge us and our status-quo again today. Although the fullness of your message may be more than we can understand, we ask that you continue teaching us, each one who asks, as we continue to walk in your grace, in the name of Jesus Christ.

Prayer List

"Jesus is handed over to sinners. Jesus is handed over to us. It is our responsibility, our grace, and our terrible choice: to kiss Jesus and arrest the goodness of God or to be converted so that God will call us friends."

Loving God, hear our prayers:

We lift up our brother in faith, your servant Jimmy E. Kelley. Show us how to minister to him as he prepares to come home to Houston.

We pray for Barbara Auman upon her release. Guide her steps and strengthen her to keep to the path you have chosen for her life.

We lift up Glolessia Smith and her family, and Sandra Gregory to your tender care.

We ask comfort and strength for your child Veronica Jefferson, who is seeking you in her deep distress. Let her feel you close by as she is renewed and refreshed by your word.

We pray for wisdom and understanding for our sister Patricia Williams.

We join together to lift the concerns of Jeon Sanches, let her know she is already the recipient of your divine mercy, and may her family be healed and strengthened.

We pray for healing and strength for your child Del McElwee. If it is your will, take the pain away from his body. If that is not possible for now, then please show him the way beyond his pain to your all-sufficient grace and love.

Especially today we join our sister in Christ, Amanda Hallock, to pray for her beloved, Daniel E. Perez who sits on death row, and her brother Trevares Wesley who faces a life sentence. Be with them all, protect them from evil, and bring them peace.

". . . Jesus, you call us friends and you share with us all you know of the Father and the deepest dreams and hopes of your soul. May we honor that trust you put in us and be faithful to you as friends. May we never betray your love for us, but if we do, help us to remember that your forgiveness and love is always stronger than our lack of love and sin. "

excerpts from "The New Stations of the Cross" by Meghan McKenna

Betrayed

Mark 14:43, 45-46 And immediately while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the Twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and elders. . . And when he came he went up to him at once, and said, "Master!" And he kissed him. And they laid hands on him and seized him.



". . . C.S. Lewis wrote, 'Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.' And now Jesus has so much to forgive his friend, Judas Iscariot, onte of the Twelve, remembered forever now as the traitor. . . .

Judas's kiss is the signal for the arrest of Jesus. It sets in motion the process that will stop the kingdom coming into the world, will stop Jesus' voice and life. He uses his privileged relationship with Jesus to enable the religious and political system to destroy life. . . . whenever we use our religion, as individuals, or as groups within the church, to act in tandem with political and economic groups that arrest the voice of truth or destroy others, then we are Judas."

excerpt from "The New Stations of the Cross" by Megan McKenna.

Prayer List

Please lift the following up in prayer:

Ms. Liggins, Euricka Posey, Penny G. Williamson, Naomi Langford, Loretta Foster, Jacqueline Harris, Shelia Cormier, Sandra Hall, Sudan El-Amin, Amy Millis, Shakelle Porter, James Ray Perkins, Earl Carroll, Kizzie Chandler, Knakia Willis, Ira Glass, Shakira Strand, Cherrie Howard, William R. Thompson and Salle Thompson, Sylvia Southall, Teresa Clemons and her children Sanoria and Michael, Justin and Christina Lutterman, Katina Kina, all the ladies in C-Dorm at Richland Parish Detention Center, Keith Wilson, Detris Cormier.

Abba, Father, you love each of us as your children. We have too often rejected that love and gotten lost in our own concerns. Thank you for never giving up on us, and for continuing to show us the way to you. We pray for all those in prisons across the country. We ask your protection and guidance, and that these babes in faith will be nurtured by our efforts and by all those who hear your call to serve. We also ask your protection of their families, their parents and children, who are hurting and lost. Heal their broken hearts with your steadfast love. We ask that you guide all of our steps in your meaning and purpose for our lives. Help us to be open to your voice, and to respond to your call.

In the garden...

Jesus prays

Mark 14:33-36
Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him to the garden. He was greatly distressed and troubled. He said to them, "My soul is sorrowful, even unto death. Remain here. Watch." He fell on the ground and prayed if it were possible, that this hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; remove this cup from me: yet not what I will, but what you will."


"This is the prayer of hope and desperation, of acceptance and commitment, the cry for strength and endurance, the prayer that he might live, and if he must die, to die with hope, with steadfast belief in his Father, and if need be, without consolation. He prays to be faithful to what God wants..."



While the disciples sleep...

Luke 22:45-46
When he rose from prayer, he returned to his disciples but found them sleeping because of their grief. He said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Rise up and pray so that you may be faithful."


"We must pray and we must demonstrate again as we begin this journey to the cross that we are dedicated to a life of nonviolence and a life of contemplation, in obedience to our God, following on the way of our brother and master, Jesus." ...excerpts from The New Stations of the Cross by Megan McKenna.

Sculptures are on the grounds of Gethsemane Monastery in Loretto, Kentucky.

Prayer Requests

"My court date is March 13th. Please pray with me for my release from jail. But if its not God's will, please pray that he'll keep me strong, order my steps and that my peace be still." Beverly J. Greer


"I have a friend who is fixing to be released from prison and has accepted God into his life. He is fighting the disease of cancer. If you would, please send him a calendar, and keep him in your daily prayers. His name is Jimmy. God bless." Terri Johnson


"I've seen a lot of people in here lose faith and that scares me... Please keep us in your prayers. I am 41 years old and I had a heart attack here in Sept. & heart surgery in Oct. Please pray for my health." Sharon Wilson

"I am writing you from East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Our dorm is full of prayers and the spirit... Pray for us all: Keisha Braud, Sharon Hill, Linda Wells, Nakia Brock, Terry Williams, Tansy Harris, Brenda Green, Amy Patin, Gisselle Griffin, Janet Ammuson and Valerie Tilley." Keisha Braud

"Beloveds, I shall lovingly lift you up in my prayers. May your blessings be bountiful. The Lord's peace be yours. Glory to God!" Antoinette Frank

"I am incarcerated at the McPherson Unit for women in Newport Arkansas... Put me on your prayer list." Ms. Renee McCrackin

"I'm having hard times right now. I need faith and reassurance. I love Jesus with my whole heart & I trust that everything happens for a reason. ... I just feel so alone. ... God bless you" Ruthanna McRoberts

"I have a daughter who is a single mother of two young children. Life has been so hard on her while I've been locked up. I try to encourage her with spiritual words with the help of God. Sometimes she wants to just give up. Pray God guides her and gives her strength." Theresa Sluder and Jennifer Sluder

"Please keep me and my family in your prayers." Esther Moreida

"I really need your prayers, so that I may be able to go home soon. I just lost my mother to cancer Jan. 29. My little girl who is 12 has no female right now in her life, just my stepdad and brother who she lives with. I am far away from home, so its too far for them to visit me." Tamara Spears

"...pray for me as well as my family this is a hard period for us." Regina Wilson

"Please remember me in your prayerrs, and my daughter, her name is Lisa, she is in the Navy." Alicia Martinez

"Can you also add me to your prayer list? I need strength to make it through this 6 year prison sentence." Sandy Howard

"God has decided that I am not ready to be released yet. He has given me a three year set-off through the Texas Parole Board so he can continue to keep me 'still' before him and teach me." David J. Thomas

"...I am trying to lead my wife towards the Lord Jesus... by letting her know how prayer has helped me cope with prison life... we are both incarserated for possesion of methamphetamine, a horrible drug that has been viciously tearing our family apart, and I know if we both don't have the Lord in our lives, we will never stay clean. Could you please pray for us both." Wade and Breanne

"Please add our names to your church family prayer list, as well as our families." Vanessa Renee Carr, Shandevaya Weaver, and Cassy Callahan

photo/art by anna tomczak. view more of her work at www.annatomczak.com

Prayers from Prison

"Please help. Even though I pray every night, I don't feel forgiven. I hear you talking to me all the time. But I always dis-obey you. Why? Because You gave me free will. I'm sorry Heavenly Father. I hope you get this letter before its too late..." Lindy L. "If I had enough paper and you had enough time I could write a whole 500 pg. book about one wild and crazy messed up, out of control, worthless life, gut shot, gambling, coke-dealing, stabbed, face smashed car-wreck of a life. When you pray to God, thank him for putting me behind bars." Tim McQ. "Would ya'll please pray for me, I want to change my life. Every time we go to church and they start singing or just talking about God, my heart cry's out to him. Tears just start coming out. ... Please help me." Lydia C.

Since the beginning of this ministry, one of the most awe inspiring manifestations of the Spirit continues to be the hundreds of letters we receive each week from prisoners around the country. This Lenten season, we have pulled out some of the old files to remind us of our imprisonment to sin.
During the Ash Wednesday service, worshipers were invited to come and to see the addresses from all over Texas, from PeeWee Valley, Kentucky and Danbury, Connecticut, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Coleman, Florida. From all 50 states and from 10 foreign countries, we have fulfilled requests for calendar mailings. We posted just a small portion of the letters. Additional letters were read as prayers, and more letters will be used throughout Lent to keep us focused on our committment to help our brothers and sisters in prison, and to also consider our own lives, and the ways in which we lock ourselves away from others and from God.