Second Station - Jesus carries his cross

Lord! With you, we carry the crosses of our life, our eyes set on you with faith and hope, but also suffering under oppressive weight. Despite the weakness we so often show, help us to carry the cross of our daily needs and the demands of living through this accursed war, as we suffer the injustices committed by man against man. We beseech you, oh shepherd of our souls and our protector, do not let this night grow even darker, nor allow our poverty to become indigence. We have no bread for our children and our nets are empty. Our future is uncertain and we must struggle to solve our problems. Rekindle in us the desire for justice, despite the pain we have endured, so that our lives do not become aimless, but may be lived in dignity. The weight of the cross grows lighter if we carry it with you and lift it up together. 
 

Prayer

God of love, we come to you with a heavy heart, bearing witness to the suffering and violence that continue to ravage the people of Gaza, and so many other parts of the world. We pray for the end of the bloodshed, destruction and the cycle of vengeance.

May the cry of the innocent – children, elderly, the most vulnerable – soften the hearts of all those who exercise power and influence. Inspire the nations’ leaders to find the courage and wisdom to follow the path of dialogue, reconciliation and a just peace. May they have the moral fortitude to resist voices of hatred and extremism, and in exchange listen to the cries of those who dream of a future bereft of fear.

Give strength and resilience to the people of Gaza and to all those who suffer under the weight of occupation, conflict and oppression. May they not lose hope but find the faith and determination to build a world where mercy, compassion and human dignity prevail.

Lord, we ask that your Spirit of peace may come upon these lands torn apart by violence. May it soften hardened hearts, open closed minds and guide all men along the path of justice, equality and mutual understanding. In your infinite love, put an end to the cycle of violence and lead us to a new era of peace. We ask you this with a humble and contrite heart, because we are all in need of your healing grace. Amen.