Holy Week: Praying the Stations of the Cross

This year's observance of Holy Week was, personally, the most powerful one I've ever experienced! Like always, it was insanely busy (nine services in six days), yet the times of prayer, contemplation, and multisensory experiences really impacted me. It's kinda hard to admit, but this isn't always the case. Sometimes it's easy for me to become so consumed by the challenge helping others "connect" with the Lord in meaningful ways, that I end up missing-out somewhat myself. This normally doesn't bum me out too much, because long ago I decided that I had chosen a life in full-time ministry not for what I can get, but for what I can give. But lately I've been reminded that I can only "give" others what I have received myself.

It was on Tuesday of Holy Week that a small group from the church I pastor traveled into the Cajon Pass, on the boundary of the Angeles National Forest (45 min. away), to pray through the Stations of the Cross. This all took place at a place we call Prayer Mountain, although it's official name is "All Nations Holy Mountain" -- an amazing prayer retreat created by a Korean Presbyterian pastor. Prayer Mountain is in fact, nestled in the mountains. And one of the prayer venues they've created there is a "Via Dolorosa" -- a paved prayer path that winds its way up and along the mountainside to it's final destination: a 70' cross. Along the way, the "stations" of the cross are housed inside what look like "shuttle-bus stops." If you'd like to see a quick video clip, click here. Each "station" is appropriately numbered, and contains a plaque engraved with a scripture passage that corresponds to that particular station of the Cross.

The group that participated this year was awesome. I was deeply moved by the way we all opened up with God and with each other as we prayed through each of the fourteen stations. Wow! The prayer guide I put together for this journey was adapted from prayers written by Mike Clay -- many of them real butt-kickers! Plus, we all sensed the amazing way that God's Spirit was weaving our "discoveries" through prayer together -- incredible! Click here if you'd like to download our prayer guide for the Stations of the Cross (in Microsoft Word).

About half way up the mountainside, we stepped off of the Via Dolorosa path in order to enter one of Prayer Mountain's amazing prayer caves. These were hand-hewn from the rock by the founding pastor, and are designed in a distinctively Eastern/Asian way. Once you've removed your shoes, you step onto a wooden floor, take one of the provided mats, and choose a place to sit down and begin to pray. Believe me when I tell you that there is NOTHING like praying in one of these prayer caves. There's just something about being "in the bowels of the Earth", combined with a profound sense of holy silence, that has made these caves one of my favorite places to pray over the past 5-6 years that I've been going to Prayer Mountain. For a quick video peek inside the cave, click here.

When we finally made it to the top, and to the final station -- the view only added to the wonderful experience of journeying to the Cross of Christ in this way. Click here
for a video clip.

Despite how rewarding this experience has been for us over the past two years, I'm still blown away by how few people are interested in juggling their schedules around in order to give God some special time for the purpose of prayer during Holy Week. I guess our overly individualized, self-justified practice of faith convinces us we don't need to make such sacrifices. Heck, why should we? Especially since God accepts us just the way we are, right?

Well...Holy Wednesday was also a wonderful experience -- the first "Vespers" service that many of my fellow Free Methodists had ever experienced. More about that later...

Comments

[Scott]

Would you tell us exactly where All Nations Holy Mountain is?

[Chris]

Scott -- All Nations Holy Mountain is located on Swarthout Canyon Rd., just off of Historic Route 66 (Cajon Blvd.). From I-15, exit Cleghorn, go South on Cajon Blvd, and West on Swarthout Canyon Rd. This is a maintained dirt road, which serves as the back way up to Wrightwood. This area is known as the "West Cajon Valley."

[Heidi]

do you think my youth pastor husband would mind if I moved to California to come to your church?? what an amazing HOLY WEEK you had! Maybe we'll just travel for Easter next year as a family? I think that would be a better choice! :)

[Chris]

Heidi -- LOL! Come on out here! And hey, you never know -- Benjy and I have been talking how as Paradox continues to grow, he'll be shifting his focus there and we'll need to hire a new youth pastor! :D

[Heidi]

We'll definately keep that in mind! :) We're 'desert people' at heart, but in truth we're pasty irish/scandinavian folk who slather on latex paint as sunblock to keep from burning, so becoming 'desert people' in real life is probably a stretch. Although to serve in/with the caliber of people you are/have and in the type of ministry you are doing it would be worth the stretch!

[Josie Dowler]

Hello, I read your article and I am trying to locate a phone number for "All Nations Holy Mountain"- I have heard of this place and would like to call to set up a reservation. Could you please help me?
Sincerely,
Josie D

[Louise Walling]

I have heard about prayer mountains. I would like to go and spend some quiet time there. I live in Fontana California. Which is the closest one? And how can get there?

Thank you very much.

Louise Walling

[Eero]

I need plenty more belief, plenty more power of prayer and more Holy Ghost with me. Please pray also that God gives me gifts of God's grace.

[D.J. Robinson]

hello!!
how do i find the address or info for prayer mountain??
i really want to check it out!
dj 904 553 3535

[doris lewis]

i need to know where prayer mountain is perris cal preferably or close by 714 9284565