Almighty God, whose dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other that the way of life and peace.
Open our lives to see the way of the Cross to be the way of life, and courageously to take up the Cross and follow in the steps of Christ crucified for us.
We offer this prayer through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, lifted high upon the Cross, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.