Prior to making the first station, the devotion traditionally opens with the following, or similar, prayers.  The prayers may be recited antiphonally by an Officiant and congregation (or a parent and family) – as presented here – or they may be prayed by an individual.

 If the devotion is said in a church, the worshippers assemble in silence.   The procession enters in silence and makes the accustomed reverence to the altar. 

 After a pause, the Officiant begins the devotion as all make the sign of the Cross:

Officiant:              In the Name of the Father, and of the X Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

People:                  Amen.

All:                         Our Father, who art in heaven:

                                hallowed be thy Name,

                                thy kingdom come,

                                thy will be done,

                                    on earth as it is in heaven.

                                Give us this day our daily bread,

                                and forgive us our trespasses

                                    as we forgive those

                                    who trespass against us.

                                And lead us not into temptation,

                                but deliver us from evil.  Amen.

Officiant:              We will glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ:          

People:                  In whom is our salvation, our life, and our resurrection.