Motivation:
After a few services of ‘broader’ material, we decided it would be useful to return to Scripture for a service, and the Psalms presented an excellent opportunity for a station-based service.
We were also hoping that a service promoted on the Psalms might attract some people who might be a bit hesitant to attend a more ‘freeform’ service.
I have to give credit to Sally Dakin and Paula Pocock from St James Ruscombe and St Mary’s Twyford, for the basis to this service which they used in Lent 2004. It was terribly helpful to have the hard leg-work done by then, and then tweak.
Environment:
Usual, but not too dark.
We had a number of stations set up around the front of the church, each with a candle marking out its location. People sat randomly for the opening section, then moved around at their leisure over the next 30-45 minutes before a concluding psalm.
Each of the stations had the passage of scripture printed on a piece of paper, and another paper with the reflection written. To make the text a bit fresher, we used the Contemporary English Version.
Service:
Welcome, and in introduction to station-based worship for those who may not have been familiar with the approach.
Opening Psalm: Psalm 77
Station 1: Psalm 51
(Station had a vase filled with water, and some dissolving sterilising tablets)
God knows about all he wrong we’ve done –
and all the good we’ve failed to do.
We have wronged God as well as others, but
he longs to figve us and set us free from
our guilt and from all that’s past.
Take a tablet and let it represent the things
that you are ready to ask God to forgive.
Drop the tablet in the wateras you ask God to
forgive, and as you watch it allow yourself to
receive God’s forgiveness.
Know that you are truly forgiven…
Station 2: Psalm 91
(Station had about 20 candles lit on a table)
God wants us to trust in him, to experience
his love and peace and let him deal with our
fears.
Allow the candle before you to represent what
you feel anxious or fearful about at this poin
in time, and consider what it would mean to
surrender that fear to God.
When ready, put that candle out, and take the
time to receive God’s peace.
Station 3: Psalm 27
(Station had some blankets, cushions, etc)
God wants us to see his face and hear his
voice, he wants us to come close to him and
spend time with him.
Take time now to spend time with God – Not
for any reason, not for any purpose, not with
any motive, but simple to sit with God.
Sit in that comfortable silence with God that
only the closest and most comfortable of
relationships can enjoy.
Station 4: Psalm 63 
(Station had water, cups, and a plate of grapes)
God wants to satisfy our deepest desires. Tell
him about the empty places in your life; tell
him what you long for.
take some grapes and pour some water, and
as you eat and drink, let God satisfy your
hunger and your thirst, and let him fill you
with his Holy Spirit.
Station 5: Psalm 34 
(Station had some crayons, pencils, and some cut-out paper people)
God knows all about joys and sorrows, and he
shares in the pain of those who suffer.
Take a set of people and let them represent
a a group of people or individuals you’d like
to pray for. They may be people you know
personally or others, far or near, whose
suffering you can imagine.
Write or draw your prayers for these people
on them. Let words, pictures, or colours
represent your prayers to God for them.
Take it home with you as you ask God to help
them and show you what you can do.
Closing prayer: Psalm 67
