The Crowning of Christ

By Esaias Heidenreich, Passional Betbüchlein (1582)

Image by Lucas Cranach the Elder,
Christ Crowned with Thorns (c. 1509)

I recall, O Lord Jesus Christ,

from the saving and abundantly gracious account of Your suffering and death, how You were crowned with thorns, beaten, whipped, mocked, and spit upon by the angry mob of soldiers in the courthouse, and I firmly believe that Your crown of thorns obtained for me the crown of life and that the rod in Your hand indicates to me that You do not desire to crush me, a bruised reed, or snuff out a smoldering wick. The spit that flowed down Your holy face is a washing away of all my filth, which has inhered in me since my mother’s womb and to which I myself have added. Sanctify and bless me through Your bitter wounds, and be for my poor soul its rock, comfort, and true refreshment when it departs from here.

Amen