On Good Friday, we remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us and for our salvation. In the New Testament, the word salvation can also be translated liberation; it is the same word used when God liberated the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. Good Friday is a day of danger and suffering, but it leads to freedom.

Across the centuries, faithful Christians have worked to echo Christ’s sacrifice, and to bring freedom where and how we can. The Reverend John Rankin was a Presbyterian pastor who devoted his life and ministry to the abolition of slavery in the 1800s. He built his house on a hill in Ripley, Ohio, not far from Cincinnati. That home was often the first stop on the Underground Railroad for Black people seeking freedom, a place where they were welcomed, fed, and sent on their way with hope.

There are 100 steps from the street near the river to John Rankin’s house. “Praying the steps” is an embodied spiritual practice. Every step offers a chance to unite our bodies and minds in remembering what Christ has done for us and for everyone who has sought freedom from fear, sin, and death. You are invited this Good Friday to “pray the steps” by going to the Rankin House and climbing the stairs from danger to liberty.

This practice was originated by Lorie Jo Scott, a member of Crescent Springs Presbyterian Church and docent at the Freedom Center in Cincinnati. She writes,

Jesus knew what it meant to be oppressed, held captive and persecuted, even unto death. Jesus urged us to pray: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth…” Then He urged us to work to build that Kingdom. 

Rev. John Rankin, his family and the people of Ripley Ohio took those prayers and instructions of Jesus to heart during the time of American slavery. The world wasn’t a safe place, so they determined to become safe places, welcoming places, healing and empowering places, regardless of the danger that came their way. They were abolitionists, caretakers, educators, authors – putting every moment and every gift to use, to build Jesus’s Kingdom here. To preach good news to the poor, heal the sick and set captives free… 

On Good Friday, as I climb each of the hundred steps up Liberty Hill, I think about the oppressed Jesus and the modern day oppressed. I think about captive Christ and modern captives – and I meditate about how I might join in the work of building the Kingdom of God. On each step, I might say the Lord’s Prayer, or I might say the Jesus prayer: “Lord Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! I am a sinner.” Both the physical act of climbing and the act of praying are part of this spiritual practice.

This has been a private practice of mine and I am opening it up to whomever wishes to join this year. Personally, I will be in the Rankin House parking lot between 8:15 and 8:30 AM, if you want to meet and pray with me. But this is a meditation you can do on your own at any time before dusk.  

Whether you go to the Rankin House this Good Friday or not, we invite you to give thanks for all those who have responded to Christ’s sacrifice with sacrifices of their own, working so that everyone can live in Christ’s freedom, dignity, and joy.

Know Before You Go:

The address of the Rankin House and Museum is 6152 Rankin Hill Rd, Ripley Ohio, 45167. The parking lot is at the top of the stairs. Most folks climb down and then begin praying the stairs as they climb upward slowly. The stairs are wooden. Please be aware of your own stamina, strength, and safety as you climb. The Museum and House do not open to visitors until April 1, but the outside stairs are accessible.