A Prayer from the Cross

Jesus prayed up until the hour of his death.  What dramatic endurance and faith we find as we remember our Lord's death on this day.

We would recall the example of Jesus praying:  "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)  Rather than seeking revenge or speaking words of anger, we discover him praying for forgiveness upon those who crucified him.  It might be hard to imagine such a prayer coming from one who was weak, battered, and felt deserted.  Yet, love still resided in him at the final hour of his death.

What words we find here - asking for forgiveness on those putting him to death.  Jesus realized their own ignorance.  Isn't it the same with us that we don't always know what we are doing?  We might at times deny our Lord - we don't realize it?  Jesus still pleads for forgiveness for you and me.

I hope that Jesus' prayer will serve as an example of the power of faith to you.  May you be deepened in your own prayer life through what Jesus did and said on the cross.

Book on Prayer

I have read through the book Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge by Mark Batterson for this season of Lent and found it very inspiring.  I have always enjoyed being renewed in my life of prayer.

The author ends the book by saying "Prayer is the difference between appointments and divine appointments.  Prayer is the difference between good ideas and God-ideas.  Prayer is the difference between the favor of God and the luck of the draw.  Prayer is the difference between closed doors and open doors.  Prayer is the difference between possible and impossible.  Prayer is the difference between the best we can do and the best God can do."    

I firmly believe as well that the discipline of prayer is essential for the person of faith.  God has given us the privilege to enter into conversation.  We can draw near to God with our deepest concerns.  Of course, there are the many promises in find in Scripture in regard to prayer.  We have every reason to pray!

Here is a book that is beneficial to read to help give you more confidence in your praying.  Have you even read much on prayer to help you along in this discipline?