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.