Prayers from the Cross of Jesus: # 1 "Father, Forgive Them"

Hiraeth Community Prayers

Contemplating and meditating on the 7 Cries of Jesus on the Cross recorded in the gospels.

In this prayer, a reflection on what Christ has achieved as much as what He said, we are reminded that the forgiveness that Jesus offers is of a different order completely to the forgiveness we extend. The grace of God is this, that before we could acknowledge our guilt or ask for His forgiveness, Jesus was making a way.

Written and read by Sammy Davies

Inspired by Luke 23:33-34

You have revealed to us the better way

To bless those who curse us

To pray for those who mistreat

You have commanded us

To love our neighbours as ourselves

With no statute on how they might act

But God, our living God, our God made flesh

You do not simply instruct and direct

But You go before us and have lived as we ought to live

When Christ, so innocent, took our place

From that place, He looked down and forgave

We seek forgiveness when our guilt overwhelms

We pursue forgiveness when our failings are revealed

Yet Christ prayed for our forgiveness when we were unaware

Christ paid for our forgiveness when we had yet to confess

Truly that is love

To cover over for another

Without persuasion or pleading

To cancel a debt without application

When You open our eyes God

To our lowly position, our feeble estate

Already the place at Your table has been set

Because Christ Jesus has gone before

Jesus - Thank You

For moving towards us

While we were still turned away

You command

You instruct

But, Jesus, You lead the way

To pray for those who mistreat

To bless those who curse us

To love our neighbours as ourselves

You have revealed to us the better way

And by the Son summon us to walk it

Amen