Prayers Inspired by Jesus’ Last Words on the Cross

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It’s hard to think about the reality of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross.

I’ll never forget the first time I watched the movie, The Passion of the Christ. I’d read the Bible and knew the account well but it was always easier to imagine the scene through cleaned up artwork and Sunday School drawings.

But I don’t want to settle for images that make me feel better.

So I’m pausing to spend more time at the foot of the cross, humbly reflecting and praying to the One who suffered pure torture to endure my punishment.

I’d love it if you would join me.

Prayers Inspired by Jesus’ Last Words on the Cross

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”

Luke 23:34

Lord Jesus, it’s hard for me to imagine myself in the crowd shouting, “Crucify Him!” I want to believe I would have followed You, that I would have been standing with John, your mother, and Mary Magdeleine … but I know the truth. You hung on that cross because of me.

My sins condemned You and yet, through Your pain, You asked the Father to forgive me. I am humbled and overwhelmed by Your gracious love. Thank you isn’t enough. Today, I give you my all as I prayerfully meditate on Your love and how You willingly gave Your all for me. Amen.

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:43

Jesus, Like the men being crucified beside You, I deserve to be punished for my sins.

I want to believe my sins aren’t that bad but all sin, any sin, my sin deserves punishment. Yet, You not only suffered and died for my disobedience but You reclaimed me and promise me a forever future with You in heaven.

I didn’t earn it. I don’t deserve it. You simply gave it.

So once again, I fall at the foot of the cross asking for Your forgiveness through tears of gratitude and a heart full of love as I anticipate the day You will come and take me home to live with You forever. (John 14:3) Thank you, Jesus! Amen.

When Jesus saw His mother standing there
beside the disciple He loved, He said to her,
“Dear woman, here is your son.”
And He said to this disciple, 
“Here is your mother.”
And from then on this disciple
took her into his home.

John 19:26–27

Jesus, Your tender words to Your mother and John touch my heart and remind me that You care about even the smallest details of our lives. You fed the hungry and healed the sick both physically and spiritually. You gave sight to those who could not see and sound to those who could not hear.

Nothing in my life goes beyond Your attention, care, and compassion. Lord Jesus, when my days are distressing and I feel like no one understands … You do!

You endured the pain and problems of this world. You experienced the consequences of sin without ever sinning Yourself. Thank you, for allowing me to bring it my struggles to You and for comforting and helping me in times of need. Amen.

Jesus called out with a loud voice,
“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” 
which means 
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34

Oh, dearest Jesus, this must have been the most difficult thing to endure. I sometimes wonder if this was what caused You to sweat drops of blood as You asked the Father to “remove this cup of suffering?” I can’t imagine how it must have felt to anticipate all You knew You would happen as You endured the separation my sin deserved.

David prophesied these words generations earlier and like every prophesy promised … You faithfully fulfilled it. Jesus, I believe You are the Christ, the Son of God! You suffered the unimaginable to save me.

Simply saying “thank you” is not enough. I give my life to You. I give You my all. By Your grace, may I faithfully live for Your glory as I declare the truth of Your love. Amen.

Jesus knew that His mission was now finished,
and to fulfill Scripture He said, 
“I am thirsty.”

John 19:28

Jesus, You spoke these three simple words so Your people might be assured that You understand our humanity.

You were tempted, yet You never sinned. You experienced life through Your senses just like I do. You laughed and cried. You felt anger, joy, and love. Oh, how You love.

Thank you for allowing me to know that nothing in my life is beyond Your understanding. When I am sad and lonely, rejected and betrayed, uncomfortable and tired … You understand. I can bring every burden, fear, and frustration to You confident that You will keep Your promise to help me carry it. (Matthew 11:28) Big or small, it matters to You. I matter to You. Thank you. Amen.

He said,
“It is finished!” 
Then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

John 19:30

Was this Your victory shout! Jesus,

You accomplished everything You came to do.

You testified to the truth, proclaimed the Good News, and fulfilled the Law and the words of the Prophets. You showed people how very much God loves them. You gave Yourself as a sacrifice to save people from their sins. And You died to give us a forever life with You in heaven.

I can imagine You gathering every bit of strength You had to shout, “It is finished!” Victory! The plan promised in the Garden was accomplished and by Your grace … it is well with my soul. Thank you! Amen.

Then Jesus shouted, 
“Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” 
And with those words, He breathed His last.

Luke 23:46

No one took Your life from You. You gave it willingly for sinners … like me.

Perfect love!

Please, Jesus, help me to love like You. My heart’s desire is to “love You, my God, (Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit) with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I want to love my neighbor as I love myself.” I want to obediently follow where You lead and carry out Your will as You reveal it to me. I believe I can do whatever You ask of me and that You will give me the strength I need. (Philippians 4:13)

Lord Jesus, I surrender this day to You. Help me. Strengthen me. And by Your grace, give me all I need to live this day and every day for Your glory. Amen.

As I read and reread Jesus’ last words on the cross, I am always overwhelmed by His love.

Whatever is going on in your life and mine today … it is comforting to know that we can come to the foot of the cross and give it all to Jesus. We can be assured that by grace nothing in the world can separate us from God’s love given in and through Jesus.

Paul wrote:

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38–39

It’s easy to let busyness distract me and problems discourage me but today I’m setting everything aside to sit at the foot of the cross. I’m stopping to reflect on Jesus’ last words of love and I’m resting in the hope of His miraculous life-giving promises.

Promises that assure me that even as I reflect on Good Friday, as I pause and pray … the Good News is – Sunday is coming.

Jesus’ Resurrection is a reality and so is ours!

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