7 Prayers Inspired by Jesus 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 Passion of the Christ. I’d read Scripture and knew the story well but it was always easier to imagine the scene through cleaned up artwork and Sunday School drawings.

I don’t want to let myself settle for images that make me feel better. So I’m taking this week to spend more time at the foot of the cross and humbly pray to the God who suffered pure torture to endure the punishment I deserved.

I would love it if you would join me.

7 Prayers Inspired by Jesus Words on the Cross

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them,
for they don’t know what they are doing.”
Luke 23:34

Dearest Jesus, It’s hard for me to picture myself in the crowd shouting, “Crucify Him!” I want to believe I would have stood 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 pain, You asked Your 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 ponder how You 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 those 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 to be punished. Yet, You not only suffered my punishment but You promise me a forever future with You in heaven. I can’t earn it. I don’t deserve it. You simply give it. Once again, I fall at the foot of the cross asking for Your forgiveness through tears of gratitude and a heart full of love and look forward to the day when You will come and take me home to paradise. (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 every detail of our lives. Your ministry included feeding the hungry and healing 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 care and compassion. Lord Jesus, when my days are hard and I feel like no one understands … You do! You’ve been here. You’ve lived it. Thank you, for encouraging me to bring it all my struggles to You and for offering to help and comfort 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. Was this 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 endure.

David prophesied these words generations earlier and like every prophesy promised … You faithfully accomplished it. Jesus, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God! I give my life to You. By Your grace, may I live each day for Your glory and proclaim Your name to all who will listen. 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 that Your people might know and believe You can identify completely with 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, Jesus, 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 come to You, knowing You will help me carry my burden of the day, big or small. 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 did everything You came to do. You testified to the truth. Proclaimed the Good News. 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 God’s people eternal life. 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 when You give me strength. (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 for Your glory. Amen.

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

Whatever is going on in your life today … give it to Jesus. He wants you to know that by God’s grace nothing in the world can separate you 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 so easy for me 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 listening to Jesus and resting His miraculous life-giving grace.

How blessed we are to KNOW that as we focus on Jesus suffering and death – Sunday is coming. His resurrection is a reality and so is ours!

Additional Posts for Holy Week and Easter

Jesus and How to Know if You Have Righteous Anger

Important Things You Need to Know about Foot Washing

An Important Good Friday Question – How Do You See Jesus?

15 of the Best Quotes to Celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection

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