Crucifixion Prayer

Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. Luke 23:34. You prayed this from the cross while they divided Your clothes. You prayed for the ones who put You there, and You prayed for me too, because my sin helped nail You to that wood.

Lord Jesus, the cross is the center of everything. Six hours on a Roman cross. Three hours of darkness. You cried out to the Father. You gave up Your spirit. The temple veil tore in two. The ground shook. And the soldier said, "This was God's Son."

Father, at the cross, Your anger and Your mercy met and did not fight. The price was paid. The debt was settled. The way home was opened. I cannot add to what You did. I cannot take anything away. I can only receive it and let it shape my whole life.

Hold me close to the cross so nothing else takes first place in me. Your body, broken for me. Your blood, shed for me.

Amen.