Disciples Experience God
Through Prayers with a
Heart of Forgiveness
Luke 23:34
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
~ Jesus on the cross
Acts 7:60
Lord do not hold this sin against them.
~ Stephen at his stoning
While Jesus has encouraged us to forgive those who sin against us (and is a great example Himself on the cross), we have a second powerful example in the first martyr Stephen. While he was put to death by stoning, he prayed "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then, falling to his knees, he cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died.
Here is a man who, like Jesus, prayed with and for a heart of forgiveness. And who was experiencing this prayer first-hand? A persecutor of Christ-followers named Saul who would later become the Apostle Paul – blessed with his own Christ-filled heart of forgiveness.
Prayer Prompt
Lord Jesus, forgiveness is such a tender subject, filled with pain, frustration, disappointment and disillusionment. Yet forgiving others can be so freeing, even cleansing, capable of putting a bounce in our step. You call us to forgive others as You forgive us. This can only be done with Your help. As You have worked forgiveness in me, so also work forgiveness through me. Where healing is needed, provide me with the help of Your Holy Spirit the Counselor. Where grief is prevalent, provide me with the help of Your Holy Spirit the Comforter. Where forgiving is hard, provide me with the help of Your Holy Spirit the teacher. Jesus, in Your name I pray. Amen.
Immersed in the Word of God
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 139:13-18
- For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb. - I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,
I know that full well. - My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
- Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. - How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them! - Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
Micro-Meditation Action
Read the verses of the Psalm two times. Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.
Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.
Micro-Meditation Pondering Point
No one knows you as well as the One who knit you together in your mother’s womb – no one.