Forgiveness and Prayers

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Luke 23:34

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7:59-60

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Col. 3:13

Imagine, Jesus hanging on a cross after being proved innocent by the judge, looking into the eyes of the crowd and saying, "Father, forgive them." or Stephen, who is being stoned to death, as says, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." those are ardent prayers of hearts filled with forgiveness.

these two men knew that hell was even too severe for their persecutors. Jesus and Stephen knew a God who had the power to rescue sinners from their eternal condemnation. we know the same God. His name is Jesus Christ, who is no longer on that cross, but has been raise from the dead, in order to sit at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. AMEN!

these two men could have cursed with their mouths these persecutors; they could have hurled down insults from heaven, but they didn't. why? what kept them from praying to God to take their lives in the most horrid ways? why did these men pray for the Father's mercy upon their sinful lives? probably because they saw the big picture. they knew that even hell is too horrible for their worse enemies. they took seriously Jesus command to pray for your enemies. (Matt. 5:44) they knew that these men didn't understand Jesus, and the purpose for His life - to restore the Chosen People back into a thriving relationship with their Creator.

so these are my questions: are my prayers going up for God to have mercy on sinners? where is my passion thru my prayers? is my attitude that of Christ Jesus or Stephen? do i really see the big picture - that my life is valuable only when Christ is glorified? do i understand that my purpose in life is the glorify God - and anything besides that is meaningless, a chasing after the wind? am i willing to forgive as Christ forgave? what am i doing to sharing the Truth, so that others can gain more understanding of who Jesus is and the His power to transform dull lives into thriving, vibrant lives? why am i afraid to tell others of Jesus' great love for them when i know that hell is so real? what more can i do to keep people from creating walls against Jesus?

Jesus,
I praise You for laying down Your life so that i can communicate with You. Jesus i feel inadequate to communicate You to the people, and yet i know so deeply that we all need You. Equip me, Jesus, to proclaim Your Good News. i want to be Your vessel. i want to glorify You in my life - and my death. i lay down my life to You - please use it for Your glory. please forgive me for laziness in prayer. let my heart and prayers be changed into passion for restoring the lost to You. i love You.
In Jesus' Name ~ Amen

---

*Jenni *David *Paul