Week 7: The Crucifixion

 

The hands and feet of Jesus are nailed to the cross in the presence of His afflicted mother and other devoted followers.  Jesus says, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."  He tells the man crucified with Him, "This day you will be with Me in paradise."  He cries out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"  He thirsts.  Then, finally he says, "It is finished," and "Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit."  The side of Jesus is pierced with a lance. His body is taken down and placed in the arms of His mother. Edit Text

 

As we pray these prayers this week, let us consider what it means to ask, “God our Father, by the merits of the crucifixion and death of Jesus, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Amen.”

Day 35, Holy Week Monday: Full Confidence in God

Day 36, Holy Week Tuesday: A Thankful Heart

Day 37, Holy Week Wednesday: Focus on the Good

Day 38, Maundy Thursday: God’s Armor Revealed

Day 39, Good Friday: Seek God

Day 40, Holy Saturday: It is Done – Empowered!

Easter Sunday:  The Way, the Truth and the Life  

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Focus Verse:  Day 40 – Empowered (Adapted from Ephesians 3: 20-21)

 

Now according to You who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than I ask or imagine, according to the power that works within me, to You be the glory in the church and in Jesus Christ to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

 

The final prayer in our 40-day journey expresses the source of the power we now claim as a result of our redemption at the cross.  It is a joyous declaration that our God is able to do more than we can even imagine by the activation of the power released at the cross by Jesus Christ and now residing within each believer.  We acknowledge our own responsibility to claim our empowerment daily as we walk through life with the risen Christ at our side.

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Study Questions:

1.   Has there been an instance in your life when you have experienced the power of God working through you?   How can you access that power daily in your life? 

2.   What do the prayers for this week tell you about the nature of man?  What do they tell you about the nature of God?

3.   What is your personal response to knowing that God will meet all of your needs if you focus on the good and maintain a thankful heart in all things?  

4.   Praying the warrior’s prayer daily (Day 38) has been found by many people to be very effective in resisting evil. What impact do you think praying this prayer for yourself and the world each day might have?

5.  The final challenge for this study is to consider what it means for your own life to claim the resurrection power and know that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.