Prayer of Trust D21042022

RENEW REFRESH REFOCUS

CASNFCI SCRIPTURE & PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Prayer of Trust:

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”— Acts 7:59.

The first Christian martyr, Stephen, understood that God could be trusted as his heavenly Father. Stephen was able to witness Jesus before the Jewish religious council. He accused them and their ancestors of persecuting the prophets. And he charged them with murdering the Righteous One, Jesus Christ. Eventually, the council would listen no more. They rushed at Stephen and dragged him outside the city to stone him. And while they were bombarding him with rocks, Stephen prayed. In his darkest moment on earth, he turned to God in trust: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” That sounds like the prayer Jesus himself offered from the cross: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Stephen’s prayer wasn’t one of panic or fear. It was simply the prayer of one who understood that because God is our Father, we can trust in his care even in the most extreme of life’s circumstances. Paul summed up this picture of a servant suffering for the sake of his Lord with these words, "that I may know CHRIST, and the power of His Resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, … unto His death." Philippians 3:10. Paul also gave us that wonderful encouragement, that " God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13.

In Jesus’ final prayer from the cross and Stephen’s prayer, we learn that even in the darkness, confusion, and mystery of our lives we can trust that we are always held safe in our Father’s hand (John 10:29).

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for the example of Stephen. Help me to live a life that is pleasing in Your sight even to the end. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Rev. Isaac G. Y Bangalu Founder & CE

Couples & Singles Network for Christ Initiative

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Thank You.