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Read

Acts 7: 54-60

When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 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.

 

Think

Stephen was the first person in history to die for Christ. The prayer he prayed as he was dying was extraordinary and is worthy of our careful study.

Stephen was being put to death by men throwing rocks at him as hard as they could. As he died his prayer was just like the prayer that Jesus prayed on the cross. Jesus asked the Father to forgive those who were killing Him (Luke 23:34). Similarly, Stephen prayed that the Lord would not hold his killers’ sin against them (v. 60).

As Christians, we have been forgiven sins that would have otherwise crushed us. Now we are to be like our Master, forgiving those who sin against us - even terrible sins.

 

Ponder

  • Why did Stephen pray the way he did?
  • Why is God pleased with a prayer like this?
  • How hard is it for you to forgive?

 

Pray

Spend time in prayer forgiving specifically those who have hurt and wronged you.

 

Prayer and Praise

Psalm 27:8

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

  • Thank You, Lord, for Your word and for those who teach and encourage us in it
  • Thank You for our Connect groups, for Your love, generosity and courage which is displayed through Your people as we meet
  • Please pray for those you are aware of who are grieving or hurting in some way
  • Pray for our Pastors as we commence the book of Revelation, ask the Lord to bless and encourage their hearts as they prepare
  • Pray for the mums and bubs group as they meet