“He that prays and does not faint will come to recognize that to talk with God is more than to have all prayers granted – that is the end of all prayer.”

George McDonald, Creation, p. 128.

Prayer in the Life of Jesus

We want to encourage you to grab a journal or a notebook – something to write on as you walk through each prayer guide or devotional. Yes, it will add a few minutes to the time it takes to do the devotion, and it will also deepen your experience and shape your walk with God for years to come. This journal or notebook will be a keepsake to remind you of God’s faithfulness during this challenging season for all of us.

Engage the Word

Today on Good Friday, as we reflect on the cross and what Jesus accomplished for us in His death, we focus on His three prayers from the cross:

Matthew 26:39,42

“Father forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34)

“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt 27:46Mark 15:34)

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46)

Connect the Heart

The crowd that hailed Jesus as their king as he entered Jerusalem turns on him a few days later. But all according to plan. Jesus is the perfect, spotless Lamb required for the Passover sacrifice. As He breathes His last, the curtain in the temple that separated man from God is torn in two, from top to bottom, forever providing free access to God through Christ. But it requires God the Father to turn His face away from His Son, who takes on the sin of humanity to be that sacrifice that God requires. He becomes forsaken and breathes His last. For you. For me.

Reflect on the Truth

1. Jesus’ prayer reflects the reality of His becoming sin on our behalf and being abandoned by His Father, who cannot look upon sin. The Father forsakes the Son. Jesus becomes the ultimate sacrifice. Is your heart – your words, your actions, your desires, your motivations – in a posture to reflect on this act of love and sacrifice? How might Jesus’ example of selfless love be an invitation for you to experience a deeper intimacy with your Savior?

2. Jesus died so that we could live. What might you express to Him in this moment?

Depend on the Spirit

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the deeper longings, desires or motives in your heart that these thoughts are pointing to. (For example: you may write down, “Father, it is difficult to fully comprehend the sacrifice Jesus made on my behalf. Help me better understand.”) The Lord can help us discern the path forward – through His word, His Spirit, His people.

For Prayer: As we conclude our devotional time, let us each pray that God will, by His Spirit, enable us to enter into a deep appreciation for what Christ accomplished for us on the cross.

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Read our post “Why Fast?” to learn about the spiritual discipline of fasting and gain a better understanding of why Jesus asked us to fast. We fast not to get something we want from God, but for God to change our wants. We fast because Jesus fasted, He expected we would fast, and we see that the early church fasted.

Read yesterday’s post HERE.

Catch up on all our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting posts on the blog HERE.