Christ's crucifixion

Start by spending a couple of minutes taking a fresh look at the sacrifice of Jesus. For example:

• Behold how the gory cross is the everlasting glory of God’s Son, slain for the sins of the world.
• Behold how his earthly agony provides insights into holiness and the love that’s at the heart of the Trinity.
• Behold how his crucible gives us insights into the depth of our curse, requiring nothing less for our redemption.
• Behold the full extent of the costs and the benefits of his death for us.
• Behold how his spectacular supremacy is displayed and magnified in all of its power by the victories obtained by his sacred sufferings—by all he achieved for us out of his dying in our place.[1]

Then, pray for yourself: Father, take me into more of Christ today.

Take me into more of the redeeming work of his cross until I understand more fully what it means to be crucified with him so that more of the victories achieved at the cross might be lived out through me as he lives in me.

Pour out within me clearer, deeper insights into the sufferings of the Lamb who was slain. Show me his wounds, something like Thomas experienced. Show me how every wound bleeds with saving glory.

Pierce my heart with the revelation of the one who was pierced through for my transgressions.

Then fill me with the praises of heaven, where saints and angels proclaim: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain . . . to the Lamb be all praise and majesty and honor and riches and power forever and ever.”

When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
(Isaac Watts)

Use this prayer focus to shape your prayers for your own congregation.

Use this prayer focus to shape your prayers for the Church in your city and worldwide.

Pray for God’s answers to these prayers to advance the saving reign of his Son in your city and among the nations.