the greatest prayer
“As Stephen was being stoned he could be heard praying, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ ” —Acts 7:59
King David prayed to the Lord: “Into Your hands I commend my spirit” (Ps 31:6). In this prayer, David put his trust in the Lord (Ps 31:7).
Jesus prayed this same prayer on the cross right before He died. This was a prayer of supreme trust even to death. Jesus prayed not only to God; He specifically addressed God, the Father (Lk 23:46).
St. Stephen prayed Psalm 31:6 and Luke 23:46 right before he was martyred for love of Jesus. He addressed this prayer not to the Father, but to Jesus, Lord, that is, God. Stephen prayed this prayer audibly even while being stoned by a crowd of murderers (Acts 7:59). This was not the last prayer Stephen prayed. After he gave his life to Jesus, Stephen “fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them’ ” (Acts 7:60; cf Lk 23:34).
Let us pray with David and trust God with our lives. Let us pray with Jesus and trust God the Father in our deaths. Let us pray with Stephen and trust the Lord Jesus. Let us forgive as Jesus forgave even on the cross. Jesus, Lord and God (Jn 20:28), teach us to pray Psalm 31:6, Luke 23:46, and Acts 7:59.
Prayer: Father, I put my life in Your hands.
Promise: “I Myself am the Bread of Life.” —Jn 6:35
Praise: St. Anselm was twice exiled because he defended the authority of the pope.
Reference: (For more Life-Changing Prayers from the Bible, view, download or order our booklet on our website.)
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