God gave me this prayer today, so, although it’s late, it’s absolutely specific to Good Friday. I’ve never prepared a blog so quickly before, so please forgive its rawness, and any errors, which I will try to correct over the next few hours. Normally, you just receive the finished version.
God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16; NLT).
Let me join your constant prayer
For all the world, with faithful care,
One mind with you, Lord, as you share
Our troubles.
Let me join your ceaseless prayer
For all the world, with tender care,
One heart with you, Lord, as you share
Our sorrows.
Let me join your endless prayer
For all the world, with steadfast care,
One soul with you, Lord, as you share
Our anguish.
Let me join your fervent prayer
For all the world, with loving care,
One flesh with you, Lord, as you bear
Our torment.
He took up our pain and bore our suffering (Isaiah 53:4; NIV).
He poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors (Isaiah 53:12; NIV).
Additions later in the day:
11.09am: Continuing to think about and work on today’s blog, this is how Isaiah 53:12 is translated in the Literal Standard Version of the Bible. I thought some of you might find it interesting, especially because of how the present tense is used in the final phrase:
“He exposed His soul to death, And He was numbered with transgressors, And He has borne the sin of many, And He intercedes for transgressors” (my emphasis).
11.17am: When we pray, we join in with Jesus’ constant prayer for all the world. It’s like logging on to a ceaseless Zoom meeting with Jesus leading, and with all the other people who are praying at that moment. So let’s not log off at the “end” of our prayers – let’s just stay logged in all the time!
11.24am: “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV).