The Crucifixion of Christ

He’s waiting for you with open arms at the Cross.  

April’s Awakening, Day 14—For Good Friday  

First the upright wood was planted in the ground. It was not high, and probably the feet of the sufferer were not above one or two feet from the ground. Thus could the communication described in the Gospels take place between him and others; thus also might his sacred lips be moistened with the sponge attached to a short stalk of hyssop. Next the transverse wood (antenna) was placed on the ground and the sufferer laid upon it, when his arms were extended, drawn up and bound to it. Then (this not in Egypt, but in Carthage and in Rome) a strong sharp nail was driven first into the right, then into the left hand (the clavi trabales).

Next the sufferer was drawn up by means of ropes, perhaps ladders; the transverse either bound or nailed to the upright and a rest or support for the body (the cornu or sedile) fastened on it. Lastly, the feet were extended and either one nail hammered into each or a larger piece of iron through the two. And so might the crucified hang for hours, even days, in the unutterable anguish of suffering till consciousness at last failed.

 —Alfred Edersheim  

In the cross of Christ God says to man, “That is where you ought to be. Jesus my Son hangs there in your stead. His tragedy is the tragedy of your life. You are the rebel who should be hanged on the gallows. But lo, I suffer instead of you and because of you, because I love you in spite of what you are. My love for you is so great that I meet you there, there on the cross. I cannot meet you anywhere else. You must meet me there by identifying yourself with the one on the cross. It is by this identification that I, God can meet you in him, saying to you as I say to him, My beloved Son.”

 —Emil Brunner 

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:3–6 NIV   

            It is at the Cross of Christ that you will find forgiveness for every sin. It is at the Cross of Christ that you will find everlasting life with Him. At the Cross you will find healing for every ailment, hope for your tomorrow, and wholeness replacing what’s been lost. With your sin He took your guilt and shame, your sorrow and pain, your despondency and despair, and your weariness and turmoil. He offers His peace and joy, His assurances and promises, an abundant life, and new strength for each day. Meet Christ at the Cross—He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28, 30 NIV).

Pray in the Spirit

Pray with the understanding and pray in the Spirit. The spoken word is powerful and effective.

April’s Awakening, Day 13

To pray in the Spirit is the inward principle of prayer. It comprehends both the spirit of the person praying, and the Spirit of God by which our spirits are fitted for, and acted in, prayer.

 —William Gurnall 

The Holy Ghost has two offices: first, he is a Spirit of grace, that makes God gracious unto us, and receive us as his acceptable children, for Christ’s sake. Secondly, he is a Spirit of prayer, that prays for us, and for the whole world, to the end that all evil may be turned from us, and that all good may happen to us.

 —Martin Luther

Prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the soul to God, through Christ in the strength and assistance of the Spirit, for such things as God has promised.

 —John Bunyan 

Where there is much prayer, there will be much of the Spirit; where there is much of the Spirit, there will be ever-increasing prayer.

 —Andrew Murray

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. Romans 8:26–27 NIV 

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? 1 Corinthians 14:14–16 NIV 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18 NIV   

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, Jude 1:20 NIV

            As Paul clearly delineates in 1 Corinthians 14 above, there are two distinct ways in which believers can pray (and sing praises, as well). First, is the typical way in which we all pray, with the understanding, which is of course praying with the words of our own language. Second, is praying in the Spirit, which is praying in a tongue, an unknown language, words formed and spoken through our vocal apparatus, driven by the Holy Spirit Himself. These unknown words may sound like babbling or groans or mere utterances, but they are still words of a language known by the Holy Spirit, who is the author of all languages since the Tower of Babel, when all the languages of mankind were confounded. We do not know the original language of Adam and Eve, nor do we know with what language God spoke light and all creation into existence with, but regardless, the spoken word is powerful and effective in any language.

            Since the Day of Pentecost in the Book of Acts, when Christ sent the Holy Spirit to us to indwell us, believers have had access to the fullness of the Holy Spirit and the ability to pray in tongues—praying in the Spirit. Praying in tongues is the private prayer language that all believers can access, and is separate and distinct from the spiritual gift of tongues and interpretation of tongues, which is a special gift given by the Holy Spirit to those He chooses, to be used in the public edification of the body of believers. It may sound the same, but the spiritual gift is given to only a select few for public use, while praying in the Spirit is available to all believers who earnestly seek it. Praying in the Spirit is as valid today for believers as it was in the Book of Acts, as I can personally attest, and so too, a multitude of Pentecostals and Charismatics alike, and to negate its existence is unfounded. Praying in the Spirit is the evidence of what is called being filled with the Spirit or Spirit-filled, such that a Spirit-filled believer can pray in the Spirit. Once you have this fullness of the Holy Spirit it is a part of you. Remember, every believer already has the Holy Spirit within them, this is just an extra gifting available to all who eagerly seek it. This all may seem a bit foreign and bizarre, but also remember that God uses the seemingly foolish to confound the apparently wise. Being Spirit-filled is not required by any means for salvation, it simply allows you to experience the fullness of what God has for you as a believer, and to be the most effective you can be in prayer and empowerment of your personal spiritual gifting. God has provided this ability to help us pray when we don’t really know what to pray for or how to pray most effectively according to His will.

            Receiving the ability to pray in the Spirit may be difficult for some, as it requires an earnest desire to receive everything that is of God and it requires a total surrender and submission of self to the full leading of the Holy Spirit. You are allowing the Holy Spirit to literally take control of your thoughts and vocal apparatus and allowing Him to speak. It is best to pray for this in the good company of trusted individuals who have this ability and can help you to receive it. It may take multiple attempts on multiple occasions and if you are apprehensive, fearful, doubtful, or insincere about it, you will, in fact, have great difficulty in receiving it. Once you have it, however, you will find that it is quite natural and flows easily indeed. So, pray with the understanding and pray in the Spirit.  

            And yes, God hears every silent prayer, but remember, if you’re doing spiritual warfare against Satan, he will only hear your spoken words as he cannot read your mind or know your thoughts as only God can do that. And yes, most assuredly the Holy Spirit assists us in our thoughts and words as we pray with the understanding too.

Praying for Those We Like Least

It’s easy to pray for loved ones. Are you praying for leaders you disagree with, coworkers you have a hard time just being around, and all those people in the world that you might consider as your enemy? Difficult indeed, but you should.

April’s Awakening, Day 12

We should not pray only for those whom we like. It is easy to pray for the leader whom we respect or with whom we agree. It is much harder to pray for the leader whose personality is offensive, whose ethics are questionable, who takes the “wrong” position on every issue, or who is in the “wrong” party. Yet these leaders are also ministers of God. They don’t necessarily deserve our vote, but they do deserve our respect and prayers.

 —John Eidsmoe  

There is nothing that makes us love a man so much as praying for him.

 —William Law

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1–4 NIV 

            One of the most difficult things we face as a believer is praying for those against us and those we simply do not like. Yet that is precisely what we are called to do. If we want things to change and people to change and be better, then the first place to start is to pray honestly for them. Believer or not, God loves them all and wants everyone to be saved and come to a full knowledge of Him and be molded into His image. It may just be your prayer that makes the difference. So, instead of grumbling and complaining—pray for positive change. It may just change your heart and understanding as well.  

Prayer Is Everything You Make It

If you’re neglecting your prayers, you’re neglecting everything that is critical in your life.

April’s Awakening, Day 11

Prayer is the ascent of the mind to God. It is an abstract and summary of Christian religion. Prayer is an act of religion and divine worship, confessing His power and His mercy; it celebrates His attributes, and confesses His glories, and reveres His Person, and implores His aid, and gives thanks for His blessings; it is an act of humility, condescension, and dependence expressed in the prostration of our bodies and humiliation of our spirits; it is an act of charity, when we pray for others; it is an act of repentance, when it confesses and begs pardon for our sins, and exercises every grace according to the design of the man, and the matter of the prayer.

 —Jeremy Taylor

I have had prayers answered—most strangely so sometimes—but I think our heavenly Father’s loving-kindness has been even more evident in what He has refused me.

 —Lewis Carroll

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 1 Peter 4:7 NIV 

            Prayer truly is everything that you make it to be. It is your direct line of communication with God and anything and everything that can and should be communicated should be prayed. It is your primary way to praise, worship, and give thanks to Him. It is your primary means of letting your requests be known. It is your questioning for guidance and direction in all decision-making. It is your means of repentance and refreshing your spirit. It is your means to gain wisdom and for life transformation. Prayer is everything that you make it to be. Go to it often, and remember that God always gives the perfect gift and knows precisely what you need and that is exactly what you will receive.

Your Shield, Sacrifice, and Scourge

Pray with the full power and authority of God—pray in the name of Jesus.

April’s Awakening, Day 10

A man who is intimate with God will never be intimidated by men.

 —Leonard Ravenhill

Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge to Satan. Prayer will cease a man from sin; or sin will cease a man from prayer.

 —John Bunyan 

The name of Jesus is a never-failing passport to our prayers. In that name a man may draw near to God with boldness, and ask with confidence. God has engaged to hear him.

 —J. C. Ryle 

By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. Acts 3:16 NIV 

She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her. Acts 16:18 NIV

            Your prayer is an impenetrable shield, a pleasing sacrifice of self to God, and a powerful weapon of warfare against Satan and the demonic spiritual forces of evil. There is certainly great power in the name of Jesus, and as a believer, that power is within your reach to heal and to cast out demons and to bring forth the miracles of God that bring glory to God. Praying in the name of Jesus is your greatest weapon of defense and your greatest weapon of offense. Pray in the name of Jesus and He will certainly be right there. 

Persistent Prayer with Action

Are you putting your prayers into powerful action? God’s probably not going to part the River Jordan if you’ve got a boat to get across.  

April’s Awakening, Day 9

Pray as if it’s all up to God, work as if it’s all up to you.

 —Author Unknown 

Most men pray for power, the strength to do things. Few people pray for love, the quality to be someone.

 —Richard Foster 

All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired, although not in the hour or in the measure, or the very thing which they ask; yet they will obtain something greater and more glorious than they had dared to ask.

 —Martin Luther

Prayer and action, therefore, can never be seen as contradictory or mutually exclusive. Prayer without action grows in powerless pietism, and action without prayer degenerates into questionable manipulation. If prayer leads us into a deeper unity with the compassionate Christ, it will always give rise to concrete acts of service.

 —Henri J. M. Nouwen

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1 NIV

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:21–22 NIV 

            These are some powerful prayer principles that you should never forget—pray persistently, pray with great faith and do not doubt, God’s answer may be surprising to you but it’s always for your best, and after you pray act in full force accordingly doing that which God has already told you to do. Persistent prayer is not annoying to God, it shows the depth of your heart’s desire, so pray in all persistence. Pray without doubt that God will answer and give you precisely what you need at precisely the right time. Never fail to act and be proactive in doing everything that you know to do. God is not going to just miraculously give you everything you need and want while you just sit and do nothing. The more effort you show and the more responsible you are, the more likely to get even more entrusted into your care. You are trusting God and being faithful doing all that would be expected to be done. Put your powerful prayer into action and you’ll see God’s hand mightily move.

Lack of Prayer Means Spiritual Paralysis

Are you praying consistently? If you’re not praying, you’re a paradox of powerless paralysis.

April’s Awakening, Day 8

Bibles read without prayer, sermons heard without prayer, engagements to marriage without prayer, travel undertaken without prayer, homes chosen without prayer, friendships formed without prayer, the daily act of private prayer itself hurried over or gone through without heart—these are the kind of downward steps by which many a Christian descends to a condition of spiritual paralysis, or reaches the point where God allows him to have a tremendous fall.

 —J. C. Ryle  

If we are too busy to pray, we are too busy to have power. We have a great deal of activity, but we accomplish little; many services but few conversions; much machinery but few results.

 —R. A. Torrey 

Of all the duties enjoined by Christianity none is more essential and yet more neglected than prayer.

 —F. Fénelon 

I once thought, in my ignorance, that most people said their prayers, and many people prayed. I have lived to think differently. I have come to the conclusion that the great majority of professing Christians do not pray at all.

 —J. C. Ryle 

Truly we have learned a great lesson when we have learned that “saying prayers” is not praying!

 —J. C. Ryle

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:9–12 NIV   

            It is an unfortunate and all too common paradox to claim to be a Christian and not pray. Yet it is more prevalent and more pervasive in our society today than ever before. A Christian life without prayer is a life paralyzed and ineffective. If you do not know exactly how or what to pray for yourself and others, then the Scripture above is a great place to start. Pray for understanding God’s will for your life and for God’s will to be done; to live a life worthy and pleasing to Him in every way; to bear good fruit in every task that you undertake; to know Him better; to be strengthened with His power to have great endurance and patience; to give joyful thanks to Him in everything; and to look forward to all the blessings He has for you yet to come. Prayer, just like everything in life, is learned by doing, and doing it frequently. Just pray. Pray or be paralyzed.