While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:59-60)
The last prayers of Stephen echo those of Jesus. From the cross of his crucifixion Jesus prays, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46) Here Stephen prays, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Also Jesus prays from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Here Stephen prays, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
I wonder how my last prayers may resemble those of Jesus and Stephen, or how they may not.
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