Seventh Saying From The Cross:
Jesus called out … “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
Luke 23:46

Thought Of The Day...
"One of the first bedtime prayers taught by parents was, 'Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.'"

In Jesus’ day, little Jewish children were also taught a prayer. Every night, in houses all across the countryside, little children would pray the words of Psalm

31:5: “Into your hands I commit my spirit.” As parents tucked little ones in to bed, each child spoke those comforting words of trust in the Lord. It’s likely that Jesus too was taught that prayer as a child. And some thirty years later it was the last thing he said before he took his last breath.

On the cross Jesus had reached the climax and the end of his entire mission. And as he took his dying breath, his final words were the words of that prayer he learned at his mother’s knee: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

That’s the type of trust we’re all called to. Jesus had taught earlier that “anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (Mark 10:15). Jesus approached his Father both in life and in death with that simple childlike trust: “Into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Prayer...
Father God, As I come before you in prayer, I am reminded of your love, your grace, and your unwavering faithfulness. You are a perfect Father, always guiding and providing for your children.

Father, I ask that you would teach me to trust in you with childlike faith. Help me to see you as my loving Father, who knows what is best for me and will never lead me astray.

In life and in death, I commit my entire being into your trustworthy hands. I surrender my body, mind, and spirit to you, knowing that you are in control and have a perfect plan for my life.

I pray that you would strengthen my faith and help me to walk with confidence, even in the face of uncertainty and trials. Give me the wisdom to trust in your will and the courage to follow wherever you lead.

Thank you, Father, for your unconditional love and your never-ending mercy. I trust in your love and surrender my life to you, knowing that you will always be with me, guiding me every step of the way.
I pray all this in the name of your loving son, Jesus Christ. Amen.