But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God…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” (Acts 7:55, 59-60).
Our Father in heaven, You are a God of amazing mercy and grace. "Love your enemies" You have told us, "do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:27-28).
Father, You know that by ourselves we cannot do this. But You have promised us the power of the Holy Spirit, that enables us to follow the example of the Lord Jesus—who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23).
Thank You for the great encouragement, and strength, and hope, and endurance You give us from the account of Your servant Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, praying for his murderers as he looked up into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55). We know You do not call us all to the same road of hardship or suffering, but train our hearts in steadfast faith, and in righteousness, so that we will be ready to follow wherever You lead.
So often we do not understand Your ways. Our minds do not have the capacity to grasp the countless particulars of all that You ordain, sustain, uphold, administer. In perfect synchrony. In a vast universe we cannot even see. We dare to judge Your purpose though our understanding is confined to a mere human brain. Meanwhile, You are the God who in all things...works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Stephen understood this. You set so many thing in motion even in his horrible death, including an earth-shaking, century-spanning change in the life of a young man named Saul who guarded the coats of the mob. (Acts 7:58).
Teach us the same trust and obedience O God. Remind us that Your measures are not ours. You are able to accomplish Your mighty purpose with our simple daily walk of obedience just as You can with a call to greater sacrifice.
So help us to forgive the stones of treachery, betrayal, meanness, unfair treatment, malice, and unjust action that fall on us in our personal, professional, and family life. We do not know what earth-shaking, century-spanning consequences You may be planning. Teach us to commit ourselves to You, our righteous judge, in the power of the Holy Spirit, loving, forgiving, and praying for those who wrong us.
You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to His people. Praise be to God (Psalm 68:35)!
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