The Seven Words from the Cross

1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”Luke 23:34

O God in heaven,
give us patience
that we do not strike back
with revenge for any false accusations
or ridicule we endure from your enemies.
Guide us to remain faithful to your Word,
to follow your divine will,
and to forgive all who have done us harm;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

2. “Woman,behold, your son!” John 19:26

O God,
your Son displayed compassion
for his grieving mother
when he placed her into the care
of his beloved disciple, John.
Take us into your care with compassion.
Guard and shield us
from all the assaults of the evil foe
and from all enemies and persecutors
who seek to take Christian lives;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

3. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

O God in heaven,
from this vale of tears