Prayer Of Thanks For The Cross Of Christ

Christ’s Sacrifice and Prayer Times

Prayer Of Thanks For The Cross Of Christ

The Apostles and the believers of the early church set the third (9:00 a.m.) and the ninth (3:00 p.m.) hour as the times for prayer, and they prayed to God every day at these times.

These hours were not randomly chosen, nor are they coincidental.

The third and ninth hour are the times when Jesus—the reality of all the sacrificial offerings in the Old Testament – was crucified and finally passed away.

Jesus was put on the cross at 9:00 a.m. and He passed away at 3:00 p.m. The disciples kept these hours as the time for prayer every day.

The prayer times kept by the disciples in the New Testament are related to the regular burnt offerings that were offered daily in the morning and in the evening.

God established the heavenly sanctuary as a place to offer sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins; to save all mankind.

And after He showed the heavenly sanctuary to Moses and made him build the shadow; the sanctuary on earth, and ordered him to offer the sacrifices according to His laws (Hebrews 8:5).

The Regular Burnt Offering of the Old Testament

According to God’s command, not only did His people offer sacrifices in the sanctuary to repent of their sins, but also, other sacrificial rituals took place there.

Obviously, all sacrificial rituals were the model of the true sacrifice that would be accomplished in the heavenly sanctuary through Christ (Hebrews 10:1-10).

One of the sacrifices offered in the Old Testament times was the regular burnt offering.

The regular burnt was offered daily in the morning and at twilight, this was done by presenting two male lambs in sacrifice alongside drink and grain offerings. These sacrifices were established as a prophecy of Christ, who is the true sacrifice.

For this reason, Christ was put on the cross at the third hour (9:00 a.m.) and died at the ninth hour (3:00 p.m.).

Since Christ became the ultimate sacrifice, when we pray at the third and ninth hour, our prayers are conveyed to God along with the sacrifice

Ancient Time Keeping vs. Modern Time Keeping

The time system that was kept by Early Church used a different method than what we use today. Although today we are using the 24-hour system, the members of the early Church used a different calculation method for the daytime and the night time.

For the daytime, they used a 12-hour system and set hour zero at the time of the sunrise, and the twelfth hour at the time of sunset (Matthew 20:1-16).

The night was divided into the first to fourth watch, and a watch was made up to three hours (Matthew 14:25, Luke 12:38).

Since the time of sunrise and sunset is different according to the season, there is a time difference for the prayer times in the summer and winter season. For the summer season, the prayer time is at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and for the winter season it is at 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (1)

The Meaning of the Sacrifice At “Twilight”

Some individuals will have a question that could be a potential stumbling block. The command in Numbers and Exodus says to offer one daily lamb sacrifice at morning and the other a twilight.

Because twilight is generally known as the moment of time between day and night, some people would ask why is it that the afternoon prayer time is at 3:00 p.m. and not later when the sun is setting.

The fact is that in the original Hebrew text, the time of the second burnt offering was described as “towards twilight” or “between twilights.” So it wasn’t actually at twilight when the lamb was sacrificed, but the priest would sacrifice the second lamb of the daily sacrifices at 3:00 p.m.

, and it was left burning until twilight and cleaned up before nightfall. The priests conducted the first sacrifice at 9:00 am and leave it burning until 3:00 p.m., then they would sacrifice the second lamb and leave it burning until the end of the day.

This is why Jesus was crucified at 9:00 am and have His last breath at 3:00 p.m., fulfilling the sacrifice of the temple.

Prayer Times Should Be Kept Daily

By Levitical definition, the daily burnt offerings were known as the “perpetual sacrifice.” Perpetual means never ending. Since prayer is “breathing for the soul,” only those who keep the prayer times are the ones who are spiritually alive.

Today, the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) is the only the church that follows the daily prayer times. As the Levitical priests made so much effort to offer the daily burnt offerings to God, then how much more effort should we make to meet God through prayer? The value of prayer time cannot be compared.

Let us keep the daily prayer times remembering Christ’s sacrifice for our salvation.

Источник: //www.thetruewmscog.com/christs-sacrifice-and-prayer-times/

4 Prayers for Forgiveness – For Self and Others

Prayer Of Thanks For The Cross Of Christ

Whether we are seeking forgiveness for our own sins or asking God to help us forgive others, prayer is the first place to start when seeking restoration and healing.  The below prayers can help guide your thoughts and words as you seek being forgiven or help in forgiving others. It is a big step to seek out forgiveness and you have taken a bold step in faith! 

Before we jump into specific prayers for forgiveness, you may want to take some time to consider what God commands of us concerning forgiveness and why it's so critical to be able to forgive. Visit our article: What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?

Prayer to God for Forgiveness of Sins

Even while I encourage you to pray this prayer, I caution you that saying words alone will not save you. Prayer doesn’t save. Only Christ can save. But prayer can be a means of reaching out to the Lord in true saving faith. If you pray these words in faith, Christ will save you. You can be sure of that.

Lord Jesus, for too long I’ve kept you my life. I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. No longer will I close the door when I hear you knocking. By faith I gratefully receive your gift of salvation. I am ready to trust you as my Lord and Savior.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth. I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life. I believe your words are true.

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Savior. Amen.

If you have prayed this prayer in sincere faith, you may want to put your initials by the prayer along with today’s date as a reminder that you have come to Christ in faith, trusting him as your Lord and Savior.
– Dr Ray Pritchard

Prayer for Forgiving  Others

Dear Merciful Lord,
Thank you for your gift of forgiveness. Your only Son loved me enough to come to earth and experience the worst pain imaginable so I could be forgiven.

Your mercy flows to me in spite of my faults and failures. Your Word says to “clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” (Col.

3:14) Help me demonstrate unconditional love today, even to those who hurt me. 

I understand that even though I feel scarred, my emotions don’t have to control my actions. Father, may Your sweet words saturate my mind and direct my thoughts.

Help me release the hurt and begin to love as Jesus loves. I want to see my offender through my Savior’s eyes. If I can be forgiven, so can he. I understand there are no levels to your love.

We are all your children, and your desire is that none of us should perish.

You teach us to “let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts.” (Col. 3:15) When I forgive in words, allow your Holy Spirit to fill my heart with peace. I pray this peace that only comes from Jesus will rule in my heart, keeping out doubt and questions. And above all, I am thankful.

Not just today, not just this week, but always. Thank you for the reminder, “Always be thankful.” (Col. 3:15) With gratitude I can draw closer to you and let go of unforgiveness. With gratitude I can see the person who caused my pain as a child of the Most High God. Loved and accepted.

Help me find the compassion that comes with true forgiveness.

And when I see the person who hurt me, bring this prayer back to my remembrance, so I can take any ungodly thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. (2 Cor. 10:5) And may the confidence of Christ in my heart guide me into the freedom of forgiveness. I praise you for the work you are doing in my life, teaching and perfecting my faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
– Kristine Brown

Short Prayer to Forgive Others

Dear Lord, I thank You for the power of forgiveness, and I choose to forgive everyone who has hurt me. Help me set [name anyone who has offended you] free and release them to You [Romans 12:19].

Help me bless those who have hurt me [Romans 12:14]. Help me walk in righteousness, peace, and joy, demonstrating Your life here on earth. I choose to be kind and compassionate, forgiving others, just as You forgave me [Ephesians 4:32].

In Jesus’ name, amen.
– Debbie Przybylski

Short Prayer to Forgive Yourself

Father, today I ask forgiveness of all the negative and harmful words I have spoken about myself. I do not want to abuse myself in such a way again. Transform my thoughts and let me understand how marvelously you made me. Change my habits so I use my tongue to speak hope and favor upon my life. In Jesus' name. 
– Sarah Coleman

Matthew West – Forgiveness (Official Lyric Video) from matthew-west on GodTube.

Matthew 6:14-15 – For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Isaiah 1:18 – “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be wool. 

Micah 7:18-19 – Who is a God you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

Mark 11:25 – And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” 

Colossians 3:13 – Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31-32 – Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Luke 17:3-4 – So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” 

Read more Bible Verses on Forgiveness at BibleStudyTools.com

If you've been set free from sin and the hurt from others, comment below so that others can live in freedom through forgiveness too! Be a light to our online community and recieve encouragement for your own walk of faith. 

This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Strength
Prayer for Protection
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Serenity Prayer
A Birthday Prayer
Sinner’s Prayer
Prayer for Forgiveness
Prayer for Guidance
Intercessory Prayer
Prayer for Peace
Prayer for Faith
Prayer for Love

Now available is our new Daily Prayer devotional! An easy way to find start your day with prayer, read today’s prayer and sign up to receive by email.

Источник: //www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/4-prayers-for-forgiveness-for-sin-healing-and-others.html

Parish Ministry Resources – Some words about the Cross of Christ in our lives

Prayer Of Thanks For The Cross Of Christ

Volume II – 1999

By Fr. Michael Koblosh

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
(II Corinthians 4:8-10)

One must tread lightly when talking about the Cross and what it might mean. The saying “less is more” is never truer than when one speaks of the Cross, for it is at the Cross—at the breakpoint—that God connects with us once and for all.

A Mother Dying

Here is a true story: a phone call from a young man to a young priest. The man’s wife, 27, mother of two small children, is dying in the hospital—and would I, the young priest, go to see her?

Yes, of course. But as I hang up the receiver, feelings of inadequacy begin to overtake me.

What can I possibly say to this women? What word can be offered that would not sound pat, “religious,” artificial? How could I even begin to understand the depth of her fate, of her fear, of her suffering? “Lord,” I pray, “I don’t know what to say. Help me find and speak some small word, assuring this woman of Your presence and love.”

But, as the saying goes, “Man builds, God destroys.” God has His own ideas, His own way.

A hospital room, a young woman dying, an uncertain priest—a priest who has resolved to let her talk and, perhaps pray some psalms with her. “How are you,” he says, to start the conversation. A short pause. Then, from her lips begin to flow words, words of transforming power.

“Thank you for coming, Father,” she said. “I am dying, but my heart overflows with joy and gratitude that He has allowed me to witness to His love. I have come to know what His cross means and I am so happy to be a part of that.

He loves me and has forgiven me everything, and I know that He will take me to Himself and that He will watch over my husband and my children. I would have loved to have seen them grow up, marry, and to have seen my grandchildren.

But He has given me another way, a better way, and my soul is filled with thanksgiving and joy, and I accept His ways.”

Later, going down on the elevator was going down from the top of the mountain. The priest’s heart is filled with joy and repentance, with tears of gratitude, of humility and amazement, of tender love for everyone and everything. Lord, when we meet You, how simple, beautiful and natural everything is, so filled with radiance.

And how difficult and complicated it becomes when we fall into our sins and, without even realizing it, run to hide from Your face. But when we meet You, something in us is broken, something dies. All that which seemed so important becomes so meaningless, so external, so nothing before You.

“For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God…Put to death, therefore, what is earthly in you….” (Colossians 3:3ff.)

Jesus comes to us at the breakpoint, at the Cross, at the place of pain that so desperately needs healing, yet which we seek so desperately to hide from Him. It is easy to be religious, but how difficult it is to accept His healing power and be healthy. “The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (I Corinthians 1:18)

A Russian Woman On Her Knees In Prayer

Another story: Russia, 1984, Zagorsk, Holy Trinity Monastery: Russian Orthodoxy in all her mystical and spiritual power. It is pre-perestroika, and Orthodox Russia is still nailed to her cross.

It is evening and hundreds of fellow Orthodox brethren are milling about the church, venerating icons and relics, lighting candles, praying…An overwhelming impression of people confessing Christ and continuing to believe in Him even in persecution and in the degrading harassment and disdain they must suffer daily for their faithfulness.

From among the crowd, a woman falls to her knees and quietly but audibly utters, “Gospodi!—O Lord!” A moment, split second, a prayer heard hundreds—thousands—of times.

But never this, for it came somewhere from the very depths of her soul, from the marrow of her bones, from the very pain of her suffering.

I don’t know what her story was, but the power of her prayer seemed to embrace all the suffering, all that river of blood, all that ocean of tears, of fear, of terror, of pain.

For me, it embraced as well the memory of my parents, of my immigrant ancestors, and many of those immigrant “old-timers” who peopled my childhood. There was a time when their world was young and full of hopes for themselves and their children.

But with what dignity, patience, endurance they bore their difficulties, their fears, their sufferings, and their sorrows. An undefinable quality of peacefulness, of “joy-producing” sorrow is their legacy, a quality sometimes radiating from old icons and recognized in the lives of people one meets in life. And it is a quality whose absence leaves everything superficial, dull and lifeless. “O Lord!” At Zagorsk, I was at “home.” I was always there, even from childhood.

Sharing In His Suffering And Death

Jesus was crucified and died on the Cross. They took His body, wrapped it and placed it in a tomb and went home, for it was the Sabbath. But from that time till now, something is happening, some great transforming power is restoring a great peace in the hearts of men and women.

The Church still wends her way through history and is often covered with blood, tears and humiliation. But the miracle of her life is that she knows—knows in a way past all understanding—that the blood, suffering, humiliation and tears are the Lord’s own.

It is the sharing in His suffering and death that is the source of her power and of her peace. It is there that He meets her most totally, most completely.

“Through the Cross, joy has come into all the world!” The transforming, resurrecting power of Christ’s Cross and “life-creating” death is being worked out all around us if we but have eyes that see and ears that hear.

“Why are you weeping,” said the angel to the women who came to complete the burial of the Lord.

Why are you weeping, what is your problem? Everything is forgiven, and He has taken to Himself all the tears, all the blood, all the sorrow, all the fear, all the sickness, all the defeat, and the deaths of each and everyone of us—and He has filled it all with His peace, His joy, and most of all, His boundless, bottomless all-forgiving love. Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, for I have seen your salvation—a light which penetrates even the darkest pit of my soul, washing it in blood, and flooding it with Your inexpressible love, a love that is infinitely more powerful than death. “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3-4)

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:

1. Each person in his / her lifetime has experienced personal tragedy, moments of intense suffering, defeat.

Identify such a moment.How did you cope with the event?

As you reflect on it, what gave you strength to endure it? To move past it?

2. Every parish has experienced moments of tragedy, of intense suffering, times of defeat among its parishioners.

Identify such a moment.
How did your parish react to the event?

3. In what ways can a parish community help the one/ones who are suffering?

4. Where in the large community, do you find suffering, depression, defeat, e.g., hospices, prisons, shelters?

5. How can you as a parish, or as an individual, reach out to these people?

Источник: //oca.org/parish-ministry/commservice/some-words-about-the-cross-of-christ-in-our-lives

Powerful Prayers For Thanks, Blessings and Gratitude

Prayer Of Thanks For The Cross Of Christ

There are times that we feel deeply blessed by the kindness of others, including God our Father.

Did you know that these are some of the best times to offer up a prayer of gratitude and thanks to God? However, we sometimes forget in those moments to stop and express thankfulness to God for the blessings we have in our lives.

Remember that all we have, and all that we own, has been given to us by our Lord. He wants what’s best for us always. Let us remember to thank Him for these things every day. It is His longing to be there for His children!

If the need for prayer request is what you are seeking most, may it be gratitude or thankfulness, whether in your own life, or in the life of someone you love, let us pray for you at the holiest place on earth, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

We have faith that sending your prayer to the place where our Lord Jesus Christ gave his life for us will help your request be granted! It is our honor and privilege to be a prayer warrior for you, and to ask the Lord to watch over you, protect you, and keep you, always.

Please submit your prayer request today.

“You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt You! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 118:28-29

Prayer for Daily Gratitude and Thankfulness

Heavenly Father, my day-to-day routine is so busy. So much so that I sometimes forget to stop to thank you for all that is good in my life.

My blessings are many and my heart is filled with gratefulness for the gift of living, for the ability to love and be loved, for the opportunity to see the everyday wonders of creation. I want to thank you, for those things in my life that are less than I would hope them to be.

Sometimes life is very hard, and it’s a struggle to keep my head above water. Things that seem challenging, unfair, or difficult often hurts.

When my heart feels stretched and empty, and pools of tears form in my weary eyes, still I will rejoice that You are as near to me as my next breath and that in the midst of turbulence, I am growing and learning. In the silence of my soul, I thank you most of all for Your unconditional love.

Prayer for the Gratitude of God’s Unfailing Love

Lord, I am so thankful for the relationship that I have with You. Precious Lord, You initiated this relationship by what Your Son endeavored to accomplish, paying the price for my sins and those of my brothers and sisters, thus redeeming and reconciling me.

You know the times I have been ungrateful, held ill thoughts toward You and others. You know the times I complain and grumble about life and its circumstances, but You love me regardless even when I’m ungrateful.

I am thankful Lord for everything that You allow to cross my path. I am thankful for the decisions that You allow me to make, and the life lessons that come from these decisions.

 I’m thankful, Lord, that I do not have to live under condemnation anymore, and that You have truly set me free! Amen.

Prayer for God’s Thanksgiving

God of all blessings, source of all life, giver of all grace in all things, I want to thank you for the gift of life, for the breath that sustains life, for the food of this earth that nurtures life, and for the love of family and friends without which there would be little happiness in life.

I thank you for the beauty of creation of this great Earth, for the joy that the ear may hear, for the unknown that we cannot behold filling the universe with wonder, and for the expanse of space that draws us beyond the definitions of our selves.

Everything in my life, and the life that surrounds me was drawn and created by Your own hand. For this, I am grateful. Amen.

Prayer for Gratitude Towards Our Heavenly Father

I am so grateful for everything that You have given me. Thank you so much for the loved ones in my life, and for the many ways in which I am cared for and supported on a day to day basis. Thank you for the many ways I can serve and give to others.

 Thank you for the rich tapestry of colors throughout creation, for the beauty that is all around me, and for the skies and the ever-changing environment that surrounds me. My heart is so grateful for all that You have bestowed me within my life. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

It is in Your name that I sing my praises!

Prayer for Gratitude and Thanks In the Morning

Lord, thank you for the goodness in my life. When I wake each morning, I praise Your name! You have given me life that is filled with beauty, and the breath in my lungs is a gift from You.

I pray that You will fill my day with love and sustenance. And may I remember at the end of each of my day’s, to thank you for all that has been placed in my life.

In Your precious name I pray these things!

Prayer of Thankfulness for Blessings Received

My Precious Father, how I praise and thank You for Your many and great blessings that You have showered over us all, despite our foolish ways and sinful pride. How great You are, and what a gracious God that You should care for me despite my manner towards you and others at times.

Thank You Father for Your unconditional and everlasting love. May I grow more and more to be You. I ask that You continue to guide and teach me in all that I say and do, and that I may do all according to Your will.

 I ask You to continue to pour our Your bountiful blessings and mercy on myself and my whole family. Amen.

Prayer of Thankfulness for the Blessing of Jesus Christ

Our dear heavenly Father, may Your name be glorified for You alone are worthy, for You looked down on our pitiful world and chose to give Your only Beloved Son to be the perfect sacrifice to pay the price for the sins of all of Your people.

There are no words that are sufficient enough to praise and bless You for all that You have poured over the heads of Your children, and into the hearts of those that love and trust You.

You alone are worthy of our thanksgiving and praise, and we bless Your name forever and ever, amen.

Verses:

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“For all of this, Your Excellencey, we are very grateful to you.” Acts 24:3

Источник: //www.holylandprayer.com/prayer_for/prayers-for-gratitude-and-thank-you-god/

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