Azdaelaire
Prayer Partner
And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. - Luke 23:34 Devotional: A South African woman stood in an emotionally charged courtroom listening to white police officers acknowledge the atrocities they had perpetrated in the name of apartheid. Officer ### acknowledged his responsibility in the death of her son. Along with others, he had shot her eighteen-year-old son at point-blank range. He and the others partied while they burned his body, turning it over on the fire until it was ashes. Eight years later, ### and others arrived to seize her husband. Hours later, ### came to fetch the woman. He took her to a woodpile where her husband lay bound. She was forced to watch as they poured gasoline over his body and ignited the flames that consumed his body. The last words her husband said were "Forgive them." Now ### stood awaiting judgment. South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission asked the woman what she wanted. "Three things," she said. "I want Mr. ### to take me to the place where they burned my husband's body. I would like to gather up the dust and give him a decent burial. "Second, Mr. ### took all my family away from me, and I still have a lot of love to give. Twice a month, I would like for him to come to the ### and spend a day with me so I can be a mother to him. "Third, I would like Mr. ### to know that he is forgiven by God and that I forgive him, too. I would like someone to lead me to where he is seated so I can embrace him and he can know my forgiveness is real." As the elderly woman was led across the courtroom, ### fainted. Someone began singing "Amazing Grace." Gradually everyone joined in. Forgiveness is sometimes hard for us to give, but I would think that most of us have not had to forgive someone like this woman did. If she could find it in her heart to forgive...what is stopping you Prayer: Father God, remove the hardness of my heart so that I can forgive those that have wronged me. Please open the hearts of those I have wronged and allow them to forgive me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have.