Jesus Prays for Forgiveness From the Cross
Jesus
As nails were driven through His hands and feet, Jesus' first words from the cross were a prayer: 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' In the moment of His greatest suffering, He prayed for the very people causing it. He didn't curse them. He didn't demand justice. He asked the Father to forgive them.
[34] And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. (ESV)
- •Jesus' first prayer from the cross was for His enemies, not Himself. He recognized their spiritual blindness — 'they know not what they do.' He modeled the very teaching He had given: 'Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you.' His prayer extended grace in the face of injustice.
Forgiveness is not a feeling — it's a choice, and often a prayer. When we are wronged, our first response can be to pray for those who hurt us. Forgiveness doesn't minimize the wrong; it releases it to God. Jesus' prayer from the cross is the ultimate model of grace under suffering.
Jesus prayed for His enemies in His moment of greatest pain. He didn't wait for an apology. He didn't wait for them to understand. He forgave while the nails were still in His hands.
Father, forgive them. Forgive the ones who hurt me, who don't understand what they're doing. I release my right to retaliate. I give You my anger, my pain, and my desire for justice. Help me to pray for those who wrong me, as Jesus did. Free me from the prison of unforgiveness.
Continue talking to God in your own words.
Repentance & Forgiveness
Browse guided prayers for this topic