Stephen’s Prayer For Forgiveness

As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.

Acts 7:59-60

Stephen, a deacon of the early church, courageously proclaimed to the Jews the true identity of Jesus and the purpose of his death and resurrection. For his forceful and persuasive proclamation of the Good News, he was stoned to death. As he was being pelted with stones, Stephen started praying. First, he committed himself to the Lord. He was completely at peace that God would receive him into his kingdom. Even more surprisingly, Stephen’s last words before he died were a prayer for his killers—asking God to forgive them.

Many times in life we will experience mistreatment at the hands of others, perhaps even for taking a stand for the Lord. May God so infuse us with his love and mercy that we, like Stephen, may pray for those who persecute us.

• Dear Lord, have mercy on . . .