Seven Last Words: Father Forgive Them
Updated: 8 hours ago
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34) is the first of the Seven Last Words of Jesus from the Cross. While He was still being crucified, He prayed for the very people who were putting Him to death.
No Word is harder to live. This short meditation asks forgiveness for our own sins and a merciful heart like Christ's toward those who have hurt us. Pray it on Good Friday, before Confession, when you are struggling to forgive a family member, coworker, or old wound, and whenever resentment rises. It pairs well with the traditional prayer for enemies.
The Prayer
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." O Jesus, forgive me my sins as I forgive those who have offended me. Grant me a merciful heart like Thine. Amen.
Sources: Traditional Seven Words devotion; classic Passion manuals, public domain.
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