Tag: The power of the cross

The Power of the Cross: Reflections for Lent

Friends, it is the middle of Lent 2025 and we begin to turn our faces to Holy Week. I find myself in need of lifting my eyes to what Christ crucified truly means to us, His Bride. In the worries of the day, I have not slowed my heart down, I have not stopped to contemplate both the cost and the wealth of what was purchased for me (and for us) at Calvary. Will you join me in turning our eyes, our attention, our prayers toward the Cross on the hill?

This is a beautiful hymn by Sovereign Grace and I was moved not only by the refrain, but by the opening line of each stanza. “Oh to see my name written in the wounds” was a line that I found myself singing, but I had forgotten the context and the actual name of the song. How happy I am for search engines! I found balm for my restless soul, as I let each stanza and every refrain envelop me with the truth of what Christ has done on the Cross. I pray it is inspiring to you as well. Listen to this version as you read and pray through the hymn.

Oh to see the dawn of the darkest day
Christ on the road to Calvary
Tried by sinful men, torn and beaten then
Nailed to the cross of wood

This the power of the cross
Christ became sin for us, took the blame, bore the wrath
We stand forgiven at the cross

Oh to see the pain written on your face
Bearing the awesome weight of sin
Every bitter thought every evil deed
Crowning your blood stained brow

This the power of the cross
Christ became sin for us, took the blame, bore the wrath
We stand forgiven at the cross

Now the day light flees, now the ground beneath
Quakes as its maker bows his head
Curtain torn in two, dead are raised to life
Finished, the victory cry

This the power of the cross
Christ became sin for us, took the blame, bore the wrath
We stand forgiven at the cross

Oh to see my name written in the wounds
For through your suffering I am free
Death is crushed to death, life is mine to live
Won through your selfless love

This the power of the cross
Son of God slain for us, one above, one across
We stand forgiven at the cross.

photo by Photo by Wim van ‘t Einde on Unsplash

 

Confessional Prayer – Holy Week

Friends, as we approach Good Friday it’s appropriate that we take time to ask God to search our hearts, “to see if there is any offensive way in us, and to lead us in the way everlasting (Psa 139). May God grant us discernment, compunction, and contrition as we make our way to Calvary. What a tragic yet glorious phenomenon. We do not have to beat ourselves up, we don’t have to dissect our lives so that we might feel bad enough to think about Christ’s crucifixion. How can it be, that He became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God? Today, tonight, as we sit quietly in His presence, may the Holy Spirit bring to our hearts those sins we long to lay down. I have been cranky, and judgmental, and angry when things did not go my way today. Those sins and so much more I long to be cleansed of. I long to see the “power of the Cross” work its way into my heart. As long as He is nailed to that cross – may our sins be thrown onto Him. Can we release to Him our shame? Our wounds? Our suffering? Of course, we know that He died once, once and for all – but may we, this day, take into our hearts the reality of His suffering and His death.

Begin by centering your heart in God’s presence… Give thanks to Him that you do not need to hide anything from him. Affirm that He is faithful and good, and his mercy and grace are “new every morning.” The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness” (Lam. 3:22-23). 

Now let him begin the process of searching your heart. What is the Holy Spirit revealing to you? Is there anger in your heart? Bitterness? Unforgiveness? Pride? Take time to let the Spirit help you be specific about your sin. How have you not honored God this week? Know that “the grace of God prepares the way for the confession of sin” (Rutledge).  

Then, simply confess in as specific a way you can the sins that trouble you. Don’t rush through this process. Simply rest in God’s presence as He does this. Keep before you the Cross and what Christ has done for you. You may want to hold a cross, or a crucifix in your hand as you confess.

Now choose to let this go and receive Christ’s forgiveness for you. Remember – “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

And finally commit this confession to the Lord. As you rest in his forgiveness ask him how to walk this out. Ask for the supernatural power of His Spirit to give you what you need to move forward. Thank him that you “have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer [you] who live, but Christ lives in [you]” (Gal. 2:20).  

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in me a new and contrite heart that I, worthily lamenting my sins and acknowledging my wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Book of Common Prayer.

The Power of the Cross – Sovereign Grace Music