Hello and welcome to our seven last words meditation.
As we set aside time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice this Good Friday,
The seven last words gives us powerful insight into the thoughts of Jesus as he took all the sins of mankind upon himself.
With these words,
He forgives his enemies,
Forgives the thief,
Cries out to God,
And declares the end of his earthly life.
During this meditation,
We will reflect on the seven last words of Christ,
Which are the final utterances of Jesus during his crucifixion.
These phrases,
Drawn from the four Gospels,
Provides a powerful basis for spiritual reflection and contemplation.
As you prepare for this meditation,
Find a space with minimal distractions where you feel safe.
Consider grabbing some Kleenex and a blanket.
Feel free to adjust the lighting in your space.
Consider having a pen and notepad nearby for reflections afterwards.
Now,
Find a comfortable seated or lying down position as we prepare for today's meditation.
As you bring attention and awareness to your mind and your body,
Begin to soften your gaze or close your eyes completely.
As we begin to take the journey inward,
Meeting God heart to heart,
Spirit to spirit,
And breath to breath.
As you meditate on each of these seven phrases,
Allow yourself to enter into the experience of Christ's crucifixion,
And draw inspiration and strength from his words and his actions.
Now,
Breathe as we reflect on Luke 23 verse 34.
Father,
Forgive them for they know not what they do.
As you breathe,
Meditate on the depth of Christ's mercy.
Even in the face of great suffering,
Consider how you can practice forgiveness and empathy towards others,
Even when it is difficult.
Father,
Forgive them for they know not what they do.
Luke 23 43 Surely I say to you,
Today you will be with me in paradise.
As you breathe and meditate,
Reflect on the assurance of salvation given to those that repent.
The repentant thief crucified alongside Jesus.
Think about the power of redemption and the promise of eternal life,
Even to those who seem undeserving.
Truly,
I say to you,
Today you will be with me in paradise.
John 19 verses 26 through 27 Woman,
Behold your son.
Son,
Behold your mother.
Contemplate the importance of relationships and community in times of hardship.
Jesus entrusted his mother Mary to John,
His disciple,
Signifying the formation of a new spiritual family.
Now,
Reflect on your own relationships and the ways you can support and care for one another.
Woman,
Behold your son.
Son,
Behold your mother.
Matthew 27 verse 46 Mark 15 verse 34 My God,
My God,
Why have you forsaken me?
Consider meditating on the depth of Jesus' anguish and sense of abandonment,
Even as he remained faithful to his mission.
Consider the times in your own life when you have felt alone or abandoned,
And how you can draw strength from these words.
My God,
My God,
Why have you forsaken me?
John 19 verse 28 I thirst.
As you meditate,
Reflect on the physical and spiritual thirst of Jesus on the cross.
This phrase reminds us of Jesus' humanity and vulnerability.
In your meditation,
Consider the ways you can attend to the physical and spiritual needs of others.
I thirst.
John 19 verse 30 It is finished.
Contemplate the completion of Jesus' mission on earth,
As he fulfilled the prophecies and accomplished the work of salvation.
Reflect on the sacrifices you are willing to make in your own life to fulfill your God-given purpose and serve others.
It is finished.
Luke 23 verse 46 Father,
Into your hands I commit my spirit.
Meditate on Jesus' ultimate act of trust in God,
As he surrendered his life into the Father's hands.
Consider how you can cultivate greater trust and reliance on God in your own life,
Even during times of uncertainty and difficulty.
Father,
Into your hands I commit my spirit.
As you continue to meditate on these seven last words,
Allow these phrases to settle in your heart,
Transforming you from the inside out.
Shalom
