Prayer for Christ the King – Luke 23: 33 -43
Luke 23:33-43
Jesus crucified with two thieves
23:33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.
23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing.
23:35 And the people stood by watching, but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!”
23:36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine
23:37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”
23:38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
23:39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
23:40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
23:41 And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.”
23:42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.”
23:43 He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
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Eternal God,
You have set Jesus Christ to rule over all things
and have called us to be servants in your kingdom.
By your Spirit, empower us to love the unloved
and to minister to all who are in need.
(Pause and breathe slowly in and out.)
Let your Word take root and rule in our hearts,
and let your Spirit shape and govern our lives
until at last we see the fulfillment
of your realm of justice and peace.
(Pause and breath slowly in and out)
Lead us to transform this world
into a reflection of your kingdom,
a kingdom of love, justice and peace.
Help us to live and act as the Lord requires:
to do justice,
to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with you, our God.
(Pause and breath slowly in and out)
Keep us faithful in your service
until Christ comes in final victory
and we join all your saints at the great feast
in the joy of your eternal realm.
(Pause and breath slowly in and out)
Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honor are yours, almighty God,
now and forever. Amen.
adapted from the Book of Common Worship – Christ the King Sunday – PCUSA
