On Sunday we waved the palm branches and celebrated Christ’s entry into Jerusalem.
Yesterday, we ate the bread and drank the wine, remembering Christ’s Last Supper.
Today we stand with the women at the foot of the cross, looking up at their dying Lord.
It is traditional on Good Friday to meditate on the words that Jesus spoke from the cross. Taken from all four Gospels, these “Seven Last Words,” as they’re called, are rich with meaning. I’ve included them here from the King James Version:
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
“Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
“Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)
“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)
“Woman, behold thy son! … Behold thy mother!” (John 19:26-27)
“I thirst.” (John 19:28)
“It is finished.” (John 19:30)
As I’ve thought this week about which of these words God might have me pray today as a breath prayer, the words that shimmer for me are “I thirst.” I do not feel particularly thirsty these days. But I am tired. The other night, when I mentioned this, Jack said drily, “Gee, Mama, I can’t imagine why you’re tired. You only have four kids.”
Yes. Four kids. Two babies. A lot of joy. A lot of work. I’m so much better than I was (for which I give daily thanks), but my margins are still thin. I’m still running pretty close to empty. So maybe it’s not so surprising that the thirst-word shimmers: I’m a little soul-parched.
So today, that is my breath prayer, my very small place of identification with Jesus in His agony, my recognition that the water that flowed from His side is the water I need. Living water for my thirsty soul.
I need the living water.
I thirst.
Perhaps you, too, might ponder and pray through these words today? As you read them, slowly, attentively, prayerfully, pay attention: which of them shimmers for you? Might you pray the word that shimmers as a breath prayer on this best and worst of days, a way to remember Christ and his suffering on our behalf?
This post is part of a Lenten series on spiritual practices that cultivate attentiveness to the presence of God.
I remember the exhaustion of the baby days, but those have passed me. My “thirsty” days now are the days when my spirit is weary of “special needs” stuff and I need the comfort of the Holy Spirit to reassure me that this parenting adventure is still in the hands of God. much love to you and your family, Sarah
Hi Kimberlee-
I mentioned to you that I discovered your blog – and I’m so glad I did! It’s a gift to identify with someone who seeks connection with God, is authentic and honest, and is in the midst of “baby days” as Sarah mentions above. Thanks for the invitation to the breath prayer…I think I will be praying, “into your hands I commend my spirit”. Blessings, sister. Kelly
I remember the exhaustion of the baby days, but those have passed me. My “thirsty” days now are the days when my spirit is weary of “special needs” stuff and I need the comfort of the Holy Spirit to reassure me that this parenting adventure is still in the hands of God. much love to you and your family, Sarah
Hi Kimberlee-
I mentioned to you that I discovered your blog – and I’m so glad I did! It’s a gift to identify with someone who seeks connection with God, is authentic and honest, and is in the midst of “baby days” as Sarah mentions above. Thanks for the invitation to the breath prayer…I think I will be praying, “into your hands I commend my spirit”. Blessings, sister. Kelly