building bridges

Jesus' prayer was, 'Father, forgive them;

they know not what they do.'

A prayer born in death, writhing with pain.

A prayer risking faith, facing the sorrow.

A prayer living in hope, seeing the future.

My prayer was, 'God, how can I forgive them?

They do know what they did.'

A prayer saying, 'It still hurts.'

A prayer wanting vengeance.

A prayer seeking direction.

My prayer became, 'God, help me forgive them;

they know what they did.'

A prayer saying, 'They were wrong.'

A prayer wanting reconciliation.

A prayer seeking courage.

My prayer became, 'God, forgive them;

they know what they did.'

A prayer that wrestled with injustice.

A prayer that acknowledges weakness.

A prayer that found hope in God's love.

My prayer remains, "God, forgive them;

they know what they did.'

Because forgiving recreates life from death.

Because forgiving cleanses the healing wound.

Because forgiving builds the bridge of freedom.

-Jared Pingleton, The Role and Function of Forgiveness