Prayer based on Acts 7:60. Themes: Forgiveness, Martyrdom, Death

Dear Lord,

As I read the verse where Stephen kneeled down and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” I am reminded of your promise in Psalm 103:12 that says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

Lord, I claim this promise today and ask that you remove all my sins from me. Help me to forgive those who have wronged me and to love them as you have loved me. Give me the strength to let go of any bitterness or resentment in my heart and to extend grace and mercy to those who have hurt me.

Thank you for the example of Stephen, who even in the midst of persecution and death, chose to forgive and love his enemies. May I have the same courage and faith to follow in his footsteps.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Verse: He kneeled down and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7:60

This is a Promise. The verse is describing the final words of Stephen before he died, and he is asking God to forgive those who were stoning him. There is no command given to the reader.