Tre Ora (The Three Hours)
These reflections build on the themes of the Wednesday Lenten services and are meant to enable us to consider Our Lord Jesus’ Passion through the eyes of those who beheld Him on the Cross. While these incorporate the Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross, they do not necessarily follow the traditional order in which they appear in the Bible. Each theme has the Scriptural reference, a Bible memory verse tied to it, and suggested prayer starters for that theme.
God
Psalm 33:18 –“The eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His everlasting love.”
Prayer Starter: Lord God, Heavenly Father, Your heart was broken when You had to send Your Son, Jesus, to the cross for the sins for which I, and all the world, deserved judgment. May my heart be broken as well, Father, for the things which break Your heart.”
The Passers-by
Hebrews 12:2 –“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”
Prayer Starter: Lord Jesus, You endured the scorn and mockery of those who once acclaimed You as the King of Israel, and then cried out, “Crucify!”, Forgive me for my many sins I commit against you, especially…_________________, and let me not forget how You suffered for me.”
The Elders and Scribes
Psalm 62:1 –“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.”
Prayer Starter: Lord, the ones who should have known the promises of Messiah’s coming were blinded by spiritual pride and failed to recognize You as the Christ. Forgive me for the times when I forget Your gracious promises to me, and help me to grow in devotion and trust in You.
The Centurion
2 Peter 1:2 –“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”
Prayer Starter: Lord, at the utmost time of Your forsakenness from Your Father, it took a Roman military official to declare that You truly were, and are, the Son of God. Grant me courage to confess You as my Lord, especially in the face of opposition and persecution.
Mary
Matthew 1:47 –“My spirit rejoices in God, my Savior.”
Prayer Starter: Lord Jesus, You did not spurn being born of a virgin, but took on our humanity so that we might share in Your divinity. Grant us the humility and trust of Your Mother, Mary, that we might receive You into our hearts anew in devotion each day, and enable us to rejoice with hope in the celebration of Your Resurrection. Then, Lord, may we watch and wait every day for Your glorious return.
Psalms for Prayer, Meditation and Commitment
51, 22, 103, 86, 69, 63, 119:169-176
The Seven Last Words on the Cross
Luke 23:34 – “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Luke 24:43 – “Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
John 19:26-27 –“Dear woman, here is your son. Here is your mother.”
Matthew 27:46 –“My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me?.”
John 19:36 – “I am thirsty.”
Luke 23:46 – “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.”
John 19:30 – “It is finished.”