Lent Series: Easter (finally)

A Prayer from Rwanda

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A Lenten Prayer of Gratitude

Thank you for the darkness that fell that we might have light.
Thank you for the veil that tore that we might see the Holiest of all.
Thank you for the earth that shook that our universe might stand still in the audience of One.
Thank you for the blood that dripped that we might flow in the direction of God.
Thank you for every thorn that pressed into the crown that we might live as royalty.
Thank you for the nails that pierced so we too would enter into the Son.
Thank you for hanging off the earth that our feet might be planted in the heavens.

Thank you for the spear that spilled blood and water that our earth might respond with life and fire.
Thank you for the wooden beams that were heavy so that we and a Cyrene might carry it.
Thank you for the scourge of 39 that fell so that our scourge might be taken.
Thank you for the spittle that caked on the eternal face that we might not be ashamed.
Thank you for the sweat and blood that dropped off the agonising brow so that our excruciating pain might have prior expression.
Thank you for being naked that we might be clothed in redemption.
Thank you for the betrayal that hurt so that eternity would be faithful to us.
You were forsaken that we might be wrapped up in the arms of heaven.

The scars formed that we might be reborn, smoothe, soft, unscathed.
Then You screamed; that all hell might hear.
‘It is finished.’
But we, we have just begun.

There is no chapter in our experience too dark for him to read in the light of the epilogue. These scribal marks don't disfigure- they shape...they are not a branding, they are a death and resurrection. The pain of your past is not in your future. Focus, friend. Focus.

For it pleased Him in bringing many sons to glory to make the captain of their salvation perfect through suffering... Hebrews 2:10

-Published with permission from my friend and colleague in Rwanda, Dr. Barnabas Alayande.