40 Days of Prayer: Day 39

Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?" And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, began saying, "This man is calling for Elijah." Immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink. But the rest of them said, "Let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him." And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!" Matthew 27:45-54

Dear God,

As I think about the events of this day, I am so thankful. It was a day of pain, agony, and confusion. But it was a day of victory, as Jesus accomplished what You put Him on earth to do. I thank You for sending Him here to die for my sins and I give You praise, Jesus, for humbly obeying Your Father even to death on a cross.

I can't imagine what it would have been like to be there that day; to feel the earth shake and see the rocks split, and to see dead people come to life again! But I know that I am blessed that Jesus' work on the cross reconciled me to You, God; the veil of the temple was torn in two and now I can go directly to You.

Help me to never take for granted the events of this day. And may every day that I live bring glory to You for what You have done for me.

In Your Name,
Amen.