Note: As a personal, spiritual discipline, reviving my practice in the Lenten season of 2017, I revise the prayers I wrote then for each of the forty days of this Lent; each petition focusing on a theme, a concern weighing on my mind and heart or a care of my soul and spirit.
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On what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions (being a meditation on Colossians 1.21-24 and Romans 8.15-17)…
O Jesus, oft I have pondered Your Apostle’s word, wondering, worrying what would (could!) be lacking in Your suffering for my sake?
For should there be something lacking, making Your sacrifice somewhat, somehow less efficacious: Where, who would I be without the grace of Your salvation?
Then I recall what Your Apostle wrote in another place that I am a child of Abba, Your Father, my Father and an heir with You in salvation if I, too, suffer with You for the sake and in the service of others.
O Jesus, is this, in part, the meaning of Your call that I take up my cross and follow You? I pray You answer me, tell me that I may know the truth of it.
Amen.
Illustration: Crucifixion (c. 1618-1620), Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)
occasional observations of mind and heart, soul and spirit 