Contemplating and meditating on the 7 Cries of Jesus on the Cross recorded in the gospels.

In this prayer, a reflection on what Christ has achieved as much as what He said, we must acknowledge how differently He sees us, and our relationships, than we see ourselves and each other. What Christ was doing on the Cross was so massive, so far-reaching, that when its results are right before us we can scarcely believe our eyes.

We might call to mind the promise elsewhere that those who give up fields, family and friends in order to follow Jesus will receive 100-fold in His kingdom. As Jesus hung on the Cross, and directed Mary and John to one another, He declared this to be a present reality in His people, the Church.

Written and read by Sammy Davies

Inspired by John 19:25-27

What do we see?

When we look out across Your world?

When we gaze upon Your people?

Filled with wonder, awe and praise

Do we see this place, these people as You do?

There is beauty to be sure

But so too is there brokenness and sorrow

Life without You is a lonely thing

Life minus our creator is monochrome at best

While our hearts search for nearness, yearn for intimacy

Our experience is isolation born of suspicion and fear

But You. With vision so clear

You see

In truth the whole gamut of the work of Your hands

A creation filled with splendour and beauty

And a people not pushed apart but drawn together

We need not fear being alone when we are in You

God, our God, come near so that we would never be far off

You promised that what we lose in order to follow

We will receive back 100 fold in Your kingdom

When the world ridiculous us

You cherish us

When the world insults

You pronounce blessing

When family, friends, and colleagues abandon us

You tell us, “Child of the most High - Look! Here is your household.”

Lord give us those same eyes that see the truth in technicolour

Give us those eyes that, looking down from the cross

Saw what was being recreated in You

Give us those eyes to see

We pray in Jesus name

Amen