Final Prayers

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Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.

Hammer,
spikes,
a tree lifted up,
a helmet of thorns piercing His flesh.
Gentiles given authority by their creator.
Political pawns who may one day
see what they have done.


Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.

A thief,
one thrust upward,
beside the son.
A lost sheep,
rescued from his wandering.
A promise of eternal life,
for asking.


Woman behold your son.  Here is your mother.

Compassion, 
even in the hour.
A trusted companion,
a son of thunder.
The one who leaned close,
deeply troubled,
and asked about betrayal.


My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Jesus quotes
a psalm from of old.
A song of prophecy
a poem
describing every wound
He has chosen
to bear.


I thirst

Mouth dried,
tongue thick,
He has eaten the dust
of creation.
Just one swallow of water,
but sour wine is offered,
to quench.


It is finished.

A ministry too short,
the serpent strikes the heel.
Death ends suffering
for the afflicted,
for the one who saves
and the one
who cries out.


Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.

The world has hope
it doesn't recognize.
For now
it's peace seems gone.
For now
doubt and sorrow
reign.



copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr

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