"And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do'" (Luke 23:33-34).

Our Lord has much to teach us about prayer, and His life poses many challenges to us as we strive to overcome self. Jesus had just been betrayed by one disciple and denied by another. He had remained silent through a mock trial containing false testimony against Him. He was disowned and delivered up by His own people. His own creation beat Him, nailed His body upon a cross, and lifted Him into the air to become a spectacle for everyone to see.

Despite these indignities and injustices, what are the first words to come from the lips of our Lord upon the cross? "Father, forgive them."

What do we do when we have been sinned against? Do we lash out in anger? Do we pay back evil for evil? Do we hold a grudge against the wrongdoers? Jesus did none of this. Instead, He "committed Himself to Him who judges righteously" (1 Pet. 2:23), which gave Him the freedom to pray for those who were inflicting His pain.

These sinners were not forgiven until each one repented and sought forgiveness through the gospel. However, the Lord sought their salvation - not their destruction. He did not die with bitterness in His heart.

One of the most difficult prayers to come from our heart is an expression of forgiveness for those who are "unforgiveable." Have we learned to pray like the Lord?