A quadruple murderer named Kevin Cooper is going to be executed tonight (technically tomorrow morning). Anti-death penalty groups are urging California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to delay his execution.
I’m reminded of the execution of Gary Graham in 2000. George Bush was still governor of Texas at the time, and I knew that when it came to carrying out executions, Texas didn’t play.
I remember feeling an overwhelming burden to pray for Gary Graham. His only hope was in Christ. I prayed that he’d be convicted in his final hours and plead with God for forgiveness, accepting the work of Christ on the cross as atonement for his crimes and all the sins he ever committed.
It touched me in a very profound way, this need for redemption. While my pro-capital punishment stance didn’t change, I gained a new perspective on God’s awesome mercy and love toward us.
Tonight I’ll pray for Kevin Cooper. I’ll ask the Lord to have mercy on him and forgive him and receive him into His glorious presence.
Will you pray for Kevin Cooper tonight?
