"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." These words from Jesus aren’t just countercultural—they’re downright offensive. Yet, they hold the key to a deeper, freer relationship with God and with others.
We often think of enemies as people who have wronged us in big ways. But enemies can be anyone toward whom we feel resentment, hostility, or frustration. Maybe it’s a coworker who undermines you, a family member who pushes your buttons, or someone whose politics make your blood boil.
Praying for these people isn’t about excusing their behavior—it’s about freeing our hearts from bitterness. It’s about letting God transform our perspective, teaching us to see them as He does.
1. Define Your “Enemies”
Start by identifying those you struggle to love. Be honest with yourself—resentment often hides in subtle places.
2. Pray the Prayer of Blessing
Use this simple prayer as a starting point:
- “God bless ________. Give them success and honor above what You give me. Bless their relationships, plans, and efforts. And help them to know they are loved and valued in your Kingdom.”
3. Repeat Until It Feels Real
It’s okay if your prayer feels hollow at first. Keep praying. Over time, your heart will soften, and your words will align with your intentions.
A few years ago, I began praying for someone I deeply resented. At first, it felt insincere, even hypocritical. But as I persisted, something shifted. I began to see this person not as an adversary but as someone deeply loved by God. The walls of hostility in my heart started to crumble, and I experienced a freedom I hadn’t known before.
Praying for our enemies doesn’t just change them—it changes us. It aligns our hearts with God’s, teaching us to love with His radical grace.
Praying for enemies can be a transformative practice to share with others.
- Encourage Accountability : In a discipling relationship, challenge one another to identify and pray for enemies regularly. Share how the practice is shaping your hearts.
- Use It to Heal Relationships : In church settings, use this prayer to address division and foster reconciliation. Imagine the power of a congregation united in praying for those who’ve wronged them or as a means of addressing deep conflict within their community.
- Model Vulnerability : Share your own struggles and breakthroughs with this practice. Vulnerability can encourage others to confront their own resentments.
Praying for our enemies isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most Christlike things we can do. It sets us free from the chains of resentment and aligns us with God’s heart. So, who are you struggling to love today? Start praying for them. You might just find that God does a miracle—not just in them, but in you.
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