You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…’ Matthew 5:43-44

Heavenly Father,

Because you have first loved us, 

we plead with you to give us the love 

that doesn’t come naturally 

for those who have hurt us 

or made life difficult for us.

The world tells us to stand up for our rights, 

to make sure no one takes advantage of us; 

you tell us to move toward our enemies in love, 

and to pray for those who persecute us. 

By your Spirit, and in your Word, 

you’ve given us ideas 

for how to pray and how to love:

We pray for the difficult people in our lives (and for ourselves)…

To “know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge…” (Ephesians 3:19);

To know your perfect love, for “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:19);

To believe that you are “a God merciful and gracious, 

slow to anger, 

and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6);

To “turn away from evil and do good” (Psalm 34:14);

To “seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).

Father, make us persistent in these prayers, 

and make us consistent in living out the hope of reconciliation 

we have in Jesus Christ.

In Jesus’ enemy-loving name. Amen.

Read Matthew 5:43-48; Psalm 34:14; Ephesians 3:19; 1 John 4:19.