A Prayer about Loving Our Enemies

But I say to you, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’ Matthew 5:44

Lord Jesus,

You knew we’d struggle

to love the friend who shared our shameful secret;

You knew we’d struggle 

to pray for the boss who unjustly let us go.

And yet, you commanded us to do 

what our hearts can’t do 

in their natural state—

love our enemies.

Why?

Because only in loving our enemy 

can we truly understand how you have loved us

—your enemy. 

For, indeed, while we were still sinners, 

rebels in your sight, 

you endured a beating 

that should have killed you. 

While we were still sinners, 

hating you and hating God, 

you felt the nails 

hammering you to the cross (Romans 5:6-8). 

Something happened there 

to change everything, 

to turn love upside down.

Now, empowered by your sacrificial love, 

enabled by your grace, 

we are sent out to do the impossible, 

to love our enemies 

and pray for those who persecute us.

In your enemy-loving name. Amen.

Read Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 5:6-11.