Prayer For Those Who Have Hurt You
Dear Lord, you know how hard it is to do what you ask in this verse. You know because you did it. You blessed those who cursed you, even as you suffered in agony on the cross. You asked the Father to forgive those who were torturing you to death.
And you ask me to imitate you in this behavior. I must confess that part of me just doesn't want to do this. I want to ignore your command, Lord. I want to pretend as if it's not really for me. Yet your word is clear.
Help me to bless those who curse me and pray for my enemies. Yes, I ask for the grace to pray for global enemies, for those who would continue to want to hurt me and my fellow citizens. But I also ask you to help me pray for the "little enemies" in my life, for people at work who get under my fingernails, for the politicians whose views drive me crazy, for the check-out clerk who didn't even say "thank you." May my heart be trained so that my first instinct when someone wrongs me is to lay that person before you in prayer.
Today, Lord, I also want to pray for my brothers and sisters who are confronting enemies who do far more than curse. I pray for those who are facing harassment, torture, and even the possibility of martyrdom because of their faith. Yes, I continue to pray for their deliverance, for justice and protection. But I also pray that you will give them the supernatural ability to love as you call us all to love, even to pray for those who hurt them.
I pray in the name of Jesus, who lived what he commanded. Amen.
Dear Merciful Lord,
Thank you for your gift of forgiveness. Your only Son loved me enough to come to earth and experience the worst pain imaginable so I could be forgiven. Your mercy flows to me in spite of my faults and failures. Your Word says to clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. (Col. 3:14) Help me demonstrate unconditional love today, even to those who hurt me.
I understand that even though I feel scarred, my emotions don't have to control my actions. Father, may Your sweet words saturate my mind and direct my thoughts. Help me release the hurt and begin to love as Jesus loves. I want to see my offender through my Savior's eyes. If I can be forgiven, so can he. I understand there are no levels to your love. We are all your children, and your desire is that none of us should perish.
You teach us to let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts. (Col. 3:15) When I forgive in words, allow your Holy Spirit to fill my heart with peace. I pray this peace that only comes from Jesus will rule in my heart, keeping out doubt and questions. And above all, I am thankful. Not just today, not just this week, but always. Thank you for the reminder, Always be thankful. (Col. 3:15) With gratitude I can draw closer to you and let go of unforgiveness. With gratitude I can see the person who caused my pain as a child of the Most High God. Loved and accepted. Help me find the compassion that comes with true forgiveness.
And when I see the person who hurt me, bring this prayer back to my remembrance, so I can take any ungodly thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. (2 Cor. 10:5) And may the confidence of Christ in my heart guide me into the freedom of forgiveness. I praise you for the work you are doing in my life, teaching and perfecting my faith.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
God, I won't lie. I want to curse like a sailor. I am so angry and hurt and disappointed. But, I trust in your unfailing love and know that you desire to see everyone in a right relationship with you. So, I pray for the one who hurt me that you will bless them and help them to come to know you through my example.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Lord, I don't know why this is happening, but I pray that through this situation, I can lead someone to you. I pray that you use me any way you choose so that your name may be glorified even through this dark situation.
Lord, when I have no where to go, I turn to you. You are the rock that I stand on so help me to find my strength. I am weak from suffering and I have no where else to turn. Only you can restore honor to my name as I have been falsely accused. My spirit is shattered but help me to find hope in you.
Thank you Lord for reminding me of your faithfulness. Though this pain is overwhelming at times, I am encouraged to know that you have equipped me with just what I need to deal with it. Because of you, I can and will endure it according to your purpose for my life.
God, I want to retaliate. I want to exact revenge on those who hurt me. Help me to be strong and allow you to fight on my behalf. Help me to be still.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Prayer: God, I won't lie. I want to curse like a sailor. I am so angry and hurt and disappointed. But, I trust in your unfailing love and know that you desire to see everyone in a right relationship with you. So, I pray for the one who hurt me that you will bless them and help them to come to know you through my example.
In Jesus' name. Amen.