Today’s Scripture
Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.
Luke 6:28
Big Idea
Do something else revolutionary — pray for the people who cause you pain.
Today’s Thought
OK, if you thought yesterday’s challenge was tough, today’s isn’t much easier! But it’s really a “second step” in the process of desiring God’s best for your enemies. Jesus told us to forgive the people who’ve hurt us — our enemies. But He also told us to pray for these same people. Why?
There’s something powerful about prayer. It’s good and healthy to see prayer as our ongoing conversation with God — but prayer also goes much deeper and holds such power to change our lives. And it’s an essential practice in the process of loving our enemies.
Look at it this way: You’ve gone through a painful situation. A person you once called your friend has betrayed your trust, hurt your soul, and inflicted deep pain. Truly, this person has become your enemy. But then you read the words of Jesus: Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. And your mind immediately thinks of this one person.
You make the decision to forgive. Each day, you wake up and ask for God’s help in forgiving that person. But your feelings toward this enemy don’t seem to change. You become angry and bitter every time you see or think about this person.
Prayer can help God’s transforming work in your life. Pray for your enemy’s salvation — or for God to help this person grow as a Christian. Pray for God’s blessing in that person’s life. Pray that this person would have the best year, best birthday, best class, best competition ever.
Maybe this sounds overly simple. But as you pray for God’s best, your attitude will begin to change. Instead of being filled with anger or bitterness, you’ll start experiencing compassion and concern. The change may not happen immediately, but your prayers will open the door to God’s work in your life as an r12 Christian. Jesus knew what He was talking about. He prayed for the people who persecuted, rejected, and crucified Him. Let prayer for your enemies be the spark of change and transformation in your life.
Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.
Luke 6:28
Big Idea
Do something else revolutionary — pray for the people who cause you pain.
Today’s Thought
OK, if you thought yesterday’s challenge was tough, today’s isn’t much easier! But it’s really a “second step” in the process of desiring God’s best for your enemies. Jesus told us to forgive the people who’ve hurt us — our enemies. But He also told us to pray for these same people. Why?
There’s something powerful about prayer. It’s good and healthy to see prayer as our ongoing conversation with God — but prayer also goes much deeper and holds such power to change our lives. And it’s an essential practice in the process of loving our enemies.
Look at it this way: You’ve gone through a painful situation. A person you once called your friend has betrayed your trust, hurt your soul, and inflicted deep pain. Truly, this person has become your enemy. But then you read the words of Jesus: Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. And your mind immediately thinks of this one person.
You make the decision to forgive. Each day, you wake up and ask for God’s help in forgiving that person. But your feelings toward this enemy don’t seem to change. You become angry and bitter every time you see or think about this person.
Prayer can help God’s transforming work in your life. Pray for your enemy’s salvation — or for God to help this person grow as a Christian. Pray for God’s blessing in that person’s life. Pray that this person would have the best year, best birthday, best class, best competition ever.
Maybe this sounds overly simple. But as you pray for God’s best, your attitude will begin to change. Instead of being filled with anger or bitterness, you’ll start experiencing compassion and concern. The change may not happen immediately, but your prayers will open the door to God’s work in your life as an r12 Christian. Jesus knew what He was talking about. He prayed for the people who persecuted, rejected, and crucified Him. Let prayer for your enemies be the spark of change and transformation in your life.
Prayer
God, I don’t really know how to pray for the best in my enemies’ lives, but Jesus did it for His enemies, and I want to become more like Jesus. Give me inspiration and ideas on what to pray for, and help my heart to change as I seek Your best for my enemies’ lives. Amen.
God, I don’t really know how to pray for the best in my enemies’ lives, but Jesus did it for His enemies, and I want to become more like Jesus. Give me inspiration and ideas on what to pray for, and help my heart to change as I seek Your best for my enemies’ lives. Amen.
Great message. -Jasmin(:
ReplyDeleteAwesomee! When in doubt, pray it outt(:
ReplyDeleteReally good message-gabby :)
ReplyDelete