why we have to pray for our enemies


Do you wonder why God asks us to do certain things? He doesn’t NEED us to do anything. For Him. I think sometimes He asks (tells) us to do things. For US. You know that whole pray for your enemies crap. I hate that. I mean it’s not like I can pray “Lord, would You mind sending a lightning bolt down, smack in the forehead” though sometimes I wish I could, and I wish He would listen. But darn it, He doesn’t. You know I never pray “give them what they deserve” either. Because I don’t want anyone to pray that for me. I don’t want what I deserve, thank you very much. I want Grace.

When we are praying for our enemies or at least someone we are not too fond of, we end up changing our hearts, don’t you think? How can ice form on a heart that is praying for good things to happen? How can satan get behind us when God is all around us? It’s so much easier to forgive when we get a little closer to God in prayer.

I have had a lot of people hurt me in my life, intentional or not, it’s happened. Sometimes on my own watch, sometimes when God even warns me it’s happening. But one of the things I’ve learned is that you can’t hate if you pray. Prayer is part of worship. Worship part of loving God. God is love. It’s like the easiest algebraic mathematical equation solved.


God = love

Thanks God for giving us prayer. Amen.

Psalm 18:3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

Matthew 5:44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Luke 6:27-28 27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Comments

Sara said…
this just washes grace over my heart everytime i think about it and yet; i still need reminding. thank you for being HIS voice this morning. love you.
Mrs. Mac said…
What a gently reminder to live in God's gift of grace ... not self's desctuctive mode of hate. Thanks
Tonya said…
Thank you for the Reminder.
Big Dave T said…
Thanks for stopping by my blog. A fellow Michigander too!!
Go Tig--oh, too late or that now :(

I like Mrs. Mac's comment here. I've found that it's easy to get worked up when you get involved in internet forums. Especially with those who seem to have such a destructive point of view. It's easy to sink into that "self-destructive mode of hate."

Spirituality and God is a great place to find inner peace.
MSU gal said…
wow did i need to read this! lately i have been thrust into a situation where I am forced to interact with not so very nice people every day. it has really been getting to me and you just reminded me an area where i need a LOT of work. maybe someday soon i will be able to pray for them.