Forgive them, Father - Praying for Our Enemies

Loving and praying for those who persecute or mistreat us may be one of the hardest prayers we as Christians are called to pray. By definition, our enemy is one who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something. In our lives as Christians, our enemies are those who persecute or try to impede us from doing the will of our Father. They may be a constant distraction or annoyance or they may be actively working against us.

How difficult is it to even embrace the thought of loving someone that is actively working against what God has called us to do? How much does it hurt when it is someone that we already love and trust that comes against us? Well, think about it. Would a person we don't love and trust be as effective a distraction as someone we didn't hold close or in high regard? Satan is our true enemy and anyone that serves as a persecutor or detractor has allowed themselves to be used by him (Ephesians 6:12).

The would is deeper and the hurt is greater when those persecuting us or mistreating us as we walk with God is someone we know and love. The hurt we experience sometimes causes us to get in our flesh and lash out before we are fully aware of what we are doing. Sometimes, we sit and think--pointedly how we will get back at this person for mistreating us, as it is human nature to hate our enemies. but the Bible admonishes us to act quite different. We are to pray to God for their forgiveness (Luke 23:34a). We are to love our enemies and pray for those that persecute us (Matthew 5:43-45a; Luke 6:27-28). We are to be merciful as God is merciful to us (Luke 6:36).

Last, but not least, we are not to repay evil for evil so there is no getting back at those who have persecuted or mistreated us. We are not to be overcome by evil. Instead, we are to overcome evil with good  (Romans 12:17-21).

The mere fact that the person in question is agreeable to raising up against one who is busy in the work of the Lord is proof enough that they are in need of prayer. We intercede on their behalf that they are rescued from the dominion of darkness (Colossians 1:13-14). We pray that they will come to know the peace of Christ and that it will rule in their hearts (Colossians 3:15). We pray that they will truly become one of God’s children, holy and dearly loved, clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12). We pray that until God's perfect work is done in them that we are protected with the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Enter Into Intercession

Father, we come to You now in the Name of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus, who prayed for, forgave and loved his enemies. We have a perfect example of unconditional love in Your Son, who prayed for those who crucified, for they know not what they were doing. The Lord Jesus was a living example of love. He showed us how to completely forgive every injury that we my be reconciled with those who hurt or mistreat us.

We ask that we are given the great gift of peace that is to be found in overcoming the malevolence and offenses of people with Christian meekness and true love of our neighbor. We further ask You, o grant to our enemies true peace and forgiveness of sins; and do not allow them to leave this life without true faith and sincere conversion. 

Father, we know that Satan roams the earth seeking to devour the righteous and that he will use our closest associates, friends and family to do his bidding. We pray that any plan of the enemy is diverted. We pray that our angels are on assignment for a cease and desist right now, Father. Father, we pray that you will help us repay evil with goodness, and to remain safe from the temptations of the devil and from all the perils that threaten us, in the form of visible and invisible enemies. We pray that Your will be done Father and that we keep our eyes stayed on You and Your purpose and perfect plan for our lives. 

In the mighty name of your son, Jesus Christ,   Amen.