Pause: A Month of Prayer in Five Minutes a Dayনমুনা

Proclaim

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil. 4:6)

Prompt

From the outside, forgiveness can seem pretty foolish. Here’s an excerpt from a journal entry I wrote about forgiveness once:

“God, forgiving someone who has hurt me can look foolish. But I trust you that you understand more than anyone what it feels like to be hurt, judged, left out, shamed, and abused. God, you say that our sins have been forgiven as far as the East is from the West. Fill me with the same foolish forgiveness to let everything go and give it all to you. Help me today to fully forgive all those who have harmed me.”

One thing that helps me when I know I need to pray to forgive someone is remembering Jesus was in a position to hold a grudge, and He forgave. After all, His dying words were a prayer for forgiveness:

“Father forgive them…”

Prod

Who do you need to extend foolish forgiveness toward today? Are you willing? Ask God for help today during your prayer time.

Praise

Listen to “This is Amazing Grace” by Bethel Music

Pray

Jesus, thank you for forgiving me! Your amazing grace has freed me from the bondage of my bad decisions, the agony of addictions, and the shame of all my sins. You’ve forgiven me. Help me follow your example and foolishly forgive others. I want freedom, and I know it starts here. Help me FORGIVE! Amen.