FOLLOW ALONG WITH OUR AUDIO VERSION OF TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL

A PRAYERFUL LIFE

READ

“I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”—Matthew 5:44–47 (NIV)

REFLECT

During His ministry, Jesus shared a lot of truths that are honestly the opposite of what the world teaches us. One of the hardest of these truths is His command to love and pray for our enemies.

Today, pray the Lord would bless and open the eyes of the people who you may otherwise consider “enemies” or “rivals,” those who hurt you or who you would deem difficult. Ask Him to help you love and see even those you disagree with in the same way He does.

PRAY

Father, I’m following Your example and command by praying for my enemies today. I pray You’d saturate my life with the Holy Spirit’s power to release any unforgiveness, cynicism, suspicion, thoughts of revenge, or hateful emotions toward them. Give me the wisdom to bless, love, and serve them. And Father, I pray You’d reveal Your Son to them. I pray for their salvation and redemption. I pray You’d heal and free them from any brokenness that has led them to this point. Work in them, Lord. Amen.

FOR THE FAMILY

DISCUSS

1. It’s so hard to love your enemies and pray for people who may not like you. Why do you think Jesus commands us to do this?
2. Who is someone you struggle to love, and how can you pray for and be kind to them today?

PRAY

Father, today I’m following Your example and command by praying for my enemies. I pray You’d show them who You are and help me to love and bless them. I pray You’d rescue them like You rescued me. I pray You’d heal them from any brokenness they’ve experienced. Help me to be kind and courageous with how I change the way I act towards them. Amen.