Prayer: Many are our foes, Oh Lord! Many rise up against us and you. They have rebelled against your righteous laws, and they have trampled underfoot that which is good and holy and righteous. They demean your statutes and profane your Name. How long, O Lord, will you wait to execute justice on the earth? Though we witness these atrocities, we confess that we would be like them if not for your grace and mercy shown toward us in the Lord Jesus Christ. Your Son taught us to pray for our enemies and do good to those who wrong us. Therefore, holy Father, we pray that you would be pleased to rescue the many living in enmity toward you by opening their eyes and ears to the truth of your Word and the hope of the gospel.
We pray that you will do what we cannot do, for we are incapable of changing hearts and minds. Although we can proclaim your Word and live as useful salt and light in a dark and decaying world, we can do nothing to affect evil people’s disposition, motives, and intentions. Please rescue them from their sin and spread the glorious gospel across the face of the whole earth. Forgive us, Father, for the many ways we fall short of your command to love others as we love ourselves. We are prone to vengeance and hatefulness. We are inclined to angry words and hurtful actions. We know that man’s anger does not produce the righteousness of God. Please help us and guide us this day, we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Meditation: Ps. 3; Lk 6:27-33; Jas. 1:19-21
