September 14 – Pray for Those Who Hurt You
Scripture
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Matthew 5:44 (ESV)
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies…and pray for them which…
persecute you.” (KJV)
Encouragement
Some people are easy to pray for.
Others are not.
When someone has wounded us, treated us unfairly, spoken against us, or caused pain in our lives, prayer may be the last thing we feel like offering on their behalf.
Yet Jesus tells us, “pray for those who persecute you.”
He does not ask us to pretend the hurt did not happen. He does not call wrong behavior right. Instead, He calls us to respond in a way that is completely different from the natural response of our hearts.
We pray.
Praying for someone who has hurt us does not mean asking God to give them everything they want. We can pray that God will work in their heart, reveal truth, bring repentance where it is needed, and draw them closer to Himself.
And as we pray, God also works in us.
Bitterness begins to loosen its grip. Anger is surrendered. The desire to retaliate gives way to a willingness to leave justice in God’s hands.
Sometimes this kind of prayer begins very simply:
“Father, I do not know how to pray for this person. Please help me.”
That is enough to begin.
Jesus did not merely teach this—He lived it. Even while suffering on the cross, He prayed for those who crucified Him.
When we pray for those who hurt us, we are following in the footsteps of Jesus.
Prayer
Dear heavenly Father,
You know every hurt I carry and every person who has caused me pain. Sometimes praying for them is difficult. Please help me obey You even when my feelings resist. Work in their heart according to Your will, and work in mine as well. Keep bitterness from taking root in me. Help me forgive, surrender justice to You, and respond in a way that reflects Jesus. In His name, amen.
Thought for Today
When I pray for those who hurt me, I choose the way of Jesus over the way of bitterness.
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