Pray for Your Persecutors

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:38-48

Wondrous Creator you gave us free will

and brought us each into our people

with unique languages and traditions

you gave us a place to call our home.

The greed and anger of some in power

regularly turns neighbors into refugees

wandering and subjected to cruel torture

you cry as we humans destroy one another.

You taught your disciples to pray always

for the broken and for their abusers

for the unkind and cruel as well as the saints

you know we are all capable of good and evil.

Help us Lord to pray this and every day

for our enemies, friends and the powerful

for do-gooders, downtrodden and tyrants

make us instruments of your loving peace today. Amen.