Marie’s daily verse: 1Timothy 2: 1-2Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 

DAILY DEVOTION, November 7, 2022

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44).

Jesus is speaking in the Sermon on the Mount. It is so easy to pray for those we love; our families, our friends, and even for ourselves. However, it is a different situation when we realize that Jesus called us not only to pray for those we like, but also for our enemies. He implies that we humans, living in a fallen world, will have enemies. I have had a few over the years!  He even tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This means the mean people, the gossips who talk behind our backs, those who want us to be harmed, people who hate us should be prayed for in the name of Jesus.

I have talked about this verse in a sermon so I will not go over that material. The main point is clear. Pray God’s blessings on your enemies. It is a command of Jesus. Do it!

Father, I admit that it is hard to pray for those who want to do me harm. It is even harder to allow anger and revenge to take hold of me. So, I pray for ___________________. May Your love and grace surround him/her. I even pray that the day will come when we become friends. All things are possible with you. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.