Praying For Your Enemies (Full Version)

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humbleinspirit -> Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 1:33:45 AM)

Matthew 5:44 says "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you".

My question is what do you pray for? I mean yes, you should pray for your enemies, but what do you pray for your enemies about? Do you pray that they stop persecuting you? Do you pray that they be blessed, saved?

I struggle with this because I have people in my life who I consider enemies and it is a struggle! Because I like to be at peace with all men (and women) however this is not always possible. Your replies are greatly appreciated, thanks!

Mike



SinnerSaved -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 2:14:28 AM)

I do not have any enemies, but if I did, I would pray that God changed my heart to cease counting them as enemies, and to be able to reach out to them, especially if they are one of His lost sheep.



Little_1 -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 2:15:29 AM)

Very good question and relevant not just for yourself but for us all at some time or other in our lives.

Here is a link to Praying for our enemies

We often pray and tell God that we want to be more like Jesus but we are not so willing when He gives us the opportunities to allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate the fruits of the Holy Spirit which were evident in Jesus life during the same kinds of persecutions and difficulties as you are experiencing. Here's what I mean:

If we want to be more Christlike - then we may have to experience some of the things that Jesus experienced likewise. Jesus was mocked, despised, rejected, betrayed, falsely accused...... and Jesus' reactions were amazing throughout such because He was willing to be submissive to the Holy Spirit and ultimately His Father.

Perhaps what you describe is actually God answering your prayers to be more Christ-like.

Can we thank God that He considers us worthy to suffer in any way like Jesus suffered in order to become like Him in character? Jesus often uses our enemies to refine us and make us better people but we cannot pray for our enemies or bless them in our own strength. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His conquering power and to pray for those who are giving you a hard time or who have hurt you. It's not just about praying for those who have wronged you however - it also includes loving them and taking any opportunities that God presents to demonstrate this love in action. Prayer is but one of the actions in loving our enemies that God wants to help us to take.

So my advise to you would be not to allow yourself to be beat down by your circumstances but to take these opportunites and allow the Holy Spirit use them to make you a more Godly person - you will be blessed and your character will grow. This can effectively work for your good in the end as well as the possible salvation of those who have wronged you and my question above: "Can we thank God that He considers us worthy to suffer in any way like Jesus suffered in order to become like Him in character?" will be answered with a resounding "YES". This is victorious Christian living - "Halleljuah".



Giulia -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 5:50:57 AM)

This woman who was very evil (when I was in prison, she did some terrible things to many women and she and I have gone toe to toe a few times because of that) turned up to the NA meeting I go to once a wk. She stared at me. I glanced at her. I prayed for her but it was hard. I was still spooked by her face today, she is bloated and looked like she had black eyes. Hope she comes again so I can talk to her and tell her I don't hate her and that I am trying to love her.



armydude -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 7:09:03 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: humbleinspirit

Matthew 5:44 says "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you".

My question is what do you pray for? I mean yes, you should pray for your enemies, but what do you pray for your enemies about? Do you pray that they stop persecuting you? Do you pray that they be blessed, saved?

I struggle with this because I have people in my life who I consider enemies and it is a struggle! Because I like to be at peace with all men (and women) however this is not always possible. Your replies are greatly appreciated, thanks!

Mike
The best advice I can give is that we should pray that God bless those that we do not like. It's impossible to stay angry with someone when you're praying for that person. Besides, the justice that is coming to someone that hurts you is not in your hands, or it shouldn't be.



buckifn -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 7:13:58 AM)

quote:

My question is what do you pray for? I mean yes, you should pray for your enemies, but what do you pray for your enemies about? Do you pray that they stop persecuting you? Do you pray that they be blessed, saved?


Pray that the light of God's love fills their life. Whatever they are doing now is because they are walking in darkness. Once God's love operates in someone's life they become a new creature...I always pray that God will reveal His love to them in such a way they can't help but accept Him and begin showing His love to others.

I believe our battles are not against flesh and blood but against principalities, forces of darkness..and people are used by the enemy because they do not accept God.

We all have an enemy and that is satan...he goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour....but our God is greater than ANY force that can come against us.

Keep lifting them up in prayer.



maddog4god -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 7:26:52 AM)

I found myself in this position once - I had an enemy that I could NOT forgive at all. I was very angry to a ridiculous degree. (note: my father was killed and this perosn LIED to me about pertinent information and lied and lied and lied and was in a way "responsible" for the circumstances) I had never felt like this about anyone.

First I realized it was consuming my life and realized that I needed to do something about it.

The first "step" I took was to realize and say that not every bad man faces a judge but all men face God. That was going to be my justice.

Then God had me read I believe it was Psalm 73 - it is about standing before God without salvation. it is graphic and terrifying.

Then for a time I prayed for his salvation, but it wasn't "that" simple - I did tell God you realize if he gets saved - I get NOTHING - no justice of any kind.

I no longer do this - but I've moved past this and no longer hold anything against him.

These are steps I think anyone could use.



SonInMe1 -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 7:49:51 AM)

I pray for many of...you...often....

and you know who you are.


muhahahahahahaha



SinnerSaved -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 9:08:06 AM)

^
^
^
ROFL



armydude -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 9:08:49 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SonInMe1

I pray for many of...you...often....

and you know who you are.


muhahahahahahaha
Noted.

*HUGS*


We pray for you too...[8D]



mvic -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 12:48:31 PM)

Hi humbleinspirit,

Great question - and you've been given great advice and testimonies by others.

One of the most difficult challenges about being a Christian is to forgive your enemies, and to love your enemies. How is this possible, I ask, when sometimes our thoughts are focussed on revenge and retribution.

How can one possibly pray for one's enemies - after all they've done?

Sure, Jesus did it - but He was supernatural. Not like us feeble humans.

And that's the challenge - from God Himself. Forgive, love and pray - even if you do it through gritted teeth. Just do it.

I know I did. It was hard. I tried and failed and tried again.

At the end of the day though, the only way you will find peace in your heart is by forgiving, loving and praying for your enemies.

How do you pray? I used a simple formula. I said to God: you know what they did, I now hand over the whole episode to you. Just help me please to forgive them; and heal the hurt they caused me.

In time, (and it takes a long time) the pain did ease.

God bless you.



Liveloved -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 5:23:13 PM)

I think we are fooling ourselves if we don't think we have enemies. Read and pray the psalms and you will know that David and the other psalmist's prayer are frequently centered on praying for their enemies. And although I do not pray for BAD to come to my enemies (as takes place in the imprecatory psalms), I do pray for their repentance. I believe God shows us what is in others so that we will become intercessors for them. But I cannot read about 'violent men' without entering into prayer for those who have done evil to others. Pray! [:)]



Ephesians4_32 -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 5:33:46 PM)

I've prayed both for blessings on my "enemy" and for that person to stop making my life miserable.

Psalm 61
3For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.


Psalm 6
10Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.



SinnerSaved -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 6:52:57 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Liveloved

I think we are fooling ourselves if we don't think we have enemies.


Sorry LL, but I have stated that I do not have enemies (save, as someone pointed out, Satan and his angels). How am I deluding myself? So many Christians seem to believe that if other Christians do not have the same experience as them, then they are wrong, or deluding themselves or even not saved. We all have our own tale to tell.

I have no enemies, and I am not fooling myself.



SonInMe1 -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 6:54:20 PM)

quote:

quote:

ORIGINAL: SonInMe1

I pray for many of...you...often....

and you know who you are.


muhahahahahahaha
Noted.

*HUGS*


We pray for you too...


amen



makarizo -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 9:29:59 PM)

hats off to the men who have no enemies!!!

I have enemies simply because I I carry the gospel in my heart.... as in...
at work, a coworker has these wayyy off the wall ideas about what it means to be a christian, and because of that, he feels it is necessary to cuss and swear a little oftener and a little louder around "that christian guy" and not only that, the need to express the perverted actions he would like to do with any given woman whose name is mentioned. A very bad habit he is stuck in, and talks this way around his 'shack-up's' 12 year old son.
not my mortal enemy, no real hatred between us, but he serves a different master than I do. I am not very persecuted by him, and yet, I pray for him like I would pray for an enemy.



humbleinspirit -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 9:35:13 PM)

quote:

How do you pray? I used a simple formula. I said to God: you know what they did, I now hand over the whole episode to you. Just help me please to forgive them; and heal the hurt they caused me.


Now that could work.

Also, thank you everyone for your replies so far as well!



Cloak -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 9:44:11 PM)

It is hard to pray for our enemies. However, praying for our enemies empties our heart of grudges and resentment toward them. So the best method is to pray for them. I pray that God would bless them and fill their heart with His love, peace and joy.

It is not an easy task to pray for our enemies. Yet we should do it out of obedience. I've done that several times with people who hurt me and I did not feel at all that I wanted to pray for them.



Dakotasunbeam -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/10/2008 11:58:13 PM)

Hi humbleinspirit,


My question is what do you pray for? I pray that they will recieve Christ.

I mean yes, you should pray for your enemies, but what do you pray for your enemies about? Do you pray that they stop persecuting you? Do you pray that they be blessed, saved? I also pray that God prevents stops their wicked devices or takes me off of their mind. I also pray that God will send them away. And from time to time I pray a Psalms type of prayer, "Lord break my enemy in pieces." Usually I'm angry when I pray those "David prayers."

quote:


SinnerSaved wrote:

I do not have any enemies, but if I did, I would pray that God changed my heart to cease counting them as enemies, and to be able to reach out to them, especially if they are one of His lost sheep.


Amazing! Christians are suppose to have enemies. In fact, its not a case of counting individuals as enemies--its more like, they just are. There are times in your life that your enemies will be "at peace with you." But those are seasons. Enemies are real. An enemy can be the result of poor choices on your part, or poor choices on the enemies side. But a true enemy will not forgive as we should (hense that's what makes an enemy). People who have an ax to grind with you should not be feared but prayerfully treated with caution and love. Caution because they are seeking to hurt you. Love because we are called to love our enemies.

I don't get riled up about too much, and I forgive, so I'm not grinding any axes . . . so usually I find people who take issue with me IRL are those who have some moral or Biblical issue. I'm rather straitforward about my faith and I have seen that result in people become unreasonably hostile. Persecution is a part of what we got when we signed up to be with Jesus Christ. A christian with NO enemies is an oxymoron. The Bible say WE should be at peace with all men, but that does not mean ALL men will be at peace with US. It is because of Christ that most Christians will gain enemies and suffer persecution. If you don't have any enemies and you don't suffer persecution then you need to start asking some serious questions pretty quick!

humbleinspirit, what I can say is to keep your heart pure before God. Do not harbor bitterness or anger. Let it go. Forgive. Those who are enemies of the Cross or enemies of the servants of Our Lord are lost, and the evil one is using their ignorance to destroy them on the unbreakable word of God, and the uncurseable(sp) servants of God (believers).

The most important thing is to forgive and let go of the pain and hurt enemies may inflict. Here's a song by Newsboys that has helped me in a tight spot when I was seeking to forgive persecutors. I've added the youtube link. Forgiving and letting go is the greatest thing you can do for your own soul. Vengence is the Lord's He will repay. Keep your peace of mind. Be harmless as a dove but wise as a serpent. Keep love and mercy always before you.

LINK



pstrdebi -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/11/2008 12:11:30 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: humbleinspirit

Matthew 5:44 says "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you".

My question is what do you pray for?


Hi Mike...

I try to pray for God to help me see them and love them the way He does.

I know that it can be hard sometimes... but Jesus asks us to try and be at peace with all men.

Blessings...
Pastor Debi



Focusing -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/11/2008 12:43:26 AM)

We definitely need to pray for those whom we consider enemies. At one point in my life, there was a woman who hated me to the core. She did everything in her power to curse me and try to make me miserable and unhappy. She did not want me to experience any joy or happiness. She did it because she had turned her back on God. (This was someone I knew very well.) I was so very worn down through this struggle, and I just couldn't deal with it any longer and I cried out to God ... I still remember my prayer, and it was one of the best lessons God ever taught me. I begged Him to just make her go away, I didn't want anything bad to happen to her, I didn't wish her dead, I just wanted her to go away and leave me alone, and I truly wanted her to experience happiness and joy in her heart.

Do you know what happened? She up and moved to another state far away from me. It was very sudden and unexpected, a very impulsive move on her part that nobody would ever have imagined her doing.

Even though that was a number of years ago, I'm still in awe of how God worked in that situation. It was nothing short of a miracle ... and it was actually something that set a chain of events into action.

The lesson I learned was that I need to pray for those who wish bad things upon me, and I need to give it all to God knowing that He has everything under control. My job is to stay under His protective wing as I go through the barrage of gunfire, without shooting back.



magdaleine -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/11/2008 3:07:40 AM)

I think it's important to realize that our enemies can be believers as well as non-believers. Problems can arise between believers that are the result of misunderstandings or disagreeing about what God has to say about something. I have had enemies who hurt me incredibly who were wonderful people of God.

How do I pray for enemies (of whatever sort)? Yes, I pray that there be reconciliation but that's more a prayer for me and my benefit, not for the other's. Usually if someone has become an enemy, you know parts of that person's life and so I pray into those things I know. Perhaps the person is single and really wants to marry--I pray that God will bring a spouse. Or the person has difficult relationships with his/her children--I pray for those to be healed. One couple are in charge of an important ministry so I pray for the success of that ministry and for protection from those who would try to stop them. One enemy stormed out of my life quite a few years ago--I have kept the angry letter he wrote and it sits on a low table that I use as an altar to pray at so, like the letter Hezekiah received from Shalmanezzer (I think it was), it is constantly before God in petition for this man's healing and salvation. I think it's important to pray for our enemies whenever they come to mind and, when we feel the hurt again (sometimes for years afterwards), to take that hurt to the cross and affirm that yes, we do and have forgiven that person.



Giulia -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/11/2008 7:51:53 AM)

Praying for our enemies is what sets us apart from the hypocrites, so it is important we do it with and from the heart....even if we have to ask God to help us do it......... we must!



SonInMe1 -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/11/2008 9:23:26 AM)

Also the bible instructs us to be nice to our enemies because it will be like pouring burning coals upon their heads.



crh737 -> RE: Praying For Your Enemies (5/11/2008 3:53:46 PM)

I pray for my enemies and for those who despitefully curse and use me. I pray that the Lord blesses them and to correct their ways.

CRH



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