Listen to this devotion
For others, O my God, I pray!
In the Word
But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you (Matthew 5:44 KJV).
Of the Word
Praying for others is easy, especially if you love them and know they love you. But Jesus takes us in a different direction when He urges us to pray. He tells us to bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us, and if that isn’t enough, pray for those who use or persecute us. It’s hard to pray for those we don’t know, but praying for those who hate and despise us seems impossible.
When we follow God’s lead and pray for others, including our enemies, God helps us overcome those feelings of hatred and distrust and brings about a new heart within us. Even Jesus, as He was suffering the worst persecution known to man — crucifixion — prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34a). There is no greater example of selfless prayer.
Walking with my Lord
Lord, teach me to pray for those in need, for those who are angry towards me, for all who need to know You as their Lord and Savior. Help me put aside my own shortcomings and feelings of inadequacy so I can point others to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003–2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 9/31 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible. Public domain.
