Heavenly Father, Jesus had enemies . . . and they crucified Him. Yet, as we know, He had the ultimate victory in the end. But because You love the world so much and You sent Jesus to die, for those who were responsible for His death. Jesus, tells us to love and pray for our enemies. He demonstrated His love while hanging on the cross saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34a).
Father, in our flesh we naturally want to retaliate or fight back when we are treated unkindly or persecuted. Teach us forgiveness and mercy, to “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Let You Spirit strengthen us to live and demonstrate grace, mercy and forgivness that others might also. Show us how to “Pray for those who persecute us.” (Matthew 5:44b). Put within our hearts mercy so that like Jesus we too can “Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them” (Jude 1:22).

Because of Your mercy Father, we were saved. Let us share the love of Christ to those who are still Your enemies, so that they might also become Your children. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen