Pray for the person

Pray for the Person

The final thing the priest said to me may seem to be the most challenging.

"Remember that this person is also a child of God. In spite of everything, pray for them."

Simple, profound, and true.

As our conversation came to an end, he gave me an assignment, just like every good teacher would. Pray for them.

He did not mean praying that they would face harsh judgment or finally get what you think they deserve. He meant praying that God would bless them. Speaking words of life over them. Asking God to draw them closer to Himself and to work in their lives.

It is difficult to pray for people who have caused us pain, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Most of us want justice before mercy.

Yet God invites us to extend the same grace He has so freely extended to us. We cannot do this in our own strength, but we do not have to. His grace is sufficient, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

As I reflected on this, I realized that while I had prayed many times about my own hurt, I had not always prayed for the people connected to it. Even today, I can think of people who hurt me years ago whom I have never intentionally blessed before God.

Jesus calls us to something higher. He tells us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us. He did not merely teach these words.

He lived them. Though fully human, Jesus experienced betrayal, rejection, false accusations, and unimaginable suffering. Yet even as He hung on the cross, some of His final words were, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

That kind of prayer does not excuse the wrong that was done. It simply places the person back into God's hands.

Prayer changes us as much as it changes the people we pray for. It softens our hearts, loosens resentment's grip, and reminds us that God loves every person He created.

Who comes to mind as you read this? You probably knew their face before you reached this question.

With God's help, pray for them today. Bless them. Ask God to reveal Himself to them. Ask Him to lead them, heal them, and draw them closer to Him

You may not need to pray this prayer every day, but when resentment resurfaces, let prayer become your response.

Resentment tells us to react. God calls us to forgive. Then He invites us to pray.

As I continue learning to surrender resentment to God, I still return to these three simple truths the priest shared with me. Do not obey the feeling. Forgive again and again. Pray for the person.

My prayer is that these truths will help you experience the same freedom that God continues to work in my own heart.

Reflection

Who is God inviting you to pray for today? What blessing can you sincerely ask Him to pour out over that person's life?