If we pray, it’s natural for us to pray for family and friends, strangers in need. But Jesus once said this: ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.”
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ (Matt 5.43-44). What might we pray for them? That they will come to their senses? That they will get what they deserve? That they will suffer in the way they have made us suffer? Prayers like this can simply reinforce enmity and anger.
Recently, I heard some wisdom about praying for our enemies: Think about praying for those whom you love most deeply. Imagine them and pray “May you be safe. May you be content. May you be at peace. May you be blessed.” Smile as you say this to them in your imagination. Then think of someone you know quite well and repeat this prayer, not forgetting to smile. Then think of someone you meet occasionally but do not know well, and repeat this prayer, including the smile. Eventually picture someone whom you feel is more an enemy or persecutor than a friend, and once more pray the exact same prayer, right down to the smile.
This simple prayer helps us to see our enemy as a human being with similar needs to our own: To be safe, content, at peace, blessed, to know the warmth of a smile on the face of a stranger or a friend.
Revd Rhona Floate, White Horse Team.
