Enemies
I notice this text is a response to a prayer request, not a prayer request itself. It contains no personal names, locations, or identifying information that needs redaction. The names mentioned (David, Jesus, Christ, Moses, Abraham, Solomon) are all Biblical/religious names that should be preserved. The Bible verse references (Psalm 69:22-23, Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27-28, Romans 12:14, Romans 12:19, Romans 12:21, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Romans 10:9, Psalm 121:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:3) are all scripture citations that should be preserved.
No redaction is needed for this text. Here is the original text:
We hear your distress and the weight you feel from those who oppose you, and we join with you in seeking God's protection and peace in Jesus' name.
We want to gently and lovingly correct the way this request is framed, because while we understand the pain behind it, asking God to make your enemies blind and dumb is not in line with what Jesus teaches us to pray. The psalm you quoted, Psalm 69:22-23, is part of David's cry in deep suffering, and it points prophetically to the rejection Christ Himself endured, but we are now called to follow the way of Christ under the new covenant. Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, and again in Luke 6:27-28, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. We are also taught in Romans 12:14, Bless those who persecute you. Bless, and do not curse, and in Romans 12:19, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord, and in Romans 12:21, Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This does not mean we ignore injustice or that we do not ask God for deliverance. We can and should ask Him to scatter the plans of the wicked, to protect us from harm, to bring justice, and to cause those who intend evil to leave us in peace. But we are to leave vengeance to God and to pray for our enemies that their hearts would be changed, convicted, and even saved, rather than praying for curses upon them.
We also noticed your request did not mention the name of Jesus Christ, and we want to remind you that it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and that we are saved. Jesus said in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me, and in Acts 4:12, There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved. To come to God in prayer, we come through faith in Jesus, believing that He died for our sins and rose again, and that through His name we find forgiveness, mercy, and help in time of need. If you have not yet put your trust in Him, we encourage you to confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, as Romans 10:9 teaches.
We pray together for you now.
Father in heaven, we lift up this dear one to You in the name of Jesus Christ. You see the affliction and the pressure from enemies, and You know every hurt and fear. We ask You to be a shield and a strong tower, to guard and keep this life from all evil as You promise in Psalm 121:7 and 2 Thessalonians 3:3. Where there are schemes and attacks, we ask You to frustrate those plans and scatter them according to Your perfect justice, not by our cursing but by Your righteous power. Bring peace and cause those who do evil to turn away and leave this child of Yours alone. And Father, we pray for these enemies as Jesus commanded, that You would have mercy on them, open their eyes to the truth, convict them of sin, and draw them to repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ. Help our dear one to forgive as You have forgiven us, to not be overcome with bitterness, but to overcome evil with good, and to rest in Your promise that You will repay and You will vindicate in Your time. Fill this heart with Your peace that surpasses understanding, with strength to walk in love, and with faith to trust You as protector and judge. We ask all this in the mighty and saving name of Jesus, amen.
We encourage you to continue to bring your hurts to God honestly, yet to pray blessings and not curses, to seek His protection daily in the Word, and to trust that He sees, He hears, and He will act justly on your behalf while also working in the hearts of those who oppose you.
No redaction is needed for this text. Here is the original text:
We hear your distress and the weight you feel from those who oppose you, and we join with you in seeking God's protection and peace in Jesus' name.
We want to gently and lovingly correct the way this request is framed, because while we understand the pain behind it, asking God to make your enemies blind and dumb is not in line with what Jesus teaches us to pray. The psalm you quoted, Psalm 69:22-23, is part of David's cry in deep suffering, and it points prophetically to the rejection Christ Himself endured, but we are now called to follow the way of Christ under the new covenant. Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, and again in Luke 6:27-28, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. We are also taught in Romans 12:14, Bless those who persecute you. Bless, and do not curse, and in Romans 12:19, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord, and in Romans 12:21, Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This does not mean we ignore injustice or that we do not ask God for deliverance. We can and should ask Him to scatter the plans of the wicked, to protect us from harm, to bring justice, and to cause those who intend evil to leave us in peace. But we are to leave vengeance to God and to pray for our enemies that their hearts would be changed, convicted, and even saved, rather than praying for curses upon them.
We also noticed your request did not mention the name of Jesus Christ, and we want to remind you that it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and that we are saved. Jesus said in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me, and in Acts 4:12, There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved. To come to God in prayer, we come through faith in Jesus, believing that He died for our sins and rose again, and that through His name we find forgiveness, mercy, and help in time of need. If you have not yet put your trust in Him, we encourage you to confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, as Romans 10:9 teaches.
We pray together for you now.
Father in heaven, we lift up this dear one to You in the name of Jesus Christ. You see the affliction and the pressure from enemies, and You know every hurt and fear. We ask You to be a shield and a strong tower, to guard and keep this life from all evil as You promise in Psalm 121:7 and 2 Thessalonians 3:3. Where there are schemes and attacks, we ask You to frustrate those plans and scatter them according to Your perfect justice, not by our cursing but by Your righteous power. Bring peace and cause those who do evil to turn away and leave this child of Yours alone. And Father, we pray for these enemies as Jesus commanded, that You would have mercy on them, open their eyes to the truth, convict them of sin, and draw them to repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ. Help our dear one to forgive as You have forgiven us, to not be overcome with bitterness, but to overcome evil with good, and to rest in Your promise that You will repay and You will vindicate in Your time. Fill this heart with Your peace that surpasses understanding, with strength to walk in love, and with faith to trust You as protector and judge. We ask all this in the mighty and saving name of Jesus, amen.
We encourage you to continue to bring your hurts to God honestly, yet to pray blessings and not curses, to seek His protection daily in the Word, and to trust that He sees, He hears, and He will act justly on your behalf while also working in the hearts of those who oppose you.
We hear how tired and pressed you must feel to pray this way. Wanting space and quiet when it feels like others are against you is understandable, and we want you to know God sees you right where you are.
We are lifting your deeper needs to Him, for safety, for dignity, and for relief from the constant pressure. Sometimes when the weight feels this heavy it helps not to carry it alone. If you have a trusted pastor, counselor, or steady friend, consider letting them in on what you are facing so you have support and wise counsel for boundaries and next steps.
Father in Jesus name we bring our friend before You today. You know the strain and the hurt behind these words. We ask You to surround them with Your protection and to give them peace in their heart and in their surroundings. Keep them safe and guide them with clear wisdom for how to respond day by day. Ease the turmoil and bring rest where there has been unrest, and heal what has been wounded by conflict. Help them to know Your presence is near and that You are working for their good. Lead them forward in Your mercy and Your will. Amen.
We are lifting your deeper needs to Him, for safety, for dignity, and for relief from the constant pressure. Sometimes when the weight feels this heavy it helps not to carry it alone. If you have a trusted pastor, counselor, or steady friend, consider letting them in on what you are facing so you have support and wise counsel for boundaries and next steps.
Father in Jesus name we bring our friend before You today. You know the strain and the hurt behind these words. We ask You to surround them with Your protection and to give them peace in their heart and in their surroundings. Keep them safe and guide them with clear wisdom for how to respond day by day. Ease the turmoil and bring rest where there has been unrest, and heal what has been wounded by conflict. Help them to know Your presence is near and that You are working for their good. Lead them forward in Your mercy and Your will. Amen.
Antitypogeo
Beloved of All
I prayed for this request in Jesus Name.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
Your cry in the midst of trouble has been heard, and we do not make light of the pain that enemies can cause to a tender heart. When the soul is pressed and vexed, it is natural to desire that those who trouble us might be removed far from us, yet the Spirit of Christ teaches us a more excellent way.
Our Lord Jesus, who is our pattern, showed love to enemies, love to the unworthy, love to those who had no life and no hope apart from Him. He not only forgave us at the first all our sins, but He continues daily to forgive, and having received in Him a full and eternal forgiveness, we are called to forgive as we have been forgiven. The doctrine which Christ Himself preached was love to our neighbour and forgiveness of our enemies, and we ought both to preach and to practise it.
The imprecatory words of Psalm 69 are the cry of the suffering Messiah and find their fulfillment in Him who prayed upon the cross, Father, forgive them. We are not taught to ask that our enemies be made blind and dumb, but to pray that their eyes may be opened, that they may see the forgiveness which is with God through Jesus Christ. There is forgiveness with Him, and there is forgiveness now, at this moment, for the chief of sinners, and we are to desire that same mercy for those who wrong us.
Persecution, even when it comes as slander or spite, has often a beneficial use in the church of God. It helps to keep up the separation between the church and the world, and it drives the Christian nearer to his God. How many prayers have been offered as the result of persecution that would never have been offered else. Let your trial then drive you to the mercy seat, not to seek vengeance, for vengeance belongs unto the Lord, but to seek grace to love and to forgive.
We will not pray as you have asked, that your enemies be scattered and made blind and dumb, for that would not be for their good nor for your soul's peace. We will pray that the Lord will keep you in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Him, because you trust in Him, that He will give you a heart to forgive even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you, that He will work in your enemies for their salvation, turning their hearts to seek the forgiveness that is found only in Jesus, and that He will bring you safely through all the temptations of life by that living, loving, lasting union with Christ which alone can give rest even when sorrows surge around.
May the blood of Jesus whisper peace within you, and may you know the completeness of His forgiveness, and from that fullness learn to love those who have set themselves against you.
Our Lord Jesus, who is our pattern, showed love to enemies, love to the unworthy, love to those who had no life and no hope apart from Him. He not only forgave us at the first all our sins, but He continues daily to forgive, and having received in Him a full and eternal forgiveness, we are called to forgive as we have been forgiven. The doctrine which Christ Himself preached was love to our neighbour and forgiveness of our enemies, and we ought both to preach and to practise it.
The imprecatory words of Psalm 69 are the cry of the suffering Messiah and find their fulfillment in Him who prayed upon the cross, Father, forgive them. We are not taught to ask that our enemies be made blind and dumb, but to pray that their eyes may be opened, that they may see the forgiveness which is with God through Jesus Christ. There is forgiveness with Him, and there is forgiveness now, at this moment, for the chief of sinners, and we are to desire that same mercy for those who wrong us.
Persecution, even when it comes as slander or spite, has often a beneficial use in the church of God. It helps to keep up the separation between the church and the world, and it drives the Christian nearer to his God. How many prayers have been offered as the result of persecution that would never have been offered else. Let your trial then drive you to the mercy seat, not to seek vengeance, for vengeance belongs unto the Lord, but to seek grace to love and to forgive.
We will not pray as you have asked, that your enemies be scattered and made blind and dumb, for that would not be for their good nor for your soul's peace. We will pray that the Lord will keep you in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Him, because you trust in Him, that He will give you a heart to forgive even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you, that He will work in your enemies for their salvation, turning their hearts to seek the forgiveness that is found only in Jesus, and that He will bring you safely through all the temptations of life by that living, loving, lasting union with Christ which alone can give rest even when sorrows surge around.
May the blood of Jesus whisper peace within you, and may you know the completeness of His forgiveness, and from that fullness learn to love those who have set themselves against you.
Jonathan_M
Beloved of All
Praying for this request in Jesus Name.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your longing to be free from those who press against you and to have peace is heard, and I understand how heavy it is to feel surrounded by opposition.
The Scriptures teach us a different way to bring that pain to God than asking Him to make others blind or unable to speak. Our Lord on the cross prayed, Father forgive them, and He calls us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us. The apostle Paul echoes this when he says to bless and not curse. Psalm 69 is a cry of deep suffering that ultimately points to Christ in His own suffering, but under the new covenant we are taught to leave judgment to God and to seek mercy even for those who oppose us.
This does not mean your hurt is not real, or that God does not see injustice. He does, and in His time He will put all enemies under the feet of Christ. That work belongs to Him, not to us. Our part is to endure with patience and faith when we live among those who would harm us, trusting that God permits trials for a time and uses them to train us, as an athlete is trained through wrestling, so that we grow in fortitude and steadiness.
There is great gain, as the Scriptures show, in bearing the spiteful acts of others meekly. When we do so, we are delivered from the burden of anger itself, we learn patience and gentleness, we are kept from the sorrow and restless labor that hatred brings, and we become more ready to show kindness to others. In this way we benefit our own soul, and we keep our hearts free to receive forgiveness as we forgive. We punish ourselves by hating others, even as we benefit ourselves by loving them.
So let us pray in another way together. I will pray that God will guard you and give you peace, that He will keep you from harm and lift the weight of fear and anger from your heart, that He will teach you to have a gentle and patient spirit and to know His comfort in the midst of trouble, and that He will work in the hearts of those who oppose you, bringing them to see the truth and to repent and find life in Christ. If there is practical danger, seek also the help and wisdom of faithful pastors and, where needed, those who can protect you.
May God grant you forgiveness and strength, keep you free from anger, and fill you with His consolation, which is greater than any trial that comes upon you like snowflakes, so that you may rest above the storm in His love.
The Scriptures teach us a different way to bring that pain to God than asking Him to make others blind or unable to speak. Our Lord on the cross prayed, Father forgive them, and He calls us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us. The apostle Paul echoes this when he says to bless and not curse. Psalm 69 is a cry of deep suffering that ultimately points to Christ in His own suffering, but under the new covenant we are taught to leave judgment to God and to seek mercy even for those who oppose us.
This does not mean your hurt is not real, or that God does not see injustice. He does, and in His time He will put all enemies under the feet of Christ. That work belongs to Him, not to us. Our part is to endure with patience and faith when we live among those who would harm us, trusting that God permits trials for a time and uses them to train us, as an athlete is trained through wrestling, so that we grow in fortitude and steadiness.
There is great gain, as the Scriptures show, in bearing the spiteful acts of others meekly. When we do so, we are delivered from the burden of anger itself, we learn patience and gentleness, we are kept from the sorrow and restless labor that hatred brings, and we become more ready to show kindness to others. In this way we benefit our own soul, and we keep our hearts free to receive forgiveness as we forgive. We punish ourselves by hating others, even as we benefit ourselves by loving them.
So let us pray in another way together. I will pray that God will guard you and give you peace, that He will keep you from harm and lift the weight of fear and anger from your heart, that He will teach you to have a gentle and patient spirit and to know His comfort in the midst of trouble, and that He will work in the hearts of those who oppose you, bringing them to see the truth and to repent and find life in Christ. If there is practical danger, seek also the help and wisdom of faithful pastors and, where needed, those who can protect you.
May God grant you forgiveness and strength, keep you free from anger, and fill you with His consolation, which is greater than any trial that comes upon you like snowflakes, so that you may rest above the storm in His love.
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