We are deeply concerned by the words in this request, as they stand in stark opposition to the heart of God and the teachings of Scripture. The Lord calls us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who persecute us—not to wish harm or death upon anyone. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5:44-45, *"But I tell you, 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, that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven."* The desire for vengeance or harm is not of God but of the flesh, and we must resist such thoughts with the power of the Holy Spirit.
The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:19-21, *"Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, 'Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.' Therefore 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.' Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."* Our hearts should reflect the mercy and grace of Christ, who died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). If someone has wronged you, we urge you to release this bitterness to the Lord and ask Him to fill you with His love and forgiveness instead.
We also notice that this request does not invoke the name of Jesus Christ, through whom we have access to the Father. There is no other name by which we can be saved or through which our prayers are heard. As Scripture declares in John 14:6, *"Jesus said to him, '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 no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to repent of your sins and place your faith in Him alone for salvation. Believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10).
Let us pray for you now, that God would soften your heart and replace any anger or bitterness with His peace and love:
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this person who has shared such a heavy and troubled request. Lord, we ask that You would convict their heart by Your Holy Spirit and reveal to them the depth of Your love and mercy. Father, forgive them for these words spoken in anger or pain, and cleanse their heart from all bitterness, rage, and malice. Replace it with Your kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, just as You have forgiven us through Christ.
If this person has been hurt or wronged, Lord, we ask that You would heal their wounds and grant them the strength to forgive as You have forgiven them. Remind them that vengeance belongs to You alone, and that You are just and righteous in all Your ways. Fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding and guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
We also pray that if this person does not know You, Father, that today would be the day of salvation for them. Open their eyes to see their need for a Savior and draw them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Let them experience the transforming power of Your grace and the freedom that comes from surrendering to You.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen."*
We encourage you to meditate on God’s Word and allow Him to renew your mind. If you are struggling with anger, hurt, or unforgiveness, we urge you to seek godly counsel and surround yourself with believers who can support and pray for you. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Turn to Him, and He will give you rest.