Day 28: 31 Days in Prayer

Day 28: 31 Days in Prayer

Verse:

You have heard that it was said: Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. For in this way you become children of your Father in heaven, who causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:43-45 - TB)

Reflection:

Who is your enemy? It seems very easy to identify some enemies in the world in the form of organizations, hate groups, politicians. But if you are like me - working from 9 to 5 at a company in America - you may find it difficult to label everyone you meet every day in those terms. No one is tormenting me at work; I am not involved in any confrontation. But who is God's enemy? The dictionary Strong’s Greek defines an enemy as “passively or actively hostile or opposing another” and “opposed to (God) in mind” (Strong’s G2190 – echthros). Do you know who is quietly opposing you or God? Colossians 1:21 tells us that before the conversion we experienced, we were God's enemies in our minds through our evil behavior. In some cases, we all have been enemies. The people we see every day are in that same place right now. They are in the office, at school, and at home. They are coworkers, classmates, roommates, siblings, parents, and spouses. And Jesus tells us to pray for them... ...But not for their sake! Please do not be confused by what I am saying here. God is at work in every life, allowing them to seek and find Him. But Jesus commands in Matthew 5 in order to help YOU, “that you may become children of your Father in heaven.” Jesus tells you to love your enemies and pray for those who quietly or openly oppose you - for YOU.

Challenge:

Pray for those in your life who do not know God. Ask those you often see (coworkers, classmates, family members, roommates), “how can I pray for you this week?” ask this of the person you feel afraid to speak to about faith. When you show genuine care for someone, you may be surprised by their response. Take note of how God works through this relationship, and trust that He will answer your prayers.

Translated from the article “31 Days of Prayer: Day 28” by Alex Berk