Praying for Our Enemies

Lately there has been what seems to me an increasing tendency among some groups to pray so called Imprecatory prayers against others they do not like. (hat tip, Kevin) It is a normal, HUMAN reaction to fear, anger and hatred.  It is the fallen way of man, and most certainly isn't the path that Jesus taught us to follow. As He said in Isaiah 55  "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways My ways" 

Nothing could be more 'our way' than hating those who injure us, or our loved ones. No one said being a Christian was going to be easy, and there is very little "meek and mild" in making a strong, robust choice to follow Christ in His better way, than our own easy way of hate, anger and revenge.

Today of all days, I think on this.

Luke 6:27-36
27 "But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.

God, the Father of all, Whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in Your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before You; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.