Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
SUNDAY, February 20
Matthew 5:38-48. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
How many prayer lists are there for enemies? Cruel people, aggressive people, people who use and abuse, even people who irritate us—they are not people who easily come to mind as people for whom to pray.
“How can I pray for a coup leader?” someone asked. When we pray for someone who persecutes us we are not wrapping the persecutor in some kind of comfort-able cocoon. We are not expecting that prayer will establish or confirm sinful behavior. We are asking that there be openness to new and creative possibilities, both in ourselves and others.
Two thousand years ago a young man died a cruel death nailed to a cross. Jesus died on the cross loving those who hated him. He died praying to God for the forgiveness of those who drove in the nails and were responsible for his death.
Jesus believes in us so much that he asks us to love our enemies. He asks us to be part of the most powerful force in the world. Love is stronger than hatred and all the powers of destruction. Love changes us and our world.
PRAY for The Church in Wales and the Diocese of Llandaff
Ps 119:33-40; Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18; 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23
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