Pray For Those Who Missuse You

Good Morning and Happy Friday My Friend!,  As friends, we wish each other well, we do and say  what we think is best at the time. It may not be right, because we can't see the whole picture. It's for this reason, our actions can have an effect that enemies can only dream of. With friends like his, Job didn't need enemies. His three would-be comforters failed miserably in their efforts to ease his pain. Instead of bringing sympathy, they delivered accusations that only compounded his anguish.


"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,—John 17:20 (NIV)

Job was able to emerge triumphantly from his cave of pain and confusion. A significant step toward that victory was his willingness to pray for the very friends who had criticized and accused him. God honored his prayers, and Job had the delight of seeing his friends turn to God for forgiveness (Job 42:7-10). Jesus also prayed for His friends (John 17:6-19), despite their frequent failings. With the agony of the cross approaching, Jesus prayed for Peter even though He knew Peter would deny Him within hours (Luke 22:31-34). Jesus prayed for you and me too (John 17:20-26). His work of prayer, which began before His death and resurrection, continues to this day. Although we sometimes act more like His enemies than His friends, Jesus is in the Father's presence interceding for us (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).

Following Christ's example, we are to pray for our friends and acquaintances,...even when they hurt us.

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Holy Spirit of God, help to stay prayed up. And let us always pray for those around us,...friends and enemies alike, because those that are hardest to love, need it most. Amen.

"The things that make God most dear to us, are not the great big blessings, as much as the tiny things,...because they show His amazing intimacy with us."