For Our Enemies

Battle

Image Source = Wikipedia

or

Burnt Cross at Coventry Cathedral, England

Image Source = sannse

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Coventry_Cathedral_burnt_cross.jpg)

The second is preferable to the first.

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Prayer Source = Lutheran Service Book (2006), of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod

The command of our Lord and Savior to love our enemies is a difficult one to keep.  I have struggled with it in circumstances far less dire than his.  Yet this imperative remains with me, reminding me of how far I fall short.  Like the Apostle Paul, I do what I know I should not do and do not do the things I know I ought to do.  Fortunately, there is abundant grace.  Anyhow, this prayer seems especially appropriate in early Easter Week, just a few days removed from Good Friday.–KRT

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Almighty, everlasting God,

through Your only Son, our blessed Lord,

You commanded us to love our enemies,

to do good to those who hate us,

and to pray for those who persecute us.

Therefore, we earnestly implore You

that by Your gracious working

our enemies may be led to true repentance,

may have the same love toward us as we have toward them,

and may be of one accord and one mind and heart

with us and with Your whole Church;

through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2010/10/29/thirty-ninth-day-of-lent-good-friday/

http://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2012/07/21/proper-9-year-c/