The Christian prayer life can sometimes feel stale. It doesnโt mean your faith is weak, or that youโre doing something wrongโso donโt get hung up on it! It just happens. But if you want to connect with God and donโt know how to pray, or simply donโt feel like praying…then these everyday prayers are for you.ย
Why Is Forgiveness So Hard?
โEveryone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.โ -C.S. Lewis
While Iโm grateful to serve a God who is rich in mercyโฆ extending that same grace to others can be a painful process. Particularly when the hurt theyโve causedโ intentionally or notโ is deep. Or, if this isnโt the first time theyโve needed forgiveness. And, sometimes, we thought we *did* forgive someone, but each time the memory resurfaces, the anger begins to feel fresh.ย
Disclaimer: Forgiveness doesnโt equate forgetting. We learn from the past, and there are times when healthy, loving boundaries need to be established between you and another. However, without granting true forgiveness, we tend to fall into resentment, which can cause our own hearts to fester and sour.
So, whatโs it mean to forgive? Making a deliberate decision to show genuine love and to will anotherโs good (yep, definitely need the Spiritโs help for this one).
โThen Peter came to Jesus and asked, โLord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?โ
Jesus answered, โI tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven timesโโ (Matthew 18:21-2).
As someone who knows what it feels like to be betrayed, Jesus GETS it. When he calls us to show mercy, weโre being asked to become more like him. And, sometimes, thatโs gonna mean forgiving again. And again. Even when it seems โundeserved.โ
A Prayer for Forgiving Others
Giver of abundant mercy, who asks me to forgive seven times seventy, my heart is angry, wounded, and broken. Hold me in this turmoil, and strengthen me so I can extend the forgiveness that has been offered me. Mountain-mover, may your tremendous power work to mend my relationship with __________. Bring me to a peace that allows me to desire their good (or at least not want bad to come to them). Protect me and my heart, as I walk forward in faith and learn how to give my suffering to you. Amen.
Prayers for everyday life are hard to come up with on the spot! If youโre in need of more simple prayers visit this page to help you connect with God in the ordinary, extraordinary, everyday moments of life!ย
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