The Christian prayer life can sometimes feel stale. It doesn’t mean your faith is weak, or that you’re doing something wrong—so don’t get hung up on it! It just happens. But if you want to connect with God and don’t know how to pray, or simply don’t feel like praying…then these everyday prayers are for you.
Why Is Forgiveness So Hard?
“Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.” -C.S. Lewis
While I’m grateful to serve a God who is rich in mercy… extending that same grace to others can be a painful process. Particularly when the hurt they’ve caused– intentionally or not– is deep. Or, if this isn’t the first time they’ve needed forgiveness. And, sometimes, we thought we *did* forgive someone, but each time the memory resurfaces, the anger begins to feel fresh.
Disclaimer: Forgiveness doesn’t 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, what’s it mean to forgive? Making a deliberate decision to show genuine love and to will another’s good (yep, definitely need the Spirit’s help for this one).
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’
Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times’” (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, we’re being asked to become more like him. And, sometimes, that’s gonna mean forgiving again. And again. Even when it seems “undeserved.”
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 you’re in need of more simple prayers visit this page to help you connect with God in the ordinary, extraordinary, everyday moments of life!
