Prayer 2566: Praying for those who hate us

Caligula, Emperor of Rome for four bloody debauched years, 37-41 CE.

Precious Savior, we rise and praise You
for the gift of this new day,
for the wonders of your grace 
and the glory of your creation.

Holy One of Blessing,
pour out your spirit over us
that we may be molded and shaped by your love,
just as the western wind caresses the hills and plains,
shaping them like clay
upon the inexorable wheel of time.

In obedience to your gospel, Lord Christ,
may we resist the forces of division and hatred,
and pray for our enemies and those that hate us,
even as they reject your commandments
in derision and contempt.
May we never lose heart
as they cling to their throne of lies
and sow the twisted seeds of fear and prejudice.

Instead, may we be empowered by your love
to tear down the edifices of falsehood
that divide us and weaken us
when we lose sight of your promises
and are led astray by fear instead for love.

May we never make our peace with the sacrilege
that denies the goodness from which you formed us all,
that resists the love you breathed into our spirits,
but be united in our desire to stand alongside each other in Your Name.

As we long for your kingdom,
and for the sake of your truth,
may the hearts of all those who overflow with malice
instead be converted by your grace,
and brought into your fold, O Shepherd of the Lost.

And now, O God and Hope of the Fallen,
place us securely within the shelter of your mercy,
and stretch out your hand of comfort and peace
over all those needs we humbly lay before You.

Amen.