Prayer for Enemies

Heavenly Father, your Son taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. In his name, we make this prayer to you.

We pray for those who consider themselves enemies of your Church, including those who think they honor you in opposing and persecuting Christs Body and those who reject all religion.May they come to the joy of knowing you fully and find in your Church, despite the frailty of its members, the extension of your saving work in the world.

We pray for those who consider themselves enemies of our nation, including the leaders and members of adversary nations and militant groups.May they come to know peace, prosperity, and freedom and find in our nation a willing partner for building a world that is more just and compassionate.

We pray for those who consider themselves our personal enemies, including those who have hurt us in any way and those we have hurt.May they be blessed with health and happiness and find in us a loving concern and eagerness to forgive and be forgiven.

Father, look with kindness on all your children today, including our enemies, and bless them with your love.We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Composed by Robert More, a Pax Christi member of St. John Neumann Parish, Vienna, Virginia, for a parish prayer service for peace, September 2014.