Kindness You Never Have To Repay | Guided Prayers

Mercy is often hardest to show when someone has hurt us.

Our natural response is to hold on to the offense, protect ourselves, or hope they get what they deserve.

But Jesus calls his followers to something different.

Speaking to people who knew rejection, injustice, and real enemies, he said in Luke 6, 36, be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

God's mercy is the model for our own.

He has shown us patience when we deserve judgment, kindness when we had nothing to offer, and forgiveness at great cost through Jesus.

As we receive his mercy, he teaches us to extend that same mercy to others.

It isn't about ignoring what is wrong, it's about reflecting the heart of our Heavenly Father.

Begin by thanking God for his mercy toward you.

Praise him for his patience, his compassion, and the countless times he has forgiven and cared for you.

Thank him that his love has never been based on what you deserve.

Now bring before the Lord someone who has disappointed, hurt, or frustrated you.

Tell him honestly how you feel and ask him to soften your heart.

Pray that he would help you see that person through his eyes and replace resentment with compassion.

Ask him to help you choose mercy even when it's difficult.

Let go of the need to make everything right yourself, and allow these words to settle in your heart.

Be merciful just as your Father is merciful.

And now pray for them.

Ask God to bless them, draw them closer to Himself, and work in their life in ways that bring healing, wisdom, and hope.

Pray that His goodness would be evident to them.

Help us reflect your heart in the way we treat others.

Teach us to forgive, to love, and to extend mercy as you have extended mercy to us.

May our lives point people to the kindness of our Heavenly Father.

In Jesus' name, amen.