June 15, Tuesday Weekday

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. — Psalm 51:(see 3)

Mass Readings:1 Kings 21:17-29 / Matthew 5:43-48 

Pleasing Prayers For Rivals

It isn’t easy praying for enemies. Sometimes, when my prayer should sound like this, “Heavenly Father, have mercy on this person and help them for the good of their soul,” it sounds more like this, “God, will you do something to change this person, because they are really starting to annoy me.” The first prayer is one of love for that person. The second is a selfish one for my own benefit. I think God would sooner answer the first one. 

“But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” In this reading from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says He wants us to pray with love for those who hurt us. This way, our prayer benefits that person’s soul and ours as well.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, inspire me to pray with love for those who hurt me.