Praying for Those We Like Least

It’s easy to pray for loved ones. Are you praying for leaders you disagree with, coworkers you have a hard time just being around, and all those people in the world that you might consider as your enemy? Difficult indeed, but you should.

April’s Awakening, Day 12

We should not pray only for those whom we like. It is easy to pray for the leader whom we respect or with whom we agree. It is much harder to pray for the leader whose personality is offensive, whose ethics are questionable, who takes the “wrong” position on every issue, or who is in the “wrong” party. Yet these leaders are also ministers of God. They don’t necessarily deserve our vote, but they do deserve our respect and prayers.

 —John Eidsmoe  

There is nothing that makes us love a man so much as praying for him.

 —William Law

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1–4 NIV 

            One of the most difficult things we face as a believer is praying for those against us and those we simply do not like. Yet that is precisely what we are called to do. If we want things to change and people to change and be better, then the first place to start is to pray honestly for them. Believer or not, God loves them all and wants everyone to be saved and come to a full knowledge of Him and be molded into His image. It may just be your prayer that makes the difference. So, instead of grumbling and complaining—pray for positive change. It may just change your heart and understanding as well.