The power of praying for our enemies

                                                                  

Main Text: Matthew 5:43–44

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
(Matthew 5:43–44)

---

INTRODUCTION

Praying for those who love us is easy.
Praying for those who treat us well is natural.
But praying for those who hurt us, reject us, persecute us, or act unjustly toward us—that is supernatural.

Yet this is exactly what Jesus commands us to do.

He doesn't simply tell us not to retaliate; He goes further:
He commands us to bless, pray, and love those who stand as enemies.

This is only possible through the Holy Spirit working in us.

---

1. WHY SHOULD WE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE US?

1.1. Because it is a direct command from Jesus

Jesus doesn’t offer a suggestion—He commands it:

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
(Matthew 5:44)

This reveals the Kingdom principle:
we overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

By praying for our enemies, we show that we truly belong to God.

“So that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:45)

---

1.2. Because God loved us when we were His enemies

Before Christ saved us, we also were enemies of God:

“For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son…”
(Romans 5:10)

God chose to love those who rejected Him.

When we pray for our enemies, we are simply doing what God did for us.

---

1.3. Because prayer transforms spiritual atmospheres

Jesus said:

“Bless those who curse you.”
(Luke 6:28)

Blessing has power.

Prayer breaks the cycle of hatred, bitterness, and revenge.
The enemy loses influence when we choose to bless instead of curse.

---

2. BENEFITS FOR OUR OWN LIVES

2.1. Prayer frees our hearts from bitterness

Unforgiveness is a heavy chain.
When we refuse to pray for enemies, we hold poison inside.

Prayer sets our hearts free.

“Rejoice always… pray without ceasing… give thanks in all circumstances.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

Prayer transforms us first.

---

2.2. Prayer protects us spiritually

Unforgiveness gives the enemy a foothold:

“Do not give place to the devil.”
(Ephesians 4:26–27)

When we pray for our enemies, we shut the door to the enemy’s influence and remain spiritually protected.

Forgiveness is not saying the evil was right—
it is refusing to let the evil infect us.

---

2.3. Prayer brings supernatural peace

Paul wrote:

“Do not be anxious about anything… but in everything, by prayer and supplication, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God… will guard your hearts.”
(Philippians 4:6–7)

Praying for enemies brings peace because we surrender the situation to God, the righteous Judge (Romans 12:19).

---

3. BENEFITS FOR THOSE WE PRAY FOR

3.1. Prayer opens the way for repentance and salvation

The greatest need of an enemy is not punishment—
but transformation.

Paul persecuted the church, yet someone was praying for him.
The result? He became a powerful servant of Christ.

“God desires all people to be saved.”
(1 Timothy 2:4)

---

3.2. Prayer breaks spiritual chains in their lives

Some people attack us because they are wounded.
Others because they are spiritually blind.

Scripture says:

“The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers.”
(2 Corinthians 4:4)

When you pray, you are asking God to open their eyes and free their hearts.

---

3.3. Prayer protects them from destruction

Those who sow evil will reap evil (Galatians 6:7).

When we pray for someone who opposes us, we ask God to save them from the consequences of their own darkness—just as He saved us.

---

4. HOW SHOULD WE PRAY FOR OUR ENEMIES?

1. Forgive by faith, even before the feelings come.

2. Place the person in God’s hands, trusting His justice.

3. Pray for their healing, deliverance, and salvation.

4. Pray for your own protection—emotional and spiritual.

5. Bless them, because blessing releases power (Luke 6:28).

---

CONCLUSION

Praying for our enemies is not weakness—it is power.
It is not natural—it is supernatural.
It is not about what they deserve—it is about who we are in Christ.

When we obey Jesus and pray for those who persecute us:

• God works in us.

• God works in them.

• God works in the situation.

And His Kingdom is revealed through our obedience.

Let's pray!

Heavenly Father,
I bring before You every person who has hurt me, persecuted me, or risen against me.
I ask that You heal my heart from all bitterness, anger, or resentment.
Help me to forgive, even when it hurts, and to bless those who have mistreated me.

Transform their lives, open their eyes, heal their wounds, and lead them to salvation in Christ.
Guard my heart with Your peace, protect my mind, and strengthen my faith.
Make me an instrument of Your love and Your grace.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.