Praying Jesus’ Way

Jesus teaches us how to pray, even for those we don't like.

“You have heard it said, love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”

—Matthew 5:43-44

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” —Matthew 6:6

These two verses are a part of a larger sermon by Jesus, called the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus’ teaching throughout the sermon is challenging to much of our thinking as it was to those who first heard Him. Jesus corrects a variety of wrong thinking by contrasting what they had heard with what He was teaching them. 

Hundreds of people gathered to hear Jesus preach. They were amazed at his teaching because he taught as one who had authority and not as their teachers of the law. Even so, we remember that He was primarily teaching his disciples in the ways of His kingdom, which would conflict with the world.

It is here in the Sermon on the Mount that we have Jesus teaching his disciples the Lord’s Prayer. However, as good as that is, I am focusing our attention on these two places where Jesus talks with his disciples and the crowd about intimate prayer with God and praying for one’s enemies.

Let’s consider what it means and what it like looks to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.

Jesus affirms what most of us consider good and right. We understand from much of our learning that loving our neighbor is good to do. It makes sense. Only a heartless person would say that loving one’s neighbor is not a good thing. We like it when someone cares for us in our time of need or is just a good neighbor who is willing to help when we can use an extra hand or some advice. Communities thrive when people genuinely care for each other and don’t expect something in return. How pleasant it is when neighbors help neighbors.

Jesus moves us closer to his kingdom ways when he calls you to pray for those you may not like, or may even hate, because of what they have done to others and to you. It also could be that you have significantly opposing views on politics, morals, religion, and general values. 

Jesus calls us to act in a kingdom way, not in the way of the world. With confidence in God’s care and in His sovereign authority you can pray for your enemies and do so in the quietness and security of your room. Pray for God to have mercy upon them by revealing Himself to them in Jesus Christ. Ask God to enable them to be caught in their wrong doings and even come to repent of their bad actions. You don’t need to be seen in public with eloquent words for all to see. You can be confident that your heavenly Father hears your prayers and will answer them according to His good and perfect will.

When praying for others, Jesus admonishes us to first look at the log in our own eye (Matthew 7:3-5) before we are critical of the speck in another person’s eye. Praying for our enemies does not come from a high position of moral authority, rather it is in humility and love for God and our neighbor based on our complete dependence upon God in Jesus. Consider taking a Kingdom of Jesus interest in your enemies by praying more for them as you seek each day to do what is right and good unto God, while humbly leaving the results up to Him.

Ron Zeigler is the State Capital Minister of Pennsylvania