Greetings Prayer Warriors,
Are you a continuous learner? I like to think I am. However, the more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know! Currently, I am doing a self-guided spiritual retreat (with book and workbook) on growing in the virtues. (46 of them!) While each is challenging, I was struck by the chapter on forgiveness. My knee-jerk reaction was that I have forgiven everyone, but then I was quickly awakened and challenged. Thus, I offer the challenge to each of you …
Ask the Lord to show you whom you still harbor unforgiveness towards. For the purpose of our group prayer, let’s focus on spouse or family. Begin with “Dear _____, I am angry with you because _____…. (Go into detail, and let it flow.) Then, follow up with “Dear _____, I forgive you for _____… (same detail).
If one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. Colossians 3:13
You will find this challenging, humbling, and transformative. Perhaps the person you have to forgive is yourself? No need to stop at one person!
All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. [And] be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. Ephesians 4:31-32
Lord, as we pray for marriages (and family) lead us to a place of healing, forgiveness, and contrition, for all we have done, and all we have failed to do. May we be equally merciful to all who have hurt, ignored, abused, and offended us in any way, especially our spouses. Help us to love as you have loved, with an unwavering and unconditional love. May your grace be abundant, so that we can grow in the virtue of forgiveness. Jesus, we trust in You!
Please continue to pray for one another and for all marriages, as Satan delights in it’s destruction. Fight back with prayer!
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Prayer is a most powerful weapon! Pass it on!
