to be merciful, like God

Luke 6:27–38

We pray for those who oppose us,

who hurl hate our way,

who curse our name,

who hurt, who attack, who abuse. 

We pray for the inner turmoil

that lies behind such harm,

self-loathing turned on others,

insecurities turned to venom,

pain, sorrow, abuse suffered themselves. 

We pray for those who cause harm,

for all in pain, not knowing how

to heal or to forgive. 

May we, your people,

be agents of love that heals,

living your grace that restores. 

We pray for those who act

with violence towards others,

with disrespect for property and person,

with greed, entitlement, selfish disdain. 

We pray for victims of violence

who learn no other way,

for poverty's angry outcomes,

wealth's insatiable appetite for more. 

We pray for those who cause harm,

for all in pain, not knowing how

to heal or to forgive. 

May we, your people,

be agents of love that heals,

living your grace that restores. 

We pray for those who pass judgement,

and for our own tendencies

toward self-congratulation. 

We pray from and for the messiness

of life lived alongside others

different and sometimes oh, too, similar

to ourselves. 

We pray for those who cause harm,

for all in pain, not knowing how

to heal or to forgive. 

May we, your people,

be agents of love that heals,

living your grace that restores. 

Hear our prayers, Holy One; 

may we live love for each other

that will transform enemies

into friends. 

Amen.