A Prayer Of Forgiveness

A Prayer Of Forgiveness "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12 Have you been judged unfairly and struggling with resentment? Has someone taken advantage of you, and hurt you in some way? Have they told lies about you that has damaged your reputation? Do you feel like striking back? So many people struggle with these feelings and emotions and don't know how to handle these situations. They are not able to forgive and to forget. Read this prayer, and make it yours today: "Lord, I am tired of being misrepresented; of dodging verbal bullets and ducking insults. You know I'm not guilty of the things they say I've done. Clearly they're out to get me, to make me the brunt of their jokes. How could they be so cruel? And, when I think of what You endured while You walked on this earth. They made jokes about You too. You were despised, and rejected, and even crucified. They even dared You to prove Yourself while You were hanging on a cross taking Your dying breath - for them, and for me! That's when You said, "Father, forgive them. They don't know what they're doing." Lord, forgive me for my pity party; help me to deal with this - Your way. Give me compassion in the face of criticism, and grace in the face of contempt. Above all, help me to turn it over to You, knowing that You are my Defender and my Provider. Send the Spirit of Truth into every aspect of this situation. Make me strong in You. Keep me focused on the path You've set before me. Make my heart big enough to forgive, as You've forgiven me. Thank You Father, that what others meant for evil - You will use for my good. Amen. Forgive others, just as God forgave you. Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Seven April 23