Scripture: Galatians 1:22-24
I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me.

As a culture, we hate our neighbor, this I know, for the data tells me so. Our collective obsession with hate shows in our tweets, in our clicks, in our content views, and in how many times we watch gifs of our enemies getting punched or hit with objects. Then the algorithms of our news feeds, regurgitate back to us content similar to what we’ve already digested.

Hatred is often fueled by injustice—at times merely perceived injustice. The injustices visited on most of us could not compare with that of our Liberian brothers and sisters. Yet this prayer’s blunt confession is one that our culture deeply needs to pray. We are consumed by hatred.

God have mercy on us. — John

Overcoming Hatred :: Worldwide Prayer
A Prayer for Strength to Forgive from Liberia

My Lord and my God,

Even though your nature is love I find that sometimes I am consumed by hatred.

Because I and my people have been treated so unjustly by fellow human beings it is hard not to hate.

My desire has always been to do your will and I know your will in this matter is for me to forgive.

Dear Jesus, you love me and you gave your life for me. You forgave all my sins, all the wrongs I have done against you and against my fellow human beings.

Even though my inclination is to keep on hating and to seek the downfall of those who oppress me, yet, because you have revealed your loving nature by dying on the Cross for me I know I must love just as you love—and forgive as you forgive.

Give me the strength, dear Lord to continue to love and forgive those who hurt me, to your glory, honor, and praise.

Amen.

*Prayer from Hallowed be Your Name: A collection of prayers from around the world, Dr. Tony Cupit, Editor.

The Refrain
Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.

– From 
The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Full prayer available online and in print.

Today’s Readings
2 Samuel 21 (Listen – 4:34)
Galatians 1 (Listen – 3:05)