Forbid me Lord
from praying for my enemies
or those who wronged me
while cherishing
the secret wish
that they be hurt
or destroyed
Purge me of bitterness anger
revenge hate
Root out
the poisonous weeds
of jealously
entangled in my heart
towards those
who have a greater position
than the small place
I occupy
I am self-centered
wooden powerless
Lord
to make this change
infuse me with
Your Holy Spirit
that I may truly
love my enemies
bless
and not curse them
and pray for them
wholeheartedly
as did Your Son
upon the cross
From "Prayers for People Under Pressure," by Donald Deffner, Northwestern Publishing House, page 58
