Praying for your enemies (opposers)

Today we look at Matthew 5:43-45 - (Jesus said,) "You have heard that the law of Moses says 'Love your be neighbors' and hate your enemy. But I say, love you enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven."

Our Lord challenged us to pray and actually love our enemies. Now I can't say that I have many enemies as a person. I may have some folks that I don't see I eye to eye on issues, but I wouldn't call them enemies. So today's challenge is to pray for those that you hold an issue with. Can we write that name or names on a card and pray for them for a week? I am going to try. Now flip that card over and write the name of an enemy of the United States. Osama was my choice earlier, but that isn't going to work anymore. So what do we write down? I ask for names from anyone, on this one.

Here is the prayer of the day in the devotion to get you started on this effort.

LORD, please fill my heart with compassion for (insert name). Help me to pray for this person and to bless, not curse them. I can do this only as I look to you as my example. Thank you for dying on the cross for me so that I could be reconciled to the Father. Let my heart respond to my enemies, even as your heart was poured out on their behalf. Amen