If we’re being honest, praying for someone who has hurt us feels like the last thing we want to do. When we’ve been betrayed, lied to, mistreated, or taken advantage of, our human nature craves justice, sometimes even revenge. We think, Why should I pray for them? They don’t deserve my kindness, let alone my prayers.
But here’s the hard truth: forgiveness and prayer aren’t about whether someone deserves it, they’re about freeing you. Jesus Himself gave us this command, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:44.
Notice He didn’t say, “Pray for those who apologize” or “Pray for those who change.” He said pray for those who persecute you, those who cause harm, speak against you, or treat you unfairly.
When you pray for someone who’s hurt you, the first thing that changes isn’t them, it’s you. Prayer softens the hardness in your heart, dismantles the bitterness, and keeps you from being consumed by anger. Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die, it slowly eats away at your peace, your joy, and your ability to move forward.
Prayer Breaks the CycleThe enemy thrives in cycles of offense, he wants to keep you in a loop of hurt, anger, and retaliation. When you choose to pray instead of retaliate, you step out of that cycle and into God’s peace. You’re no longer reacting based on emotion but responding based on faith.
When you pray for someone who wronged you, you’re essentially saying, God, I trust You to handle this better than I can. It doesn’t mean you’re excusing their behavior, it means you’re handing over the gavel and letting the righteous Judge handle the verdict. God sees what was done to you, and His justice is perfect.
Holding onto resentment can block your own prayers from being heard (Mark 11:25). When you forgive and pray for others, you keep your relationship with God clear and open. It’s not about letting them off the hook, it’s about staying connected to the One who heals your wounds.
It’s what Jesus did at the cross, Jesus prayed for the very people who nailed Him there, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” — Luke 23:34. If our Savior could pray for those who mocked, tortured, and killed Him, we can pray for the ones who hurt us.
Bottom line is you don’t pray for those who hurt you because it’s easy, you pray because it’s the only way to truly heal. It keeps your heart free, invites God’s justice, and ensures the enemy doesn’t win by making you bitter.
Who do you need to pray for today?
Holy mess 