Jeremiah 18: 18-20; Psalm 31; Matthew 20: 17-28
Jeremiah prays, much in the style of Jesus. He prays for his enemies: “Pay attention to me, Lord. Listen to what my adversaries say….They have dug a pit for my life. Remember how I stood before you to speak good for them, to turn away your wrath from them.”
Repeat Jeremiah’s prayer. Then return and name your “adversaries.” Start with any who frighten you, i.e. terrorists. Those who irritate you, anger you, enrage you (at home, at work, overseas). Any whom you hate. Of whom you are jealous/envious? Will you speak good for them to God? Try it. And if you fail, remember you need not be perfect. Let us pray with Jesus, who was not ready to forgive such massive injustice done to him, but at least could pray:
Father, forgive them. They (he/she) do not know what they are doing. Forgive those with malice in their hearts and forgive those who, like us, are weak and needy.