Learning to Pray for your Enemies

Using prayer to overcome the obstacles.

The first time someone suggested that I pray for my enemy I laughed hysterically. I had just recounted all of the horrors a co-worker put me through and the wise counsel was to pray for my enemy. They had to be joking. How could I pray for someone who sought to sabotage me and my work for reasons far beyond my comprehension?

Many of us know what it is like to work in a hostile work environment. Even worse, to be partnered with someone who appears to want to see you fail. In Nehemiah 4, the Israelites are facing a similar situation. After returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the Lord's temple they are met with fierce criticism from influential men who publicly ridicule them.

"What are those feeble Jews doing? …What are they building —even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!"

Nehemiah 4:2-3

Oftentimes our enemies don't come right out and attack us. They usually start with subtle jabs here and there, and before you know it your credibility is being doubted. The Israelites could have gone on the defensive by defending their good names. Instead, they prayed.

"Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders."

Nehemiah 4:4-5

In the spirit of full transparency, this scripture would have come in handy when my co-worker was attempting to sabotage me. It is a much fiercer prayer than the one I prayed. However, the Lord still heard my cry. Nehemiah 4 goes on to say, "Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families."

At the end of it all, each challenge offered me an opportunity to rise to the occasion and prove what the Lord has already said. That I am more than a conqueror. With every ill word spoken against me to man, I spoke to God instead.

The Israelites were concerned with building to honor God. Their enemies were concerned with talking about what the Israelites were doing. I encourage you to keep building and fighting for your family. Most of all keep talking to God. In the end, you win.