praying effectively: Be Compassionate (Rom.12:14-21)

(Romans 12:14-21)  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we are just, but never seek revenge (12:17, 19)

- that we never curse anyone, but bless them (12:14)

- that we bless those who persecute us (12:14)

- that we are giving, kind and good to our enemies (12:20-21)

- that we are not arrogant or condescending toward each other (12:16)

- that we are sympathetic to those who are "crying" (12:15)

- that we are understanding towards each other (12:16)

- that we rejoice with those who are rejoicing (12:15)

- that we try to be at peace with everyone (12:18)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your peace and patience and understanding with us.  Help us to be the same way towards others, so that we do not come across arrogant or condescending.  

Give us the strength and courage to forgive, love and bless those who persecute us.  Help us trust You in times of turmoil.  Guide us in wisdom to know how to settle the issues while remaining in Your will.

And sometimes just as difficult, help us to be empathetic and sympathetic towards those who are struggling and hurting.  Give us, not only patience, but wisdom in order to best comfort them.

Also just as difficult, help us not to be jealous, but to be happy for others when they experience good times.  Guide us always towards love and peace with all of those around us.  Amen.