I know that will raise some eyebrows but let’s think about this. There are many reasons to pray for the terrorists.
I woke up yesterday morning to the horrific news of the terrorist attack in Brussels, Belgium. Details are still coming out and we still don’t even know how many casualties there are. This is terrible and every time a terrorist attack occurs, we are shocked, horrified, angry, disgusted…We feel helpless!
We are not sure what to do. Initially, I had all these emotions and more. My next thought was to pray. As I started to pray, God really spoke to me about my prayer. I posted the following prayer on Facebook:
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your protection. I ask that You be with all those injured and be with the families of those killed by terrorists in Brussels this morning. There is so much hatred in this world. I pray for these terrorists, that they realize that they are killing in the name of a false god and that they repent and come to know You. Continue to protect us and help us to be a strong witness. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Yes, I prayed for the terrorists!
God tells us to pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB. We should always be praying.
Give thanks. I know that sounds strange but that is in the Bible. In 1 Thessalonians it continues in 5:18, “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” How can we be thankful when people are killed in senseless terror attacks? This is hard. We can be grateful that more didn’t die. We can be grateful for what the authorities can learn from this.
Pray for your enemies. “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Matthew 5:44 NASB. And, also in Luke 6:28, “bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” I think this is the hardest to do. Pray for your enemies? But, they hate us! We are not to hate them but to love everyone (definitely a good reminder to myself).
Pray that their hearts will be changed. Pray that they will see that Jesus is the only way to Heaven, that they may accept Him as their Lord and Savior. God does not want anyone to perish.
I know this sounds strange, and believe me, when God led me to pray for them, I thought, “You’re kidding, right?” Let God lead you in your prayer life. He might surprise you!
Will you pray for the terrorists?
Will you let God lead your prayer life?
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Thank you for your boldness to ask us to join you in these prayers. After reading this I agree, praying for the gospel message to somehow find these people and stick to their hearts is the most important thing we can do.
I know this is a difficult thing to do. I was shocked when I felt God leading me to pray for them. This does not mean that I condone their actions. I just saw a new perspective. God is really working in my prayer life right now because a year ago I would not have been able to do this. It is only through God that we can do this.