Today, I want to offer something a little different. Just as I did yesterday, I want to offer you a guided meditation as our message and prayer.

Yesterday we prayed for a loved one and for ourselves. Today, we remember that Jesus told us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44)… That’s not easy. But when we hold hatred, bitterness, or resentment in our hearts, it is detrimental to our own health, our well-being, and even our souls. We need to learn to let go.

I invite you to read this slowly. Close your eyes as you are able and take the prayer into your heart. Begin by taking a couple of deep breaths. Breathe in God’s Spirit, breathe out. Breathe in God’s Spirit. Breathe out…

Today, I invite you to imagine someone in your mind’s eye with whom you’ve had disagreements, or someone you dislike. Maybe it is a political leader who is contrary to everything you stand for… This could also be someone who may have hurt you. But just pick one person and get them in your mind’s eye. And offer this prayer for them…

May God protect you… May God fill you with joy… May God give you health… May God give you peace… (pause a moment and continue to hold them in your mind’s eye. Call them by name.) May you be protected… May you be joyful… May you be healthy… May you be at peace…

We offer you these our prayers today, in all humility and hope, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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