Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered – Romans 8:26
Lionel’s and Nancy’s ritual has been the same ever since the new neighbors’ music became disturbingly loud and they refused to keep it at a respectful level. They had called the police, then said a prayer that God would remove their thorn. However, on this occasion, as the thumping sound seeped through their walls, Lionel and Nancy, who, after listening to a televised sermon “Changing Hearts Through Prayer,” knelt and began praying—not for God to remove their thorn, but that He would work on removing the thorn in their neighbors’ hearts.
If some people were less annoying, then it would be easier to pray for them. In other words, I was seeking conduct that was more tolerable—less offensive, thereby qualifying them for inclusion in my prayers in obedience to Matthew 5:44. I’ve now learned the flaw in my thinking, since Jesus’ instructions didn’t come with stipulations. Just as there is no little or big sin, neither are there behaviors that warrant less or more consideration of prayer. Because it’s the person, not the conduct, that’s broken and in need of God’s healing and our grace to seek it for them.
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers us to do what’s pleasing to God, which includes praying for our enemies. We need only come with a willing heart to see beyond the wrongdoings and see the person whose sins were included on the cross at Calvary and whose life can be changed, as has ours.