Praying for my persecutors
Is the most difficult of tasks…
Praying when my wounds are fresh
For those who brought distress…
Praying for God’s blessings
When my flesh desires to curse…
Praying without slandering
And criticizing first…
Praying and loving
Those who don’t love me…
Praying with an eye
Toward their eternity…
Praying in sincerity, in spirit, and in truth…
Praying for my persecutors
Without hardening my heart.

ADW 1999