Maundy Thursday, April 14, 2022
“Pray for the One Who Hurt You”
Maundy Thursday is the day the Church remembers Jesus’ last day of freedom before His passion and death. On this day, many churches will host special services that may include a Seder Meal, Holy Communion, and foot washing. Even if you choose to not attend worship, you can do something special today: pray for the one who hurt you.
While Jesus was celebrating the Last Supper with His disciples, He told the disciples that one of them was going to betray Him that evening. We recognize this person as Judas Iscariot. While the meal was occurring, only Jesus appears to know the identity of the guilty party. Judas became an enemy to Jesus and Judas quickly became recognized as the ultimate villain in human history. Even so, Jesus still prayed for him.
Today, our Challenge is to pray for the one who hurt us. It may be an enemy, family member, friend, or stranger. No matter what the offense or the pain that resulted from the hurt and estrangement in our lives, let’s consider praying for them today. This is more than just praying for our enemies. This is about praying for someone who has caused us great pain.
Who will it be? Let’s pray for the one that God is suggesting: the one who hurt us!
“You have heard people say, “Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.” But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong.” (Matthew 5:43-45, CEB).
