Pray For Your Enemies And Bless Them

Rev. Tse Amable | April 27 2025 | Acts 7:57-60

KEY VERSE: “Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:60 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

Stephen emulated the example of his Master, Jesus Christ, in his life and death. Stephen embraced persecution, suffering and death just as Jesus Christ did. One good example we can also emulate from Stephen is what he did seconds before he transitioned out of this world to heaven: HE PRAYED FOR HIS ENEMIES – THE VERY PEOPLE WHO WERE STONING HIM TO DEATH. Jesus Christ did a similar thing when on the cross of Calvary, seconds before he also gave up the ghost, he prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Praying for someone who has demonstrated in every way, both openly and secretly, to be your enemy or an adversary is not easy. Most of us would like to pray what some preachers call “BACK TO THE SENDER” prayers. We want to pray that our enemies suffer, die prematurely, are pursued by angels, etc. Instead of praying for our enemies to be blessed, we would rather rain curses on them. We find many such prayers in the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms. But Jesus Christ taught us to do things differently. He said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45). Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:14,21).

One way we can show the world that we are Christ-like is when we pray for our enemies, bless them and seek their prosperity and welfare.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

How do you react to harsh insults, harsh treatments and persecution by people you perceive as your enemies, especially when you are innocent? The natural person likes to take revenge and pay the enemy back in their own coin – pound for pound, boot for boot. But the follower of Jesus Christ must do what the Master did. Pray for your enemies and bless them.

PRAYER:

Father, I know it is not easy when people revile and persecute me when I have not done them any wrong. My old nature likes to respond with a curse for a curse. I pray that you will empower me through the Holy Spirit to leave vengeance in your hands and instead pray for my enemies and bless them. In Jesus Christ's name I pray. Amen!

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 117: Joshua 24 — Covenant Renewed at Shechem

DAILY word study: CRIED OUT

The Greek word for "Cried out" in Acts 7:60 is krazō (κράζω), which means: “to cry out aloud, to shout urgently.

The phrase is related to a strong, audible utterance of deep emotion or need. Stephen’s final prayer wasn’t whispered—it was cried out with force and clarity. His “crying out” didn’t reflect anger or fear; it carried intercession, pleading for forgiveness on behalf of those around him.

Reflection:

Sometimes our deepest prayers rise not from polished words, but from urgent, Spirit-filled cries. Stephen's final breath was a prayer for mercy.