We are approaching our fourth challenge of The Prayer Project! I am beyond excited for this particular challenge as I believe that it will be the most difficult yet most impactful.
For the month of July we will come together once again and intercede on behalf of individuals that God places on our hearts. This month I am challenging you to pray for someone who has hurt you. This may be a friend, a sibling, a parent, a spouse, a boyfriend, a girlfriend etc. Anyone who may have betrayed you or hurt you in a way where you may have found it hard to forgive; or maybe you haven't yet forgiven them.
You may be asking, "Why in the world should I pray for someone who has/had no concern for me? They did me wrong, why do they deserve my prayers?" Let's see what Jesus has to say.
"But if you are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for the happiness of those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you." - Luke 6:27-28 (NLT)
If Jesus asked us to pray for those who hurt us, there has to be a reason why we should right? During this challenge we will further discuss why Jesus asks us to do this. (Sign up to receive emails below.)
Holding on to hurt or bitterness toward an individual does you more harm than it does them. Whether it was intentional or unintentional, the effects of dealing with hurt, especially if it was from someone close to you, can be very damaging if dealt with improperly. Releasing that hurt through prayer is symbolic of handing over the burden of that hurt and casting it onto God. Imagine the peace you could have by praying for the very person that tried to destroy you. Imagine God's power healing the heart of someone who tried to ruin you as a result of your prayers.
This challenge is indeed the most difficult so far, but I believe that together we can overcome the hurt that may be holding us back from receiving all that God has in store for us. Join us on this journey of freedom, peace, forgiveness and tough but rewarding love.
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Theme for July: Pray for someone who has hurt you or someone you know.
How to Participate:
- Choose a person (that has hurt you or someone you know) that God places on your heart to dedicate 30 days of prayer to. Do not inform the person you are praying for that you are doing this.
- For 30 days, write one prayer a day as a journal entry. Keep them in a handwritten journal or type them and keep them in a folder on your computer.
- At the end of the 30 days, if you choose, present the person you were praying for with the prayer journal as a gift. Let them know that God placed them on your heart to lift them up in prayer and that you decided to pray for them with no hidden agenda or intent to receive anything in return. Make sure you are doing this as a pure and genuine act of love.
Challenge #4 of The Prayer Project 30 Day Written Prayer Challenge will begin July 1, 2014.
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If you are up for the challenge, sign up at the link below to let me know that you are joining.
Make sure that you check your email and click the link to confirm your participation. If you have already signed up for a previous challenge, no need to sign up again. If you haven't,
