Should I pray for my enemies? The Bible teaches that believers are called not only to pray for friends and loved ones, but also for those who oppose, mistreat, or hurt them. Praying for enemies reflects the mercy of God and helps free the heart from bitterness and hatred (Matthew 5:44).
This article is part of our Prayer Series: What the Bible Really Says About Prayer, where we are learning to grow in both understanding and practice.
This question builds naturally on Should I Pray for Other People?, because Jesus expands prayer beyond people we naturally love to include those who may deeply wound us.
Praying for people who love us is natural. Praying for people who hurt us is something only God can teach the heart to do.
This may be one of the hardest commands Jesus ever gave.
The Saying
“Praying for your enemies means pretending the hurt never happened.”
The Problem
This misunderstanding causes many people to resist what Jesus taught.
Praying for enemies does not mean denying evil, ignoring justice, or pretending wounds are unimportant.
The Bible never minimizes pain or excuses sin.
Instead, praying for enemies means refusing to allow hatred and bitterness to take control of the heart.
It means placing people—and situations—into God’s hands.
What the Bible Actually Says
Matthew 5:44 (ESV)
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Romans 12:19–20 (ESV)
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God… if your enemy is hungry, feed him…”
Luke 23:34 (ESV)
“And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’”
Jesus not only taught prayer for enemies—He modeled it even while suffering on the cross.
The Truth About Praying for Enemies
Praying for enemies changes the posture of the heart.
It does not always remove pain immediately, but it begins loosening the grip of bitterness.
When we pray for those who hurt us, we are saying:
- “God, I trust You to handle justice.”
- “Do not let hatred control me.”
- “Work in their heart—and in mine.”
This kind of prayer may include asking God to:
- Bring conviction and repentance
- Restrain evil
- Protect the innocent
- Heal damaged relationships where possible
- Give you grace to respond wisely
Praying for enemies is not weakness.
It is spiritual strength shaped by the mercy of Christ.
The gospel reminds us that every believer was once an enemy of God who received undeserved grace.
That truth reshapes how we view even difficult people.
Living It Out
- Begin honestly if praying for someone feels difficult
- Ask God to guard your heart from bitterness
- Entrust justice and judgment to God
- Pray for wisdom in difficult relationships
- Remember the mercy God has shown you
You may not be able to change another person’s heart.
But through prayer, God can protect and transform yours.
A Short Prayer
Father, You know the people and situations that have wounded me. Help me not to give bitterness control over my heart. Teach me to pray with honesty, wisdom, and grace, trusting You with justice and healing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Continue Learning
This article is part of the Daily Diamonds series: Does God Hear Me? What the Bible Really Says About Prayer. Each article builds on the last to help you grow in a clear, biblical understanding of prayer.