Enemy by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 ImageCreator
Almighty and tender Lord Jesus Christ,
just as I have asked you to love my friends
so I ask the same for my enemies.
You alone, Lord, are mighty. You alone are merciful.
Whatever you make me desire for my enemies,
give it to them. And give the same back to me.
If I ever ask for them anything which is outside your perfect rule of love,
whether through weakness, ignorance or malice,
good Lord, do not give it to them
and do not give it back to me.
You who are the true light, lighten their darkness.
You who are the whole truth, correct their errors.
You who are the incarnate word, give life to their souls.
Tender Lord Jesus, let me not be a stumbling block to them
nor a rock of offence.
My sin is sufficient for me, without harming others.
I, a slave to sin, beg your mercy on my fellow slaves.
Let them be reconciled with you,
and through you reconciled to me.
St. Anselm, c. 1033-1109, Benedictine monk, Archbishop of Canterbury
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But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies!
Do good to those who hate you.
Bless those who curse you.
Pray for those who hurt you.
