Psalm 109:4 "In return for my love they are my adversaries, but I resort to prayer."
This verse jumped off the screen at me today, as it describes so clearly some of my experiences in my faith transition over the last few years. It struck at my heart because I know the feeling David sings about here, and I've also been driven to prayer for those who have returned fear, rejection, and even some anger for many years' of love and friendship because I now wear the Mormon scarlet letter for "apostasy". I recognize that, unless God gives me specific words in a specific situation, there's not much I can say to change the way I'm perceived: lost, fallen, deceived and not to be trusted in spiritual things.
And so, I pray.
I pray because the Lord of Hosts penetrated my surety, showed me the sand upon which I had built my life, and then offered me His endless love and forgiveness as a safe space in which to learn. And if He can do it for me, He can do it for anyone.
And I mean anyone.
Heavenly Father, my heart cries out for ALL those who earnestly seek You. Let them find You. Soften hearts and minds as Your Holy Spirit hovers over them. Break down fear and suspicion and judgement and prejudice, filling that space with the ultimate comfort of Your love. Bring across their paths and into their lives believers who will generously pour Your scandalous grace over their lives, and let the humble followers of Christ find Him and the everlasting life and joy that is promised to all believers, here and now. In Jesus' name, amen.
