An unprecedented prayer to overcome hatred

Hate has become quite the abused word. We tend to talk about things we hate when we really mean we don't like something. However, there are times when we let our hearts hate and it is there and celebrating within us. When we allow hatred to take over, we allow darkness to enter us. It tarnishes our judgment, makes us more negative, adds bitterness to our lives. However, God offers us another direction. It tells us that we can overcome hatred and replace it with forgiveness and acceptance. It gives us the opportunity to bring the light back into our hearts, no matter how much we try to hold back hatred.

Here is a prayer to overcome hatred before it takes over:

An example prayer
Sir, thank you for everything you do in my life. Thanks for all that you give me and for the direction you give. Thanks for protecting me and being my strength every day. Lord, today I lift your heart because it is full of hate that I can't control. There are times when I know I should let him go, but he continues to grab me. Every time I think about this, I get angry again. I feel the anger inside me growing and I only know that hatred is doing something to me.

I ask, Lord, that you intervene in my life to help me overcome this hatred. I know you warn not to let it get worse. I know you ask us to love rather than hate. Forgive us all for our sins rather than letting us get angry. Your son died on a cross for our sins rather than to allow you to hate us. He couldn't even hate his captors. No, you are the ultimate forgiveness and it also exceeds the potential for hatred. The only thing you hate is sin, but it's one thing and you still offer your grace when we fail.

Yet, Lord, I am struggling with this situation and I need you to help me. I'm not sure I have the strength right now to let go of this hatred. I am hurt. It is tacky. Sometimes I get distracted. I know it's catching on, and I know you're the only one strong enough to push me further. Help me move from hate to forgiveness. Help me get away from my hatred and temper it so I can clearly see the situation. I don't want to be clouded anymore. I no longer want my decisions to be distorted. Lord, I want to go through this heaviness in my heart.

Sir, I know that hatred is much stronger than a simple dislike of things. I see the difference now. I know this is hate because it is strangling me. It is holding me back from a freedom that I have seen others experience when they have overcome hatred. It draws me into dark thoughts and prevents me from moving forward. It's a dark thing, this hate. Lord, help me get the light back. Help me understand and accept that this hatred is not worth the weight it has placed on my shoulders.

I am struggling right now, Lord, and you are my savior and my support. Lord please let your spirit into my heart so I can go on. Fill me with your light and show me clear enough to get out of this hate and anger mist. Lord, be my everything right now so I can be the person you want for me.

Thank you sir. In your name, Amen.