Praying for your enemies is one of the most challenging yet powerful acts of faith a believer can undertake. The Bible commands us in Matthew 5:44: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” When we lift our enemies in prayer, we align ourselves with God’s heart, release bitterness, and invite His divine justice and mercy into every situation.
This prayer doesn’t mean condoning wrongdoing; it means trusting God to handle every offense while freeing your spirit from anger and resentment. Scripture shows that praying for our enemies brings peace, protection, and blessings—not just for them, but for us as well (Romans 12:20–21). By speaking God’s Word over those who oppose us, we activate His supernatural power to transform hearts, bring reconciliation, and establish victory.
Whether it’s a personal conflict, workplace rivalry, or past betrayal, lifting your enemies in prayer strengthens your faith and draws you closer to God’s purpose. This guide provides powerful, scripture-based prayers to bless, forgive, and pray for your enemies with authority and love.
Scripture of the Day
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” — [Matthew 5:44 NIV]
Prayer to Forgive My Enemies
Matthew 6:14 – “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
Prayer:
Lord, I come before You with a heavy heart, asking for the strength to forgive those who have wronged me. Your Word promises that as I forgive, I too will receive Your mercy. Help me to release anger, bitterness, and resentment, and fill my heart with Your peace. Teach me to love even those who hurt me and let Your grace flow through me, transforming my heart and my spirit, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Bless Those Who Hurt Me
Luke 6:28 – “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to bless those who have spoken against me or caused me harm. Replace every desire for revenge with a spirit of love and compassion. May Your favor rest upon them, and may Your light shine in their lives. Teach me to reflect Your goodness, even when facing hostility, and let Your peace reign in my heart, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for God’s Justice on My Enemies
Psalm 37:1–2 – “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither…”
Prayer:
Lord, I leave judgment in Your hands. I trust that You see every injustice and will act according to Your perfect timing. Protect me from harm, guide me in wisdom, and let Your justice prevail. Remove every evil plan formed against me and establish Your righteousness in every area of my life, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Overcome Anger and Bitterness
Ephesians 4:31–32 – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice…”
Prayer:
Father, help me to let go of anger, bitterness, and resentment toward those who have wronged me. Replace these emotions with Your love, patience, and forgiveness. Cleanse my heart from every trace of malice, and fill me with Your peace, so that I can walk in freedom and reflect Your character, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Peace in My Heart Amid Conflict
Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Prayer:
Lord, grant me Your perfect peace in the midst of conflict. Guard my heart and mind from fear, anxiety, or retaliation. Let Your presence calm my spirit and guide my thoughts. May I respond with grace, patience, and love, trusting that You are working all things for my good, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Love My Enemies Genuinely
Matthew 5:44 – “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to love my enemies sincerely. Remove all hatred, resentment, or desire for revenge. Fill my heart with Your love, so I may treat them with kindness, pray for their wellbeing, and reflect Your goodness in every interaction. Let my actions bring glory to Your name, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Release Revenge to God
Romans 12:19 – “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath…”
Prayer:
Father, I surrender every desire for revenge into Your hands. I trust that You are a righteous judge and will act according to Your perfect justice. Free me from anger and bitterness, and help me to focus on walking in Your will, leaving all retaliation to You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for God’s Protection Against Enemies
Psalm 5:12 – “Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”
Prayer:
Lord, surround me with Your protection and shield me from every attack or plot of my enemies. Keep me safe from harm, preserve my peace, and let Your favor act as a barrier against those who seek to harm me. Strengthen my faith as I trust in Your divine protection, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Transformation of My Enemies’ Hearts
Proverbs 25:21–22 – “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink…”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, touch the hearts of those who oppose me. Transform their thoughts, attitudes, and actions according to Your will. Help me to respond with kindness, generosity, and prayer, trusting that Your Word will bring about change and reconciliation, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Overcome Evil with Good
Romans 12:21 – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Prayer:
Lord, empower me to overcome every evil intention or attack against me with Your goodness. Help me to respond with love, patience, and grace, and to let my actions reflect Your light. May Your goodness defeat the evil in every situation, and may Your glory shine through me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Wisdom in Dealing with Adversaries
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Prayer:
Lord, grant me wisdom in every situation involving my enemies. Help me to respond with discernment, patience, and understanding, avoiding impulsive reactions. May Your guidance direct my steps and let me navigate conflicts in a way that honors You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for God to Turn Enemies into Friends
Proverbs 16:7 – “When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.”
Prayer:
Father, I ask that You soften the hearts of those who oppose me. Turn conflict into peace and enmity into friendship. Let reconciliation flow according to Your will, and may Your favor transform every difficult relationship, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Emotional Healing from Enemy Attacks
Psalm 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Prayer:
Lord, heal my heart from the pain, hurt, and betrayal caused by my enemies. Bind up every wound and restore my spirit with Your peace and comfort. Fill me with strength and hope, so I can move forward without bitterness, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Strength to Endure Persecution
2 Corinthians 12:10 – “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Prayer:
Father, grant me strength to endure trials, opposition, and persecution. When I feel weak, let Your power lift me up. Help me to remain steadfast in faith, trusting Your timing and sovereignty in every situation, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Respond with Grace and Kindness
Colossians 4:6 – “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Prayer:
Lord, help me to respond to my enemies with grace and kindness, even when it is difficult. Let my words bring life, not harm, and reflect Your love in every interaction. Teach me to speak truth with compassion and humility, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for God’s Favor Despite Opposition
Psalm 23:5 – “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, let Your favor surround me even as I face opposition. Bless me and provide abundantly in the presence of those who oppose me. Let Your goodness and mercy follow me and bring glory to Your name, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Speak Life, Not Curse My Enemies
James 3:10 – “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
Prayer:
Lord, help me to use my words to speak life, not curses. Guard my tongue from hatred, slander, or retaliation. Teach me to bless, encourage, and pray for my enemies, reflecting Your love and righteousness, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies’ Schemes
Psalm 31:15 – “My times are in your hands…”
Prayer:
Father, deliver me from every scheme, plot, or plan of my enemies. Protect me from hidden traps and open doors of opportunity according to Your will. Let Your guidance and protection lead me through every challenge, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Keep a Humble Heart Before Enemies
Proverbs 15:33 – “Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.”
Prayer:
Lord, guard my heart against pride or arrogance in dealing with adversaries. Help me to remain humble, patient, and teachable, so that I may honor You in every interaction. Let humility guide my actions and words, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Patience Amid Opposition
Galatians 5:22 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Prayer:
Father, cultivate patience and forbearance in my heart as I face opposition. Let the fruit of Your Spirit flow through me, enabling me to respond with love, self-control, and peace, even when provoked. Strengthen me to persevere and trust Your timing, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for God’s Light to Shine on My Enemies
Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Prayer:
Lord, let Your light shine through me even in the presence of my enemies. May my actions reflect Your goodness and lead them to see Your love. Use me as an instrument of Your light to soften hearts and bring glory to Your name, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Walk Away from Retaliation
Proverbs 20:22 – “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”
Prayer:
Father, help me resist the temptation to retaliate against those who have wronged me. I release all desire for revenge into Your hands, trusting that You will act in Your perfect timing. Grant me peace as I leave judgment to You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Protection of My Family from Enemies
Psalm 91:1–2 – “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
Prayer:
Lord, protect my family from every harm and attack by enemies. Shelter us under Your wings and surround us with Your divine protection. Let no evil plan succeed against us, and may Your presence bring peace and security to our home, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Forgiveness for Both Sides
Luke 6:37 – “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I choose to forgive those who have hurt me. Remove all bitterness and resentment from my heart, and grant them Your mercy as well. Heal every broken relationship and let forgiveness flow freely, so that both sides may experience Your peace, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Avoid Gossip and Slander About Enemies
Proverbs 11:13 – “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
Prayer:
Lord, help me guard my words and avoid speaking ill of my enemies. Keep my tongue under control and my speech filled with truth, wisdom, and kindness. Let me reflect Your integrity in every conversation, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Emotional Freedom from Hate
1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
Prayer:
Father, free me from hatred, fear, and resentment toward those who oppose me. Fill my heart with Your perfect love, so that I can love without fear, embrace peace, and walk in freedom, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Show Compassion to Those Who Hate Me
Romans 12:20 – “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink…”
Prayer:
Lord, help me to show compassion and kindness to those who hate me. Let my actions reflect Your love, and may my generosity soften hearts and bring reconciliation. Teach me to respond with grace, not retaliation, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Trust God’s Timing with Enemies
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, teach me to trust Your timing in dealing with enemies. Help me to wait patiently and not act impulsively. May Your plans unfold perfectly, and may I remain faithful and confident in Your guidance, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Peaceful Resolution of Conflict
Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Prayer:
Lord, guide me to be a peacemaker in every conflict. Help me to pursue peace, reconciliation, and understanding with those who oppose me. Let Your Spirit lead every interaction, and may harmony and forgiveness prevail, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Keep Faith Strong Despite Enemies
1 Peter 5:8–9 – “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…”
Prayer:
Father, strengthen my faith as I face opposition from enemies. Help me to stand firm, resist the devil’s schemes, and remain alert and steadfast. Let Your Spirit empower me to overcome every attack and walk in victory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Testimony
There was a Christian woman named Grace who had a colleague, Mark, constantly spreading lies about her at work. Every day, she felt hurt, angry, and ready to retaliate. The stress affected her sleep, her focus, and even her prayer life. She realized she could not carry the burden alone, so she began praying scripture-based prayers for her enemies, asking God to forgive, bless, and protect her while transforming her heart toward Mark.
Over time, Grace noticed a change not only in her own heart but also in the atmosphere at work. She no longer felt bitterness or anger, and she could respond to Mark with kindness and calm. Eventually, Mark’s hostility softened, and they developed a cordial relationship. Grace experienced the peace of God that surpasses all understanding and the power of prayer to overcome evil with good.
This testimony shows why praying for enemies matters: it doesn’t just protect and bless others—it transforms your heart, frees you from bitterness, and brings God’s peace and victory into your life. When you pray in faith, God can work miracles even in the most difficult relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can prayer really change the hearts of my enemies?
Q: I’ve tried to deal with difficult people, but nothing changes. Can prayer truly make a difference?
A: Yes, prayer can change hearts. When you pray scripture-based prayers, you invite God’s power into situations that seem impossible. Verses like Proverbs 16:7 and Romans 12:21 remind us that God can turn hostility into peace and overcome evil with good. Patience and persistent prayer allow God to work in ways you may not see immediately.
How do I forgive someone who hurt me deeply?
Q: Some people have hurt me deeply. How can I truly forgive them?
A: Forgiveness starts with a choice, not feelings. Pray for God’s strength using verses like Matthew 6:14 and Luke 6:28. Ask Him to remove bitterness and help you bless those who hurt you. Over time, God heals your heart and allows genuine forgiveness to flow.
Is it wrong to ask God for justice against my enemies?
Q: Can I pray for God to act against my enemies without being sinful?
A: No, it’s not wrong to ask God for justice. Scripture, like Psalm 37:1–2 and Romans 12:19, encourages leaving vengeance to God. Pray for His justice and protection while maintaining a heart of love and forgiveness toward your enemies.
How often should I pray for my enemies?
Q: Do I pray once or regularly for my enemies?
A: Praying for your enemies should be consistent, not just once. Daily or regular prayer helps transform your heart, keeps you free from bitterness, and aligns your life with God’s will. Even short, heartfelt prayers count when done in faith and sincerity.
Can praying for my enemies really bring me peace?
Q: I feel angry and stressed. Will prayer for my enemies help me find peace?
A: Absolutely. Scripture-based prayers for enemies, such as Philippians 4:7 and Romans 12:21, invite God’s peace into your heart. Praying for those who hurt you releases bitterness, restores emotional balance, and allows God’s peace to guard your mind and heart.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait another day to experience the freedom and peace that comes from praying for your enemies. Start now choose one person you struggle with and lift them up in prayer using scripture-based words. Bless them, forgive them, and ask God to guide and protect both your heart and theirs.
Share this practice with friends or family and encourage them to pray too. As you make this a daily habit, you’ll notice a transformation not just in others, but in yourself. Bitterness will fade, peace will increase, and God’s favor will surround you. Step into the power of prayer today, and let love and forgiveness become your greatest weapon against every enemy.