E25: Pray for Your Enemies -- Yes, Really!

E25: Pray for Your Enemies -- Yes, Really!

From Syncopator Familias by Greg Richter (host); Laura J. Axelrod (co-host)

September 20, 2025 · 18 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the challenging concept of praying for one's enemies as taught by Jesus, offering practical steps for listeners.

It's not an easy assignment in today's hardened online discourse, but really, it never has been easy. But Jesus tells his followers it's what they need to do. This episode looks into why this is and at practical steps we can take to make life easier for others -- and ourselves. Read the columns mentioned in the episode here: How I Gave Up Anger for Lent, And Took Up Praying for My ‘Enemies’ The Bee Attitudes — or O Death, Where Is Thy Sting? How my animosity toward badly behaving bees taught me I was being unforgiving to people who’ve wronged me Or listen to the podcast versions here: E3: How I Gave Up Anger for Lent &Took Up Praying for My Enemies Episode 1: The Bee Attitudes: O Death, Where Is Thy Sting? Read Corrie Ten Boom's book "The Hiding Place," or watch the movie online . Listen to Bob Dylan: "Gonna Change My Way of Thinking." Podcast Notes: “Praying for Your Enemies” 1. Introduction Open with the idea: “One of the most radical teachings of Jesus is to love and pray for your enemies.” Explain why this stands out compared to normal human instincts toward retaliation. Share the key verse (Luke 6:27–28 or Matthew 5:44) as your anchor text. 2…

People in this episode

Host: Greg Richter

Topics covered

  • prayer
  • forgiveness
  • enemies
  • Christian teachings
  • spiritual growth

Keywords

  • praying for enemies
  • forgiveness
  • Christianity
  • spirituality
  • anger management

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Hiding Place

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