Church Fathers, Day 345: St. Ignatius of Antioch tells us to never stop praying for others

Church Fathers, Day 345: St. Ignatius of Antioch tells us to never stop praying for others July 1, 2015

st_ignatius_of_antioch_spotlightNever stop praying for others

No matter how wicked they may seem to be, says St. Ignatius of Antioch, all the people around us are our brothers. We need to imitate Christ and return gentleness for their cruelty.

And pray on behalf of others without ceasing. For there is hope of re­pentance in them: they may still make it to God. Make sure that they can learn from your works, if in no other way. Be meek in response to their anger, humble against their boasting. Return prayers for their blasphemies; show your gentleness for their cruelty. Though we take care not to imitate what they do, let us be proved their brothers in all true kindness.

Who was ever more unjustly treated, more destitute, more condemned than the Lord? Let us seek to be his followers, so that no seed of the devil may be found in you, but you may remain in Jesus Christ in all holiness and sobriety, both in the flesh and in the spirit.

–St. Ignatius of Antioch, Ephesians, 2

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Who among my personal enemies most needs my prayers?

What am I doing to let my works draw that person back to Christ?

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, open my heart to love for all your people. Teach me to pray for them, and give me the courage to love even my enemies.

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