Praying for the enemy

A week ago we were shook out of our normal routine when two men decided to bomb the Boston Marathon.  There are many countries that go through these events on a weekly basis, but in the US we are not accustomed to them as often.  Praise God they are both off the streets and are being kept from creating more damage.  Many will condemn this young man to hell. 

I hope that you will look into what the bible has to say:

Matthew 5:44 "Love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." 

Romans 12:14 "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse."

Proverbs 25:21-22 "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you."

These are some of the verses that say we are to love, pray and help our enemies.  In Proverbs 25:22 where it says "heap burning coals on their head" seems harsh, but I believe that the burning coals are God's love and that is what it feels like to the demonic spirit that is trying to lead that person.  Love is the enemy to demons.  What the enemy meant for harm, God can turn to His glory.  There were many in Boston offering strangers food, water and even a place to spend the night.  At the end if verse 22 it says "God will reward you."  God knows that he is asking something very difficult for us to do and that if we do it He will give us a reward because of our faithfulness.
   
Every night during my prayers I pray for terrorists (anyone who inflicts terror upon one person or many, this is not defined by their location, race or beliefs).  My prayers nightly are not easy to pray, but that is what the Holy Spirit has put on my heart to pray for and I will not go against that.   

Besides forgiveness, praying for our enemies is one of the hardest things we are called to do.  Many that choose to forgive would not dare pray for God to bless those that hurt them, yet that is what we must do.  If you do both it's a one-two knockout to the enemy.  This young man followed his older brother into a nightmare plan.  I am praying that he will find God before his death.  This tragedy does not make sense.  The devil's plan doesn't make sense, he wants to destroy and I believe laughs in the face of our despair.  When we stand up and show love in the face of evil the enemy has no response.  I pray for the families that have lost loved ones or have had loved ones injured and this young man too.

You might not agree with this post and that is ok, my heart was heavy today and I felt a need to share.