A Prayer for the Unkind

We all get an onslaught of unkind treatment from nasty people, especially from strangers, from people we don't know safely tucked behind the walls of a car, the anonymity of the Internet. 

For me, it usually happens on the road. I would get honked at and usually when someone honks at you in Kuala Lumpur, it is almost akin to a blare of profanity directed at you. I usually do not know what to do with them. I would normally flare out in anger at the discourtesy and indecency. I'd have a conversation with God because he's the best person for me to go to whenever I'm angry. I know I must not allow them to spoil my day. It is a small thing after all but it does feel so big. 

God would temper me and I would end up having to pray for them and my prayer would be something like this. But I must say that this prayer looks tame because I am guilty of some imprecatory lines thrown in sometimes!

Father,

You remain forever with the faithful

Help us live in your presence

Help us be a river of joy

And a stream of peace

To people around us

Especially to those who are unkind

Those who malign others

May your holy presence be near them

That they will sense your goodness

And be drawn to you 

May they be changed

To be gracious and benevolent 

May they be drawn to you

And receive your gift of love and forgiveness

Amen

pearlie