About Praying for Someone Who Has Hurt You

Praying for someone who has hurt you is difficult. This prayer is especially powerful if you are still harboring some resentment. Pray from your heart, but if you are having trouble getting started, try this prayer.

It is important to pray by name. So if possible, insert the name of the person who has hurt you where it says NAME. And replace “him” with “her” as necessary.

Praying for Someone Who Has Hurt You

(Start by meditating on this scripture)

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies,
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.”  – Matthew 5:43-45

(Now pray for healing in your own heart.)

Loving Father, it is so difficult to let go of the hurt.
First I ask you to cleanse my heart of my resentment towards NAME.
Grant me the grace to forgive him for this pain I feel.
Heal my brokenness and give me peace.
I believe you have the power to do this.
I trust in your justice.

(And finally, pray for the person who has hurt you.)

I lift up NAME to you in prayer.
I don’t know what caused him to hurt me in this way.
Only you can see what is in another person’s heart.
Please call to him and draw him closer to you.
I know you have a tremendous love for all of your children, including NAME.
In your compassion, grant him whatever grace he needs today.

I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord
Through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

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More Resources

Why Must I Pray for My Enemies?

Jesus commanded us to love. The Catholic Church teaches that respecting life is more than just not hurting other people. We must actively work for peace and justice, even for those we are in conflict with.

Your Own Worst Enemy: Learning to Forgive Yourself

Sometimes we hold onto the past instead of moving forward. We can be our own worst enemies.