"So maybe we should pray that we should love those who might persecute us in the future."
This sentence struck a chord with me - it reminded me of how I tried to raise my children and instruct the Jr. Highers I work with - that we should plan ahead of time to respond to difficult situations in a Christ-like manner. That we should discipline our thinking and behavior to respond, as best as possible, instinctively in spiritual matters as well as security and relational matters.
For instance - if I see a runaway car careening toward my kids - and I can't physically reach them in time to spare their suffering - when I yell for them to jump out of the way - I don't want them pondering the options of obedience - or the comfort of their current situation - I want them to jump - immediately.
Spiritually - I also want to save them from soul wrenching carnage. The emphasis I've made on daily Bible reading - time in prayer - fellowship with other believers in church - to think theologically and biblically in a Christ-like manner - was to help them respond quickly in a God honoring fashion to the situations that His providence places them in.
So, what are preemptive prayers that we could/should pray? Any suggestions?
A couple of warmer-uppers:
"God, you know I'll probably hear some jokes at the office today - that my baser nature would find funny - but should instead bring embarrassment or discomfort. Help me to not to join in "unwholesome" speech. Help me not to retreat. Help me start honorable conversations."
"God, I want to witness to my co-worker - but sometimes I am afraid to speak of you - Forgive me - and help me be bolder."
