PRAYER TO EXPERIENCE AND EXPRESS RESPECT FOR ALL

 SHOWING RESPECT

Showing respect and being worthy of respect matters to God.  All persons have value as human beings, regardless of their status or behaviour.  We show respect by treating others as we want them to treat us. 

The “Ten Commandments”, given by God to His people, were instructions which empower God’s people to honour God and live respectfully with each other.  The first four commandments were given to help people know how to respect and honour God, their creator.  The following six were given to help them show respect to their parents and to live morally in peaceful harmony with their neighbours.

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12

It is God’s will that we be respectful of our parents, of people in authority, of people around us, and of their property.  This is particularly difficult when we face those who have harmed us.  No matter how badly others have treated us, God’s command does not change about the attitude we are to have towards them. 

It is God’s standard that as we forgive those who have been disrespectful towards us, God will forgive us for the disrespectful ways we have spoken and acted towards them.  Forgiveness eliminates our bondage to the events that caused us to stray from being the person God created us to be.  God is a righteous judge and He can be trusted to judge another person’s harmful actions. Each person is accountable to God for their actions.

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  Luke 6:27 NIV

People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed. 

Proverbs 13:13

Heavenly Father, As Your people we want to commit today to showing respect to everyone.  We are thankful that You love and care for us.  Now help us to honour and respect You in our thoughts, our motivation, and our desires and in all we do and say. 

Strengthen and help us to show respect to each person we meet, even when we disagree with their ways.  Help us to leave all judgment of others with You and simply do for them as we would wish them to do for us. 

We know we’ll need Your grace and strength at various points in order to do that when we feel challenged.  Fill us with more of Your character, Your love, and Your perseverance today, we pray. Amen