How do you pray for a Murderer?

Just asking ... How do you pray for someone who happily killed a beloved member of your family?

kisstel_143 wrote: Just asking ... How do you pray for someone who happily killed a beloved member of your family?

I would first ask God to help me to not hold onto any hatred/anger I would have towards that person, and eventually ask God to help me forgive that person. Then I would pray for the person who committed the murder, for God to intervene in that person's life in a way that will change them drastically...

Sounds easy when read, but that process might take years to complete. I'm sure people hold onto that hatred for a long time, especially if they were close to the person who was murdered...

methodikal wrote:

kisstel_143 wrote: Just asking ... How do you pray for someone who happily killed a beloved member of your family?

I would first ask God to help me to not hold onto any hatred/anger I would have towards that person, and eventually ask God to help me forgive that person. Then I would pray for the person who committed the murder, for God to intervene in that person's life in a way that will change them drastically...

Sounds easy when read, but that process might take years to complete. I'm sure people hold onto that hatred for a long time, especially if they were close to the person who was murdered...

Agreed. Just remember, forgiveness is about making a decision, not about feelings. Coz the only time we will be released from that anger is by making the decision to forgive the person. Also, to trust God in all of these. This is where the Gospel comes in again and again. Think of the work that Jesus did for us, we didn't deserve it at all, but He still chose to do it. And that same thing, we need to do as Christians.

Thanks for your replies ~ I really appreciate them.