As we continue on the theme of Love, in particular, loving our enemies, one of the ten unshakeables of the Prayer Covenant I’m reminded of I Peter 2:21 which reads,
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
From the agony of the cross Jesus cried, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Jesus prayed for those who tortured Him. It is impossible for us to love like Jesus, forgive like Jesus and serve like Jesus without His love, His forgiveness and His servant heart flowing through us.
But what might happen if you intentionally pray and ask God, Help me love you with my whole heart. Help me love others the way you love me.
Christ-Centered Prayers Answered
Jesus makes it clear. When we abide in Christ and His words abide in us, our Christ-centered prayers will be answered.
If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you (John 15:7).
[We] receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him (1 John 3:21-22).
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us (1 John 5:14).
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it(John 14:13-14).
When Will Your Prayers Be Answered?
I’ve experienced this many times in my own life, and am convinced that He will answer your prayers and answer them quickly when you are praying His perfect will to be done. It is the will of God that you love Him more than anything in the entire world, including your spouse, children, parents, friends and enemies. And when you love Jesus above all things, you will love your spouse, children, parents, friends and enemies well, because He will love through you with the same grace, forgiveness and goodness with which He loves you.
In her book No Greater Love, Mother Teresa writes about how to love Jesus:
love our foes
Love Jesus generously. Love Him trustfully, without looking back and without fear. Give yourself fully to Jesus. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your weakness. Believe in Him, trust in Him with a blind and absolute confidence because He is Jesus.