# Prayer for Enemies and the Sixth Day of the Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
*2008-07-12*

> Bill Young reflects on the difficulty of forgiving those who have wronged us, offers a prayer for enemies, and continues the sixth day of the novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

## The Challenge of Forgiveness

Good afternoon, this is Bill Young. Forgiving people who have hurt us—whether a boss, a friend, a spouse, or a child—can be very hard. We often feel wronged and may hold onto that hurt, but Scripture calls us to forgive even when others do not seek our forgiveness.

## Prayer for Our Enemies

O Jesus, who commanded us to forgive and love those who do us wrong, I beg you, for the sake of your precious blood, grant me the strength to observe this commandment. Jesus, who from the cross prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” grant me, through your precious blood, the grace to perform this heroic act toward my enemies. May they repent, sing your praise, and one day join me in heaven. Divine Lamb, sanctify us for peace, love, and the salvation of the world. Graciously hear and grant this prayer of mine. Amen.

## Sixth Day of the Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

We now continue the novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Day 6 (July 12). With loving, provident care, O Mother most admirable, you cover us with your scapular as a shield against the Evil One. Through your assistance, may we bravely struggle against the powers of evil and remain open to your Son, Jesus Christ.

## Our Petitions

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, my loving Mother, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us. Amen.

*Forgiveness, empowered by Christ’s blood, frees us to love even our enemies.*