Dear Jesus, I am in a hard place where I’m being criticized and ridiculed, but I don’t want to retaliate. I understand that Your Word reminds me that I am blessed when others hate or speak ill of me because of my faith in You.1 Help me to see the purpose in this struggle, for I know that being insulted for Your name means that the Spirit of glory rests upon me.2 While it’s painful to endure mocking, I choose to rejoice in the knowledge that my reward is great in Heaven.3
Lord, I confess that the sting of harsh words weighs heavily on my heart, and the temptations to avenge or withdraw can be intense. However, please give me the grace and faith to bless others even when I’m being reviled.4 Help me to be steadfast in my mission, just as Nehemiah faced ridicule but responded with faith in Your provision.5
When the world or people around me jeer or make light of my efforts, it remind me that I am following in the footsteps of Christ, who was also despised and rejected by men.6 Help me to remember that if the world hates me, it is because it has first hated You.7 May I find solace in knowing that my suffering is not in vain and that You are aware of every insult and trial I face.
Lord, when I feel overwhelmed by contempt or scorn from those who are at ease, I ask for Your mercy to wash over me.8 Help me to keep my focus on You, entrusting myself to Your just judgment, just as Jesus did.9 Let me walk in Your love and keep my heart firm in faith, knowing that enduring hardship for Your name is a small price to pay, in light of Your great love and sacrifice for me, in Jesus’ name, I pray.