A Prayer About Compassion

A prayer about Compassion

When I struggle to reflect Christ’s compassion

Lord Jesus,

Today my heart is hard. I see the needs around me, but they’re not penetrating my heart. I find myself walking by hurting people, unable or unwilling to enter into their struggles. What is wrong? I know I’m too focused on myself—sometimes so much so that I can’t see beyond my problems to others’ pain. I keep myself at a distance from anyone who might disturb my equilibrium. Yet I’m afraid that if I keep going this way, I’ll be in danger of developing a heart of stone that’s unresponsive to you or to others. I don’t want that, Lord. I want to love others as you love me. Please work in me; transform me. Stir up compassion for others that will melt my hard heart and compel me to action. I want to be your hands and feet in the world, sharing your love with those around me.

[Jesus said,] “I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35