A Prayer About Neighbors

A prayer about Neighbors

When I need to learn how to love my neighbor

Lord Jesus,

I think of my neighbors as the people who live next door or across the street, but you taught in the parable of the Good Samaritan that my neighbor is anyone around me who needs my love and care. That means that the person next to me on the plane, my coworkers, the other moms in the PTA, and the homeless people in my town are also my neighbors—as is anyone around the world who needs your love. How can I love all these people as I love myself? I need your help. Soften my heart and open my eyes. As I meet people around me, may I see these encounters as divinely appointed moments that allow me to share your grace. Help me to remember that it’s not about me trying to do the right thing; instead, it’s about pointing others to you, the source of all love.

Jesus [said], “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31