Abba Father, Daddy God,

We cry out to you from a place of deep pain -- because we know you are able to help us. Those we expected would treasure us rip us apart with hurtful words. They accuse unjustly. They look at us with disdain. They make us feel worthless. We are a gaping wound festering with angry thoughts. We want to level charges against them that will put them in their place and vindicate us.

Help us not do that, Jesus. Make us willing to forgive, to suffer the pain of choosing to act in love. Teach us to evaluate ourselves accurately so those false accusations lose their sting. Show us that you love us even if no one else does.

Your Word indicates we are what we think. Help us think like you. Be like you. Fill our minds with love, forgiveness and acceptance so we can experience your peace. You are a consuming fire, Lord. Consume all our bitter thoughts. Teach us to cover the flaws in others just as you forgive and overlook ours. Make us a blessing. We pray this in Jesus' healing comforting name, amen.

Supporting verses:

O LORD my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me, lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces with none to deliver. --Psalm 7:1,2

Hear my prayer,O LORD, let my cry come to you. Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress. Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily when I call. --Psalm 102

For it is not an enemy who taunts me - then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me - then I could hide form him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. --Psalm 55:12, 13

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. -- Romans 12:17

For our God is a consuming fire. --Hebrews 12:29