Workout:  When someone this week frustrates you, angers you, attacks you, belittles you, excludes you, disrespects you, looks down on you, shuns you, ignores you — PRAY FOR THEM.

To be successful in this workout you must be able to take control of your emotions and be aware of your feelings in the moment.  When you find your emotions getting hotter, you have to be conscious enough to “stop-drop-and-roll” on them.  Redirect your energy to praying blessings, good things, positive things for the person.  Look for opportunities driving, at work, the supermarket, at school or in your neighborhood.

This translation of Matthew 5 communicates the idea of being mature enough to pray for and hope for the best FOR those people who won’t be praying for you.

This is Strong Soul stuff.

43-47″You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
48″In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”– Jesus