# 72 - Acceptance Prayer

This grand prayer is prayer by which the petitioner seeks grace sufficient to accept and welcome others. It asks not only an increase in one’s appreciation for the other, but also the diminishment of oneself and one’s judgments in relation to the other. It is more easily prayed by the youthfully innocent or the spiritually mature than the casual Christian. It is a useful prayer to help one grow in the ability to embrace “outsiders,” to welcome them into the family, the community, the church. It is truly powerful when sincerely employed by those experiencing conflict as it leads to the blessed rewards of obedience to God’s order. Recall Jesus’ injunction, “But I say unto you, love your enemies.” If only the people of God could find it in their hearts to pray daily to be more accepting.