Sunday Prayer: Teach Me to Handle Power Justly

Father, Nagasaki's destruction reminds me that power without wisdom produces devastation. Humans can split atoms but we can't love enemies. We can destroy cities but we can't forgive wrongs. We have godlike power with thoroughly human character, and the combination is lethal.

I don't have nuclear weapons, but I have power in my spheres. Over family, employees, students, relationships - wherever I have authority, I'm tempted to use it like Nagasaki rather than like Jesus. To force rather than invite. To destroy rather than redeem. To punish rather than restore. Forgive me.

Teach me to use power the way you do - to serve rather than dominate, to restore rather than destroy, to redeem rather than punish. Help me love enemies even when I have power to harm them. Help me forgive wrongs even when I could avenge them. Help me pursue justice without forgetting mercy. You're powerful and merciful. Make me more like you.