A stipulation accompanies the Lord's Prayer that most people miss, but the enemy doesn't. he's highly effective in using it to disable us on the battlefield of prayer... (I never capitalize “satan” or his pronoun references, even when beginning a sentence. he’s a lower case, improper creature.)
Jesus taught us to pray:
"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen."
But Jesus didn't stop there ~
"For if you forgive men their trespasses,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Matthew 6:9-15 NKJV
In a letter to Timothy, Paul stated that unforgiveness would characterize the rebellious in the last days. What a tragedy that it characterizes a very large segment of the American church. But for a Christian, it's clearly not an option.
Forgiving Savior,
whenever tempted to cling to anger and unforgiveness, even for righteous causes, please remind me of the sin and shame You bore for me and of the Tears You weep for Your sheep who are bound in darkness. Move on my heart so that I do not become arrogant and defensive. You have never sinned, yet are always The Victim of our transgressions as we grieve You through the personal physical or emotional injury of those You designed and desire for Your glory and fellowship.
I understand that unforgiveness can never be justified before You. I do not want anger to control me or to grieve You. Help me, Lord Jesus. I truly need You to help me.
Father,
I desperately need Your help with this – to love my enemies and to do good to those who hate me. Press me to bless those who curse me and to pray for those who spitefully use me. When struck on the cheek, may I not resist offering the other. And when my heart is broken, I offer it to You for healing. When someone takes something important to me, quicken me to not withhold anything else they desire. Move me to give to all who ask, not expecting anything to be returned. I seek no reward but only to honor You by lavishing love upon everyone who enters my life, regardless of how they treat me, showing great love and mercy to others, just as You have demonstrated great love and mercy to me.
(Inspired by Luke 6:27-36)