Lord,
a deep hurt resurfaces unexpectedly,
raw and throbbing,
almost as painful
as the day it was inflicted.
I’m shocked at its intensity
and dismayed –
I thought that I had dealt with this
and I’m not sure
how to handle it.

I am disturbed.

I turn to you, Lord,
asking, “How did you manage to forgive
soldiers who tortured you,
made fun of you
and nailed you to a cross?
How did you manage to forgive
close friends who deserted you
in your hour of need?”

I remember gentle words that you spoke
when you first appeared
to friends who had betrayed you,
“Peace be with you.”
I ask you for the grace to be able to pray
that my attackers may be blessed
with your gift of peace.

I sense
that the key to my recovery
is to focus on you
instead of on my wounded self.

To my relief
I feel my own peace
beginning to return.

© Claire Murray, 24th March 2014