In our prayer lives, it is easy to give thanks for our families, our loved ones and the people who have had such a positive influence on us. It is natural that we want them to be safe, enjoy good health, and wish that they will be in our lives forever. In short, we pray for those we love. The difficult part comes when we must go into the depths of our heart and seek reconciliation and extend forgiveness to those from whom we are estranged. For Jesus tells us to add others to our list: those who have offended us—and even those who have persecuted us. This is a tall order but it is the mandate the Lord has given to us, and the one that will lead us to peace—peace with God, ourselves, and with one another.