In the collect of today's liturgy, we pray: "O God, whose providence never fails in its design, keep from us, we humbly beseech you, all that might harm us and grant all that works for our good." We might reword this as follows: "O God, whose providence never fails in its design, keep from (insert any one's name, especially someone with whom you might be having problems) we humbly beseech you, all that might harm (this person's name) and grant all that works for (this person's) good." Note how praying for this other person in this way changes your heart, and mine!
Let us remind ourselves that God's providence "never fails in its design" for this other person or for ourselves. God has a plan for the good of other persons and our own good. When we think of others in this way, especially persons with whom we are having some kind of difficulty, our attitude changes from thinking ill of them, perhaps, to seeing them from God's perspective. Also, when the problem I am having is that I want to help where I am unable to help, God reminds me that He is that person's Savior, not me. And that whatever is happening in this other person's life that I am finding problematic is of God's design and will bring about some good for this person to which I am not privy! In other words, God is God and I am only one of His created beings just like the person with whom I am troubled!
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