A simple act of kindness can leave a lasting impact on someone, even when we least expect it. Saying a simple greeting and compliment to a coworker suffering from depression could immediately brighten their day. Helping an elderly lady cross the road could remind her of the goodness in the world, even when she endures days of loneliness at home. Praising a child for a drawing or a sport or a talent could awaken a shining star within. Gestures of genuine kindness, no matter how big or small, are meaningful and can not only make others feel better but can also make us feel fulfilled and inspired.
Although spreading kindness to everyone we meet, even strangers feels wonderful, we are not always in the mood to be kind to others. A rough day at work or school can make us feel exhausted and not in the mood to interact with others, which is why we may snap or do something unkind even though we never really meant it in the first place. Furthermore, we are not immune to negative thoughts and feelings like jealousy, anger, stress, and fear, which can also make us act out of hand.
Praying to God to soften our hearts and consistently practicing kindness as a habit can help us improve and fill our lives with positivity and joy.
Prayer for kindness
Dear Lord,
Praise You for all the kindness you shower into my life. Your love for me knows no bounds. I am just a mere person existing in a vast universe, yet You still know me and care for me as a father cares for a child.
Lord God, there are days when it is difficult to smile, days when my troubles have crumbled my positivity, and I am left with negative thoughts and emotions that control my judgment and lead me to do things I never intend to do to anyone. Sometimes, I use my temper, stress, exhaustion, or anxiety as an excuse to be mean to other people and make me perceive them in a negative light when in truth, they never meant me any harm. I pray for your forgiveness in these times Lord, I pray that You will teach me to do better and be better for the people around me. Forgive me for my trespasses and wrongdoings, and after that, soften my heart so that I can love everyone, even my enemies, and never wish ill upon anything that walks upon the earth. Lord, You remain faithful to me…even when I am not always faithful to You.
Thank You for my ever-loving family and friends, who have showered my life with hope, love, and kindness even at times when I couldn’t return it. Thank You for every stranger who has shown me kindness, even at times when I didn’t feel like I needed it. I am grateful for every wonderful person I’ve met in my life, people who have shown me that there is still so much goodness in the world and that I could add more. I see you in the eyes of my parents, who have nurtured and cared for me. I see you in the eyes of my dearest friends, who show me genuine and selfless kindness. In times of need, You send unexpected people my way, and they bring with them extraordinary kindness and love–a reminder that You are always with me.
I may be a mere sinner, but I am also a sinner willing to change for good, and I won’t be able to do it without Your guidance, Lord God. Banish the negative thoughts in my head and replace them with positivity and the desire to spread love and kindness everywhere I go. Use me to bring sunshine to every person I meet, whether they are strangers or acquaintances. I know I have potential, and I want to use that potential to build my own legacy that people will remember me by. I do not aspire to be remembered for my riches, my fame, or even my talents. My humble wish is that You will help me build a legacy of kindness and compassion so that I may not only leave a lasting impact on people’s hearts but also inspire them to live their life as positively as possible and to treat others with the same amount of respect and kindness as they would treat their loved ones.
All these I ask in Your Most Holy Name,
Amen.
Short prayer for a compassionate heart
Almighty God, thank you for all the wonderful people in my life who have shown me kindness and grace. I pray that you will banish the negative thoughts and emotions that I struggle with and instead fill me with positivity and compassion so that I may be kind to others and inspire them to be kind as well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The Word of God
“But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you;
Luke 6:27 NRSVUE
Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
Luke 6:35 NRSVUE
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32 NRSVUE
Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up.
Proverbs 12:25 NRSVUE
Intercessory prayer to Saint Vincent de Paul
Saint Vincent de Paul, you spent your life showing kindness and charity to the people around you. I seek your added support as I work to let go of my negative beliefs so that I may never act unkindly during a bad day and so that I can freely show kindness to everyone, even strangers. Please pray for me as I not only ask for more good and humble people in my life but also ask that I may manifest compassion and charity in my heart and make choices based on what is good and not how I feel at the moment and to live life according to those principles of kindness.
Saint Vincent de Paul, I know that with you beside me, my prayers will be heard, and God will set my good intentions to motion. After all, it’s in His honor that I aspire to live my life.
Saint Vincent de Paul, pray for me.
Amen.
Further reflection
Kindness is a human need that we may not always realize or ask for, but once we experience the kindness of others or show kindness to other people, our heart becomes full, and we feel inspired for the rest of the day or even the week. A legacy of kindness is not as grand as fame, power, or fortune, but it’s long-lasting. People will always remember the kindness we showed them, and although we should not expect anything in return for our generosity, God blesses those who bless others. Before we know it, the good deeds we have done for others will return to us a thousandfold. So go out, smile more, help more, give more, and let kindness be our legacy.
Please pray for me