"Help us keep far from an evil (negative) person and an evil (negative) friend." (Continuation of prayer)

The reason I am reading this prayer in pieces is because it is so rich in Spirit and meaning. This part of this prayer has always intrigued me. I understand this sentence as a reminder to myself. There is a tremendous pull towards negativity. I suffer from it, almost everyone does.

I know a negative person for me is different than a negative person for you. This is not a one-size fits all (while there are 'just evil' people in the world, I am speaking of everyday life). For some of us, if someone is agreeing with us, adoring us, etc. it is hard to resist. Yet, we have to watch their actions to determine if they are a 'negative person' to/for us. I have been a negative person for others when I keep trying to move them to who/what I see they can be and not allow them to be who they are. I am changing this as I write. I have seen people who do the same to me and others. An evil/negative friend is even more subtle. I have been the one who gets convinced to do wrong things and I have been the convincer with friends, good people. Yet, when we get together and have the same hurt feelings, we are capable of convincing each other to 'get even' and do wrong.

Yet, in the earliest part of our Prayer Service, we are saying that we are not bound by negativity. We can master it, as God tells Cain in Chapter 4 of Genesis. We are affirming that we need help to be able to discern who is a negative person and who isn't. We are calling on ourselves and God/other people to help us define what is an evil/negative friend as well. We are making ourselves aware of the danger and the solution.

1)    When does the 'pull of negativity' strike me?

2)    How have I been a negative/evil person/friend to others?

3)    What is my plan to overcome the pull of negative friends/people and the pull to be a negative friend/person.

"Help us keep far from an evil (negative) person and an evil (negative) friend." (Continuation of prayer)

The reason I am reading this prayer in pieces is because it is so rich in Spirit and meaning. This part of this prayer has always intrigued me. I understand this sentence as a reminder to myself. There is a tremendous pull towards negativity. I suffer from it, almost everyone does.

I know a negative person for me is different than a negative person for you. This is not a one-size fits all (while there are 'just evil' people in the world, I am speaking of everyday life). For some of us, if someone is agreeing with us, adoring us, etc. it is hard to resist. Yet, we have to watch their actions to determine if they are a 'negative person' to/for us. I have been a negative person for others when I keep trying to move them to who/what I see they can be and not allow them to be who they are. I am changing this as I write. I have seen people who do the same to me and others. An evil/negative friend is even more subtle. I have been the one who gets convinced to do wrong things and I have been the convincer with friends, good people. Yet, when we get together and have the same hurt feelings, we are capable of convincing each other to 'get even' and do wrong.

Yet, in the earliest part of our Prayer Service, we are saying that we are not bound by negativity. We can master it, as God tells Cain in Chapter 4 of Genesis. We are affirming that we need help to be able to discern who is a negative person and who isn't. We are calling on ourselves and God/other people to help us define what is an evil/negative friend as well. We are making ourselves aware of the danger and the solution.

1)    When does the 'pull of negativity' strike me?

2)    How have I been a negative/evil person/friend to others?

3)    What is my plan to overcome the pull of negative friends/people and the pull to be a negative friend/person.