Prayer - Never Pray for Bad Things to Happen

Next week, the Discussion Board question in my Theology class is: “In view of the New Testament teaching of “loving our enemy/neighbor,” discuss the role of imprecatory prayers (psalms) for today? Can we pray “against” people or things today? Take a view and defend your position (with love!) and use scripture. Discuss.” I wanted to share my answer to this question as this week’s blog.

Imprecatory prayers are those calling for punishment or calamity to fall upon one who is doing evil. The flesh within us cries out to pray against the evildoers in the world in which we live today. My flesh does not want anything good to happen to people who are involved in evil practices. In fact, my flesh wants to see them punished for their “sins.” If someone has been rude to me I want others to be rude to them. This is human nature (flesh). But praying against people and asking for punishment for them would make me no different than the Pharisees who brought the woman in adultery to Jesus and asked him to pronounce a death sentence on her for her sin. While I do believe there is punishment for sin, I must let God decide the measure of punishment and how and when it is to be administered. Many times that punishment is simply the natural consequences suffered because of the sin.

I have been instructed by the inspired Word of God to love my enemies, bless those who curse me, do good to those who hate me and pray for those who persecute me (Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-36). In light of these Scriptures alone, I would be disobedient to my Lord if I failed to do just that. We all have people in our lives who have hurt us in various ways. We all know someone who we have trouble liking because of the way they act. Most of the time, this individual is not a Christian (which explains why they act the way they do). Instead of praying calamity or punishment on them, I pray for their salvation. I ask God to open their spiritual eyes and allow them to see Him at work around them and to recognize the error of their ways so they are open to repentance. I ask God to use me to bring this about. Since I know that God does not desire anyone to be condemned, I can ask these things and in confidence know that God will answer my prayers.

With regard to the evil things this person may do, I can ask God to block the effect of the act and I can ask God to stop the act from happening again. If the evildoer is a public official or leader, I do not pray for him/her to die or for horrible things to happen to their family. I pray for them to recognize God at work around them. I pray for God to lead them so they turn from their wicked ways. 2 Chron. 7:14 states, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Note the Scripture requires God’s people to turn from their wicked ways. We all should be “fessed up” (as my East Texas pastor used to say) before God can hear our prayers and heal our land.

In situations where children are fighting you often hear a parent say, “play nice.” As Christians we should “pray nice.” That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it!

Love on one of your enemies today. You may be amazed how they respond.

Candy