Imprecatory Prayers

[Southron]

When do you think it is appropriate to pray an imprecatory prayer against an enemy? I think Psalms 109 is a good example.

Praying for those who persecute you is commanded, but is there a point where you could begin to pray imprecatory prayers against those same people?

 

[PaulineDisciple]

I always viewed imprecatory prayers as a repetition of the judgment God has already stated about wicked people who want to harm innocent people although the Bible teaches a balance that we should pray that they repent of their wicked ways and avoid God's judgment. Depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction, we may find ourselves in the position of meting out justice on wicked people who are coming to harm those God has entrusted to us to act as their defender. A related issue is when a judge pronounces the death penalty on a convicted murder, the judge can at the same time pray that the man repents of his sin and is forgiven and uphold his obligation to protect society as God has also commanded in his role as a judge.