SNAKE 91: Should We Pray Imprecatory Prayers in Corporate and Private Worship?

This conversation challenges us to reconsider a neglected biblical practice: praying imprecatory prayers—prayers that call upon God to bring justice against the wicked. Drawing from the Psalms, we're reminded that Scripture itself contains numerous prayers asking God to judge evildoers, dash wickedness, and vindicate His people. These aren't prayers of personal vengeance but cries for divine justice when wickedness flourishes unchecked. The discussion centers on our responsibility to pray boldly for God's judgment against those in authority who promote evil—particularly leaders who advocate for the harm of children and blaspheme God's Word. We've grown uncomfortable with these biblical prayers because modern culture has softened our sensibilities, but the stakes are too high to remain silent. When leaders possess the power to influence millions toward wickedness, our prayers become one of the most powerful tools we have. The conversation invites us to examine whether the church's reluctance to pray this way has contributed to the flourishing of evil in our society. Perhaps God has answered our lack of prayer by allowing wickedness to continue. This is a call to return to the full counsel of Scripture, including those uncomfortable passages that remind us God is both loving and just, and that we should actively pray for His justice to prevail.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Imprecatory Prayer

We explore the biblical practice of imprecatory prayers and why the modern church has largely abandoned praying the Psalms, particularly those calling for God's judgment on the wicked.

Chapter 2: The Case of Wicked Leadership

We examine the specific case of a governor who blasphemes Scripture to justify wickedness, discussing why praying for God's judgment or removal of such leaders is biblically justified.

Chapter 3: Private Prayer and Public Witness

We discuss how imprecatory prayers should be part of our private devotional life and how the church's failure to pray this way has allowed wickedness to flourish in our culture.

Chapter 4: Friend-Enemy Distinction and Cultural Hypocrisy

We expose the hypocrisy of those who condemn imprecatory prayers against wicked leaders while celebrating violence against the righteous, highlighting the importance of proper friend-enemy distinction.