Should we pray imprecatory prayers? You know, the type like the Psalm 137 where we ask for God for payback and then list cruel things like dashing babies against rocks?
Well, I think the question is phrased all wrong if we’re looking to justify cruelty.
Why is it that the strong can prey on the weak and the rich can grow fat off the poverty-stricken while these can do nothing but pay alms to their better offs by sweating their last remaining strength and their enemies stand? Why is it that one can sing songs and pray prayers while remaining aloof in their thoughts and their actions are drenched in violence, with lofty words in their prayers and a loud tune on their lips?How is it possible that a man can live while constantly wrestling with the man he lives with? Why is it necessary for a man to struggle all of his days with himself. Consider it.
There is no goodness within me, my body wastes away, my mind melts within me: the man I am betrays me.
But Lord God, you are faithfully loving and you have formed me; even in my weakness, your thoughts dwell upon me: the man you wish me to be is ever before you.
The battle is fierce but you are a near help in times of trouble. This constant wrestling is dire but you live with the man who carries on. The songs are lofty and the prayers are prayed yet you will rise and take action: you will purge one of violence, of loftiness, of prideful sin.
The enemy will not stand and the poor will be made strong for you are a helper in time of need: You are good and you have plan for the man you wish him to be. We will consider it.
Inspired by Lingamish’s Cyber-Psalms
In D.C, a small choral group got together to practice. They were classically trained voice musicians excelling in chamber music and using this to minister to churches up and down the East coast. One young man in particular was exceptional in the group because of his perfect (or absolute) pitch; and yet this young man had to lower the volume of his voice when he sang.
The argument goes something like this: The Bible says that where two or three are gathered there is Jesus in the midst of them (Matt 18:20). That indicates that a gathering of two or three includes the very important presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. People wear their best clothes when they meet someone Important (like if one had a meeting with the President). This indicates that the esteem put on the person justifies the better clothing. Christ is more Important than anyone and to be greater esteemed. Therefore, when going to any meeting of the church a person should wear their best clothes.
My infant boy is spitting up way more than normal, probably resulting from a milk protein allergy; my wife (who is breast-feeding) has cut out eggs and milk from her diet so she’s down to chicken and rice…daily; my eldest is complaining about a raw throat; my daughter is wheezing proving that she has inherited my asthma.
Of course, posting will resume: but not yet.