We’ve seen some of the good prayers of the Bible, but for the next few days we’ll look at some of the bad prayers of the Bible:
And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day. And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day. For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die….
1 Samuel 14:37-39
In the previous chapter Samuel had informed Saul that God was taking away the kingdom from him. In this chapter God is silent to Saul. Now Saul is invoking the name of the LORD as he brings down curses on his people, even his own son.
Sometimes we may be weary and frustrated and even angry. David was attacked by his enemies, but he asked God to judge his enemies.
Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.
Psalm 69:24
But here Saul is frustrated with the people of God. It’s easy to be frustrated dealing with fellow believers (we’re still in the sanctification process after all). But first, refrain from making a vow (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6), and second, remember God wants us to seek the good of His people.
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessingand cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
Deuteronomy 30:19
We may be frustrated with other believers. God may have to punish them, but may we not rejoice in their suffering, but rather seek their blessing!
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
James 3:10
