Praying Imprecations (Psalm 69)
I. Context of Psalm 69
A. David’s Situation
– This is not the first prayer to God
– There has been injustice and reproach against God
B. David’s Reasoning
– Out of care for other believers
– Out of consideration of God’s character
C. David’s Words
– He takes the situation to God
– He prays for them to be taken in their security
– He prays for them to be blinded and terrified
– He prays for wrath to be poured out
– He prays for their removal from the earth
– He prays for their sin to be accumulated
– He prays that they would not be engraved with the righteous
D. David’s Purpose
– Personal vindication
– Personal praise
– Vindication of the Lord
– Universal praise
II. Views on Imprecations
A. An honest record of sinful speech
B. An okay prayer in the Old Testament but not anymore
“The New Testament has changed the way that believers pray for their enemies.” – Allen Ross
C. A prayer we should still pray today
III. Appropriate Use of Imprecations
A. Cautions
– David was the Theocratic King
– Imprecations are a small percentage of the Psalms
– The Scriptural authors spoke for the Holy Spirit
– Righteous anger is rare
B. Uses
– When there is a clear reproach against God
– When it is clear there is no repentance
When it will result in God’s praise