What do you think?

"For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue. Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you." Psalm 5:9-10

Should this be our prayer today? In this part of the Psalm, David again describes the evildoers. Then he makes a request to God to "cast them out." The assumption is made that these evildoers will not repent or seek forgiveness. Christians should assume that God can save anyone...even those who seem unforgivable to us. God can soften the heart of the hardest person you know. Remember how Christ himself responded to those who persecuted Him. He did not retaliate. Also keep in mind scripture such as these:

"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44

"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" Romans 12:19

I don't believe that God wishes for us to desire bad things to happen to anyone, even our worst enemies, or even in private prayer. God desires for us to witness to everyone and hate no one. This can be difficult, especially when people are directly criticizing God, or your Christianity or beliefs. But we should desire for these people to become like-minded and to love God as much as we do. Asking that they be cast out will not help that happen.

Now, I'm not saying that David is sinning here by praying for the destruction of his enemies. David lived under the law and Christ had not yet come to save sinners. In the OT, there are several prayers for the destruction of the enemies of God's people. And God responds. I doubt He would respond so positively to prayers made sinfully.