A Prayer for Revenge Against One’s Adversaries

Text: Psalm 28

Reflection and Question: Cries for help abound in the Psalms, including a host of pleas for God to judge and smite one’s adversaries. I try to remember that these prayers are just as available to those who disagree with me as they are to me. Instead of praying to God to tear each other down, how much better for us all to focus on the gratitude and praise expressed in the last verses here so that we turn our eyes upon God rather than obsessing about people around us. What sustains you — vengeance or joy?

Prayer: Blessed be God who has heard my cry for mercy, who is my strength and my shield! My heart trusts in God so I am sustained and my heart leaps for joy. O save Your people, Dear God: bless Your own, shepherd us, carry us forever. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).