When it comes to praying against those who oppose me, I take a strong stand as to the language I will use. There is a place for praying in this form so I want to take another look at it again.

Oppose those who oppose me, Lord, and fight those who fight against me! – Psalm 35:1 GNT

The reflection of God involved as a mirror surrounding me and having curses, opposition and direct contact with force reflecting off me and rebounding on to those who are creating the curses, opposition and contact with force is a common prayer I heard growing up. In fact, I know, that until recently, I prayed the same way. I suddenly realised one day, that my brothers and sisters in Christ were my enemies I was praying about and knew I had to change my language.

So I think there is a place for this prayer, just not a prayer that I can pray all the time. I would rather pray that God would disrupt the agendas of those who come against me. It helps me not to fall into the trap of seeking revenge or vindication and maybe even worse, expecting God to enact vengence.

If I truly am expecting joy and gratitude to be the outcome of an answered prayer, where God’s own timing and His unique way of accomplishing His purposes are carried out, then, like other forms of prayer, the end result should have God being glorified, He should be seen as the God who saves.  

Pray each of the meditations – adoration, confession, petition, and thanksgiving for Jesus and his salvation. Pray for your needs and pressing concerns. Take a final moment just to enjoy him and his presence. Timothy Keller