Imprecatory Prayer

I thought I knew something about religion but imprecatory prayer is a new one on me. I blame the nuns at my catholic school for not teaching us about praying for someone to die.

I've seen the occasional parked car with a bumper sticker that reads "pray for Obama". But the tiny type in the corner of the sticker that cites Psalm 109:8 didn't really mean much to me. What does Psalm 109:8 say?

109:8 Let his days be few; [and] let another take his office

Ok, fair enough. You are praying to god that President Obama is not re-elected. But what does Psalm 109:7 say?

109:7 When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin

Let him be condemned how though? Well, read Psalm 109:9.

109:9 Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow

That line doesn't need much interpretation. So good christians are actually praying to god for President Obama to die. Well, Barack Obama seems to be a pretty healthy guy in spite of his smoking. It appears unlikely that he will succumb to some disease in the near future. So praying for his death means what? And, it's not enough that someone is praying for President Obama's children to be fatherless and his wife a widow. Check out Psalm 109:10.

Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek [their bread] also out of their desolate places.

This is good Old Testament violence and revenge at it's best. But for those "good christians" that buy into this crap, I suggest you turn to the New Testament and read Matthew 7:1-2.

Judge not, that ye be not judged.

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.