Petition As Disruption

For some of us, prayers revolve around the classic petitions of Christendom: the Lord’s prayer, the Jesus prayer, or some other prayer. Some of us memorized prayers in childhood; others of us may simply pray from the heart, based on our immediate circumstances. In all our prayers, though, do we make room to pray for the salvation and deliverance of persons whose lives are filled with evil words and actions?

There is a verse that is well-known in the faith community: "Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay. In time their foot will slip, for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly." (Deuteronomy 32:35) If taken as a stand-alone verse, we may assume that God’s desire is satisfied when the wicked are destroyed. But, tucked away in the book of Ezekiel, there is another verse: "'Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?' This is the declaration of the Lord GOD. 'Instead, don't I take pleasure when he turns from his ways and lives?'" (Ezekiel 18:23) That is God’s heart.

So, as we pray, let’s take time to pray for the deliverance of those whose lives have been patterned on evil. Let’s agree with God. Yes, He punishes the wicked, because sin carries consequences. However, He is calling everyone to repentance, so that all of us might experience God’s life and God’s love. He longs for every person to enter into abundant, eternal life in Him. Our prayers can be the catalyst that moves a person from wickedness to righteousness. Let’s pray to that end.

Lord God, You know the pains that wicked people cause. You have given them free will, and their life-choices have broken Your heart and ours. Please send circumstances to them that will move their hearts away from wickedness and turn them towards righteousness, so that they can be saved. May Heaven expand with a worldwide conversion of souls. We ask this in the name of Christ Jesus, the One who redeems. Amen.