5 Let evil recoil on those who slander me;
in your faithfulness destroy them. Psalm 54:5

Occasionally you get a chance to see David’s raw side. He had real enemies that he wanted to see destroyed, lest they destroy him first. It’s certainly not an unreasonable prayer given the circumstances. It’s highly unlikely that God would “honor” such a request; it’s just not His way to solve other people’s problems.

But is it wrong to pray that way? Absolutely not. I certainly wouldn’t pray this in public, but when you’re pouring out your heart to God in private, why not? God understands the emotion and motivation behind the prayer. He understands what is driving you stark raving mad about that person.

But here’s something you may not have thought about: even when you pray that way, he’s probably not going to change the other person. No, He’s going to change you and your attitude (unless the person is praying similar prayers about you!)

So, let me ask you this: when does God get to see your “raw” side, the side that no one else ever reveals in public? Obviously He knows our “raw” side, but when do you reveal it? It’s a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you are open and honest with the Lord Almighty, which is never a bad thing. On the other, though, it will reveal a side of you that may need to be… tweaked.