Prayers for Those of Evil Deeds

Scripture:
Repay them according to their work,
and according to the evil of their deeds;
repay them according to the work of their hands;
render them their due reward.
Because they do not regard the works of the Lord,
or the work of his hands,
he will break them down and build them up no more.
Psalm 28:4-5

Observation: In his prayer of delivery from those who do evil, David asks that those people be "repaid" by the Lord. The repayment is aligned to their deeds ... people should receive from the Lord based on what they have given to others as an overflow of their hearts toward the Lord. For those who have no regard for the works of the Lord - they do not honor the Lord, give honor to creation as something he has done, nor love others as a result of their Love for God - David prays they be broken down.

Application: I know that there is a big difference between those of us who believe in the Lord and yet still do wrong because we are flawed people, and those who reject the Lord entirely. David was able to boldly pray that the latter people receive judgment. Mostly today, we pray that such people would discover Jesus and be saved. And yet ... wow, sometimes I wish I could simply witness judgment against non-believers.

I feel that is wrong, but it is right enough to become scripture in psalms.

Non-believers will receive a terrible judgment; I know this. Sometimes it would be nice to not only see that happen on earth, but to know that they know such judgment comes from Yahweh, and not just the randomness of a hard life. Of course, such knowledge ties into belief in the first place, so that will not often happen.

I can pray for the forgiveness and redemption of evil people who reject the Lord. I can also pray that they be repaid for their actions.

Prayer: Lord, may I be bold enough to pray like David today. May those who reject you and do not regard your work, be broken down and repaid according to their work and their hearts. Amen.