Tyrants on Trial (Psalm 58, Part 2)

A Charge: The tyrants described (verses 3-5)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2058:3-5&version=NIV

Everyone is subject to sin and in need of the mercy of God. When we criticize tyrants, we need to remember that we too were born with a nature that rebels against God. We evidence our depravity by telling lies. May our sin not make us immune to godly counsel. May we be sensitive to God’s justice and the cries of the poor and needy.

Loving God, we recognize that we were born sinners. Please remove lying from our lips and lives. Make us sensitive to Your justice and the cries of the poor and needy. We pray for our rulers—that they would indeed rule with justice.

A Curse: The tyrants judged (verses 6-9)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2058:6-9&version=NIV

The deadly grip of tyrants who rule us bring misery to others and horror to themselves. By their own doing they are lost. Rather than cursing our enemies directly, may we call on God to judge and break the power of tyrants.

Just God, we ask You to break the deadly grip of unjust rulers in our society. Since they seem to have little capacity for good, at least deprive them of their ability for evil. Do not allow the malice of tyrants to triumph.