Praying in Times of Injustice or Betrayal (2 Sam 15.31)
O LORD, I pray you, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”
What do we pray when we find ourselves the subject of injustice or betrayal? Is this prayer of David’s a good model for such a time? Is it proper to pray for God to cause a person to act with foolishness?
This study explores King David’s prayer during times of injustice and betrayal, examining the events leading up to the prayer asking God to turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. David, in the midst of a rebellion led by his own son, Absalom, faces the betrayal of Ahithophel, his trusted advisor.
Rather than responding with anger, David turns to God, seeking divine intervention. His prayer is not conventional in that it appears to be a curse-prayer – asking for the impairment of someone’s wisdom. The “Application” section of this study emphasizes the careful consideration required before making such a prayer, and the narrative offers several lessons for handling crisis situations today, primarily highlighting the importance of self-critique, seeking God’s presence through prayer, patience, and taking informed action.
Read the full study to understand how to use David’s model of prayer for our own crises, emphasizing the significance of prayer as a means of seeking divine guidance.
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