Did a lot of Christians pray for Bin Laden?

Question

I'm not a troll. Nor do I (usually) appreciate them on R+S. But still I read something in Newsweek where a Christian speaker, basically said, "Bin Laden is human, and because he is so sinning, he needs prayer"

Is praying for an enemy - this typical in Christian prayer? And did anyone actually pray for him?

Answer 1

Jesus told us to act with love towards all people, including our enemy. And we are to pray for them as well. I remember when I had just been a Christian for a short time and someone who was a member of the church had been killed. When I went to church that Sunday, during the prayers they prayed for the person who had died, his family, and the killer. I remember being shocked, but now as I have been a Christian for some time, I understand. Prayers for those who harm us are not mankind's normal way of responding. It is not our animal nature to respond in this way. And this is why Jesus came to show us a different way, the way of God.



When I heard the news of Bin-Laden on the TV, my first thought was OK, good. But I could not feel real joy for this. I don't know what the response to stop evil should be, but I know that this is not what Jesus would do. My feeling were mixed, and sad that there was not some other way to stop an enemy of peace. I prayed for all people that we might stop being people of violence and find a way to live in peace. Later I was worried about our young people who were rejoicing in the streets in NY and DC. That is now the reaction we should have.

Answer 2

Insofar as I know, praying for an enemy is requesting salvation for that person. However, whether that person, or group of people all come to know God, is ultimately God's decision because He knows who is willing and not willing to come to Him for the remission of their sins.



In addition to this, praying for a dead enemy, such as the non-believing, is pointless and a waste of breath, time and energy, because their chance for salvation is lost.

Answer 3

When you mastermind mass murder while you brag about it, there are prayers to be said. Prayers for a better world without you in it. Prayers that God will have mercy on your dark soul when you face Him. A mercy you never gave to your victims.



We prayed for justice. Through patience, faith, and discipline it came.



God Bless the Navy Seals.

Answer 4

You cant pray for dead people. There final destination is already made, since they have closed their eyes. He is down in torment in Hades, but thats nothing like what awaits him after seeing the Judge on the Great White Throne.

Answer 5

he is still human, he is still Gods creation.. no matter if he took a wrong path in life or not..

although i didnt make duah or pray for him.. I pray for the whole worlds mankind that we try to take or walk on the right path..

Answer 6

this is some scripture a pasture i listen to gave me.



proverbs 11:10

When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.



but at the same time he shared with me other scripture that makes it clear that God doesn't find joy in punishing people.

Answer 7

It is too late to pray as he is already in his final destination. This can not be changed. We should [pray for our enemies.

Answer 8

Did you see the morons outside the White House?

Answer 9

Actually, a lot of them were celebrating his death. Thankfully other Christians took a dim view to this, the more intelligent ones.

Answer 10

I prayed the Lord have mercy on his soul.

Answer 11

"But I tell you: Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you"

Matthew 5:44



I did.

Answer 12

none knows who Bin Laden actually is. he is mere a virtual enemy.

Answer 13

"Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." -- Matthew 5:44



Yes, I did pray for him.

Answer 14

Yes. Seek and you shall find

Answer 15

Yes, I did along with many others in my church.

Answer 16

praying for the dead does no good