Praying the Imprecatory Psalms with Bonhoeffer

The Christian Century

Adorned in Nazi red, how did evil’s dark triumph feel in 1940?

The imprecatory psalms prayed as the words of Jesus pull in one direction, toward clear-eyed denunciation of evil and its just demise. The Savior’s instructions pull in another, toward forgiving, blessing, and accomplishing good for the wicked. How does one stand in such crosscurrents when they tug so strongly?

Feature illustration for the October 2025 issue of The Christian Century, with accompanying text by Jeff Jay. Acrylic paint on paper with digital coloring and collage.

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