Why did you choose THAT exact verse, and none of the others in that Psalm, (i.e. those that just speak of courage to persevere, etc.)?
I am not familiar with your specific faith, but in Christianity, no prayer is worth a thing unless its prayed in the Name of Jesus.
And BTW, the Bible, especially the O.T., is full of verses that speak of violence. Not that we must focus on them during our prayers, but they’re there nonetheless.
Prayers for our Governor Perry.
Because THAT exact verse is completely incongruent with the teachings of Jesus. Hence, 'It has always struck me as odd...'