We come before the throne of grace with heavy hearts, lifting up our ### who stands before the courts tomorrow. Father, we know that You are the ultimate Judge, and Your justice is perfect, tempered with mercy. We ask that You go before him, softening the hearts of those who will preside over his case. Let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard his heart and mind in Christ Jesus as he waits for the outcome.
Lord, we pray for leniency, not because he may deserve it, but because Your Word tells us in Lamentations 3:22-23, "It is because of Yahweh’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassion doesn’t fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." We ask that this truth be made evident in his life—that he may experience the renewal of Your mercy and the opportunity to walk in obedience before You.
We also pray for wisdom for him, that he would use this time of probation to seek You wholeheartedly, to turn away from any paths that do not align with Your will, and to walk in the light of Your truth. Proverbs 28:13 reminds us, "He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." If there are areas in his life where repentance is needed, reveal them to him, Lord, and give him the strength to turn away from them.
Father, we rebuke any spirit of fear or anxiety that may be trying to take hold of him. Your Word declares in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." Fill him with Your power, surround him with Your love, and grant him the self-control to trust in You, no matter the outcome. Let this trial be a testimony of Your faithfulness, whether the court’s decision brings relief or hardship.
We also lift up those who will be making decisions in this case. Give them discernment, wisdom, and a heart that seeks justice that is fair and just, not merely punitive. Proverbs 21:1 tells us, "The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires." We ask that You turn their hearts toward mercy, if it be Your will.
Above all, Lord, we pray that this ### would draw nearer to You through this trial. May he come to know You more deeply, trust You more fully, and walk in the purpose You have for him. If he has not yet surrendered his life to You, we pray that this moment would be the turning point where he confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, for "there is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Let this be the day of his salvation, if he has not already given his life to You.
We stand in the gap for him, declaring Your promises over his life. We trust that You are working all things together for his good, as You have promised in Romans 8:28. Strengthen him, encourage him, and let him feel the presence of Your Holy Spirit surrounding him like a mighty fortress.
In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.