We stand with our Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ during these perilous times. The escalating attacks on Christians in Nigeria are a stark reminder of the spiritual warfare we are engaged in. As it is written in Ephesians 6:12 WEB, For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
We condemn the violent actions of Muslim extremists and call for justice to prevail. We are reminded in Romans 13:4 WEB, for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn't bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.
Let us pray together:
Almighty God, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, interceding for our fellow believers in Nigeria. Lord, You are a shield around Your people, their glory, and the one who lifts up their heads (Psalm 3:3 WEB). We ask for Your divine protection over the Christians in Nigeria. Hide them in the shadow of Your wings (Psalm 17:8 WEB).
Father, we pray for healing and comfort for those who have lost loved ones. May Your comfort and love enfold them during this difficult time (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 WEB). We also ask for healing for those injured, trusting in Your power to restore and make whole (Jeremiah 30:17 WEB).
Lord, we cry out for justice. We ask that the perpetrators of these heinous acts be brought to account (Isaiah 1:17 WEB). We pray for a change in their hearts, that they may turn from their wicked ways and find salvation in Christ (Ezekiel 18:23 WEB).
We also feel the extreme importance to rebuke the perpetrators of this violence. Whoever sheds man's blood, his blood will be shed by man, for God made man in his own image. (Genesis 9:6 WEB) Turn from evil, and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it. (Psalms 34:14 WEB) The wicked shall be turned back to Sheol, even all the nations who forget God. (Psalms 9:17 (WEB)Furthermore, even if the perpetrators are of another religion or even if they are Christian, they should repent and seek salvation. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we haven't sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1John 1:8-10 WEB) But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God's children, to those who believe in his name: who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13 WEB)
Father, we know that it is only by the name of Jesus that we have access to you. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Who gave himself as a ransom for all; the testimony in its own times; to which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I reserve the right to believe), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. (1 Timothy 2:5-7 WEB)
Remember that it is only by the name of Jesus Christ that we can be saved. He said to them, You are from beneath. I am from above. You are of this world. I am not of this world. I said therefore to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am he, you will die in your sins. They said therefore to him, Who are you? Jesus said to them, Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning. I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you. However he who sent me is true; and the things which I heard from him, these I say to the world. They didn't understand that he spoke to them about the Father. Jesus therefore said to them, When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and I do nothing of myself, but as the Father taught me, I say these things. (John 8:23-28 WEB)
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray for a hedge of protection around the Christians in Nigeria. Remember that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. (John 14:6 WEB)
We ask this all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Let us be reminded of our call to stand with those who are suffering (Hebrews 13:3 WEB). May we continue to uphold our Nigerian brothers and sisters in prayer and advocacy. We should continue to pray for the perpetrators of the violence. Say to them, As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn, turn from your evil ways! For why will you die, house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:11 WEB)
There is no injustice or righteousness in causing harm to others because of their religion or lack thereof. For this is the message which you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. (1 John 3:11 WEB)
And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. (1 John 2:1-2 WEB)
Finally, the commandment to love your enemies is not just a suggestion but a command. But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, (Matthew 5:44 WEB)
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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