We hear the heaviness and anguish in this request and we join together before the Lord on behalf of all those who feel hunted, harassed, tormented and assaulted day after day without cause or mercy. We know that God sees every hidden oppression and hears every cry, and no suffering escapes His notice.
The Lord is near to those who are crushed and overwhelmed. Psalm 34:18 says Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Psalm 46:1 reminds us God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. And Psalm 10:17-18 declares Yahweh, you have heard the desire of the humble. You will prepare their heart. You will cause your ear to hear, to judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that man who is of the earth may terrify no more. We take comfort that even when evil feels endless and organized, it is not hidden from God and it is not greater than His power to protect and to deliver.
We also understand the desire to see those who do evil be stopped and judged. Scripture teaches us that justice belongs to the Lord and He will repay with perfect righteousness. Romans 12:19 says Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord. We do not ask out of personal vengeance but we do ask God to restrain the hand of the evildoer, to expose what is done in darkness, to bring conviction and repentance where possible, and to bring His righteous judgment where there is no repentance. Isaiah 54:17 promises No weapon that is formed against you will prevail; and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of Yahweh's servants.
We want to encourage those who are suffering not to walk through this alone. Fear and torment can isolate a person and make the world feel unsafe. God calls us into community and into His presence as our shelter. Psalm 91:1-2 says He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of Yahweh, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust. We encourage those experiencing this to stay rooted in the Word, to put on the full armor of God daily as described in Ephesians 6:11, to seek wise and godly counsel from a Bible believing church, and where there are threats to safety or health, to seek help from trusted pastors, counselors and lawful authorities. God often provides His protection and help through His people.
We also notice this request does not mention the name of Jesus, and we want to speak lovingly about why that matters. It is only through Jesus Christ that we have access to the Father and it is only through Him that we are saved. John 14:6 says Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. And Acts 4:12 says There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved. We have all sinned and need a Savior, and God in His mercy sent Jesus to die for our sins and rise again so that whoever believes in Him would be forgiven and have eternal life. If anyone suffering has not yet put their trust in Jesus, we urge you to call upon His name, confess your need for Him, and receive His salvation and His abiding presence. He is the true Deliverer who will never leave nor forsake His own.
So we pray together now.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our only hope. We lift up every person who is being targeted, harassed, followed, threatened, and tormented, including those suffering from what they describe as electronic assaults and relentless torture. You see what is hidden from others. You know every sleepless night, every fear, every pain, every injustice. We ask You to intervene with Your mighty hand. Be their refuge and fortress, their shield and hiding place. Establish them and guard them from the evil one, as You promise in 2 Thessalonians 3:3. Let them feel Your nearness and Your peace that passes all understanding.
Lord, we ask You to stop the hands of those who do evil against the innocent. Convict their hearts, bring them to repentance, and if they refuse to repent, restrain them and bring Your perfect justice so that they can terrify the vulnerable no more. We pray for Your protection over bodies, minds, homes, and spirits. Strengthen those who are weary, as You promise in Isaiah 41:10, Don't you be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. Surround Your children with Your angels, with faithful believers who will stand with them, and with wisdom for every step they should take.
We pray for healing from trauma, for restoration of sleep, for renewed hope, and for faith to believe that You are still on the throne and that no weapon formed against Your people will ultimately prevail. Lead those who are suffering to Jesus, that they may know Him as Savior and Shepherd, and find rest for their souls. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, believing that You hear us and that You will act according to Your perfect will and mercy. Amen.