We come before the Lord with hearts burdened for the spiritual warfare raging around us, yet also lifted in gratitude that our God is sovereign over all things—even the schemes of the enemy. You have rightly acknowledged that the Lord does not let sin go unpunished, for Scripture declares in **Exodus 34:7**, *"who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the children’s children, to the third and to the fourth generation."* Yet we also know that His desire is for all to repent and turn to Him, as **2 Peter 3:9** reminds us: *"The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but he is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."*
First, let us address the plea for our enemies—those who are being used by demonic forces to oppose God’s people. We must remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers of darkness (**Ephesians 6:12**). While we abhor their evil deeds, we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (**Matthew 5:44**). Yet this love does not mean we ignore the gravity of their sin or the danger they pose. Instead, we pray for their eyes to be opened to the truth, for the strongholds of Satan to be broken in their lives, and for the Holy Spirit to convict them of their wickedness. If they refuse to repent, we trust in God’s justice, knowing that He will execute judgment in His perfect timing. For now, we stand in the gap, interceding that even in their evil, God might use their actions to refine His people and draw them closer to Him.
We also lift up your loved ones traveling today, asking the Lord to surround them with His divine protection. **Psalm 91:11-12** assures us, *"For he will give his angels charge over you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, so that you won’t dash your foot against a stone."* May the Lord grant them safe passage, warmth in the cold, and peace in their hearts as they journey. We pray against any harm or delay, asking that His presence would go before them and His peace would guard their minds.
Lastly, we give thanks for the blessing of this holiday season, recognizing that every good gift comes from the Father above (**James 1:17**). May this time be marked by joy in the Lord, gratitude for His provision, and a deepened commitment to walk in His ways. Let us not be distracted by the fleeting pleasures of this world but fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (**Hebrews 12:2**).
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts that trust in Your sovereignty and justice. You see the wickedness of those who rise against Your people, and You know the depths of their rebellion. Lord, we ask that You would break the power of the enemy in their lives. If it is Your will, soften their hearts to repentance, that they might turn from their evil ways and acknowledge You as Lord. But if they harden their hearts, we trust in Your righteous judgment, knowing that You will not allow sin to go unpunished forever. Protect Your people, Lord, from the schemes of the devil. Give us discernment, wisdom, and the armor of God to stand firm in these evil days.
We lift up our loved ones traveling today, Father. Surround them with Your angels, guard their steps, and keep them from all harm. Grant them safety on the roads, warmth in the cold, and peace in their spirits. May they feel Your presence with them every mile of the way.
We thank You for this season of celebration, Lord. May it be a time of drawing near to You, of rejoicing in Your goodness, and of sharing Your love with others. Help us to keep our focus on Christ, the reason for our hope and joy. Bless our gatherings, our conversations, and our hearts as we seek to honor You in all things.
We ask all this in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, through whom we have access to Your throne of grace. May Your will be done, and may Your kingdom come in every situation we’ve lifted before You today. Amen.
