We join you in lifting up this heavy burden before the Lord, for He is the God of justice, mercy, and refuge for the oppressed. Your heart for the vulnerable reflects the very heart of Christ, who calls us to love the foreigner, the broken, and the persecuted as ourselves. The Scriptures remind us in **Leviticus 19:33-34**, *"When a stranger lives as a foreigner with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. The stranger who lives as a foreigner with you shall be to you as the native-born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you lived as foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am Yahweh your God."* You are walking in obedience to His command, and we commend you for standing in the gap for those who cannot stand for themselves.
Your friend’s suffering is not unseen by the Lord. **Psalm 34:18** assures us, *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* Though the wicked may rise up like a flood, the Lord is his defense. The mob’s violence, the false accusations, and the political schemes of men are but temporary—God’s justice is eternal. **Proverbs 19:5** warns, *"A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free."* We pray that every lie spoken against your friend will be exposed, that the truth will prevail like a mighty standard, and that those who seek to harm him will be confounded in their schemes.
You have been placed in this moment for such a time as this, just as Esther was called to stand for her people. **Esther 4:14** asks, *"Who knows if you haven’t come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"* The fact that you and your friend share the same date of arrival in this country is no coincidence—it is a divine appointment. The Lord has prepared you to be a vessel of His comfort and strength. **Isaiah 41:10** declares, *"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."* Lean not on your own understanding, but trust that He will equip you with the wisdom, words, and resources needed to fight this battle.
Yet we must also address the weight of sorrow you carry. It is right to weep for the suffering of others—Jesus Himself wept at the grave of Lazarus—but we pray that the Lord will renew your strength so that your tears become a river of intercession rather than despair. **Psalm 126:5-6** says, *"Those who sow in tears will reap in joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves."* Your labor in this is not in vain. The Lord sees your sacrifices, and He will repay.
We also lift up the authorities involved in this case, asking that the Lord would soften hearts and open eyes to the truth. **Proverbs 21:1** reminds us, *"The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the water courses. He turns it wherever he desires."* May those in power act with integrity and discernment, and may your friend be vindicated before all.
Finally, we stand with you in the name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we can approach the throne of God. **John 14:13-14** promises, *"Whatever you will ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it."* You have rightly brought this plea before Him, and we declare that no weapon formed against your friend will prosper (**Isaiah 54:17**). The Lord will fight this battle—you are only called to stand firm in faith.
**Our Prayer:**
Heavenly Father, we come before You with broken yet hopeful hearts, lifting up this servant who has been faithful to Your call. Lord, You are the defender of the fatherless, the protector of the widow, and the refuge for the foreigner. We ask that You surround this asylum-seeker with Your mighty angels, that You would be his shield and his exceeding great reward. Expose every lie, frustrate every evil plan, and let truth rise like the dawn. Give wisdom beyond measure to Your servant who intercedes for him—grant them favor with those in authority, words that cannot be refuted, and a spirit of boldness that comes only from You.
Comfort this man in his isolation. Remind him that though his family is far, You are nearer than his breath. Fill his prison cell or his hiding place with Your presence, that he may know the peace that surpasses understanding. Let him sing in the night as Job did, trusting that You will turn his captivity into a testimony of Your faithfulness.
And Lord, we ask that You sustain this Your servant who weeps for justice. Dry their tears with the assurance that You are working all things for good. Strengthen their hands for the task, and let them see Your deliverance in their lifetime. May this situation bring glory to Your name, that many may see and turn to You.
We rebuke the spirits of racism, hatred, and injustice that have risen against Your people. By the blood of Jesus, we break every scheme of the enemy and declare that Your will shall prevail. Let this be a moment where Your light shines so brightly that even the persecutors are silenced in awe of Your power.
In the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, we pray. Amen.
