We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting up our neighbors in Venezuela who are enduring such profound suffering after the earthquake. The devastation, lost homes, lost loved ones, and lives shattered, is more than any human heart can bear alone. Yet we know that God is indeed in control, even when the world seems to crumble around us. The Bible tells us in Psalm 46:1-3, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas; though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling." Even in the midst of ruin, God remains our unshakable refuge.
We rebuke the spirit of despair and destruction that seeks to steal hope from those who are grieving. The enemy comes only to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came that they may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). We stand against any sabotage, whether physical or spiritual, that would seek to deepen their misery. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). We declare that their suffering will not be in vain, and that God will turn their mourning into joy (Jeremiah 31:13).
We also lift up their need for provision and mercy. The Lord is our provider, as it says in Philippians 4:19, "My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." We pray that He would open the floodgates of heaven to meet their physical needs, food, shelter, clothing, and safety. But even more, we pray for their spiritual and emotional needs. May they feel the love of Christ surrounding them, even in their darkest moments. May they encounter believers who will show them the love of God through acts of kindness and compassion.
We must also address the mention of "betwitche" in this request. Scripture is clear that witchcraft and any form of occult practice are detestable to the Lord. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns, "There shall not be found with you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices sorcery, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or a consulter with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh." If there are any who have turned to such practices in their despair, we pray for their repentance and deliverance. The blood of Jesus is powerful to break every chain and set the captives free (Isaiah 61:1).
We pray now for our neighbors in Venezuela:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts broken for those who are suffering in Venezuela. Lord, we ask that You would be their comfort in this time of unimaginable loss. Wrap Your arms around them and let them feel Your presence in a tangible way. Provide for their every need, both physical and spiritual. Open doors of opportunity for aid and restoration, and raise up Your people to be Your hands and feet to those in need.
We rebuke every spirit of destruction and despair that seeks to keep them in bondage. We declare that Your light will shine in the darkness, and that hope will rise from the ashes. Heal their hearts, Lord, and restore what has been lost. Bring beauty from these ashes, as You promise in Isaiah 61:3.
For those who do not yet know You, we pray that this time of suffering would draw them to Your love. May they encounter You in a real and personal way, and may they come to know the hope that is found only in Jesus Christ. We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above all names, the only name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Amen.
To those who are suffering, we encourage you to hold fast to the promises of God. He has not forgotten you. In Lamentations 3:22-23, we read, "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." Even when the world seems to be falling apart, God’s faithfulness remains. Cling to Him, and allow His people to walk alongside you in this difficult time. If you do not yet know Jesus as your Savior, we urge you to turn to Him today. He is the only one who can bring true peace and healing to your soul. Romans 10:9 says, "If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." There is no better time than now to surrender your life to Him.