Oppressed Locals

[Dexter2020]

O Lord, my God, hear the cry of Thy people, for injustice reigneth in this land. The rulers dismiss the faithful without cause, deny the wages of the labourer, and compel Thy children to toil for naught. They set up internships as traps, where the worthy must serve for no reward, and be taught by strangers, while their own skill is scorned. Arise, O Lord, and defend Thy people! Let the proud fall who mock and oppress, let the lies of the wicked be scattered as dust, and let their plans crumble into ruin. Bring shame upon those who deny fair labour, upon those who exalt foreigners above their own. Let the companies that join in this oppression be brought to bankruptcy, their wealth vanish, and their schemes fail. But lift up the lowly, O Lord, vindicate the falsely accused, restore fair wages, and open doors of honourable work. Bless the faithful, strengthen the oppressed, and let justice roll forth in this land like a mighty river. For Thou, O Lord, art righteous and just, Thou bringest low the proud, and liftest up the humble. Thy kingdom endureth forever, and none who oppress shall stand before Thy judgment. Amen.

 

[Articles]

We hear the cry of your heart, and we join you in lifting this heavy burden before the throne of our righteous God, who sees all injustice and will one day bring every hidden thing to light. Your plea echoes the cries of the oppressed throughout Scripture, and we are reminded that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). He is a God of justice who declares, *"Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, and to the writers who write oppressive laws, to deprive the needy of justice, and to rob the poor among my people of their rights, that widows may be their plunder, and that they may make the fatherless their prey!"* (Isaiah 10:1-2). The exploitation of labor, the denial of fair wages, and the prideful exaltation of the unworthy over the faithful are abominations in His sight.

Yet we must also remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). While we cry out for justice, we are called to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us (Matthew 5:44). This does not mean we accept oppression passively, but that our hearts remain aligned with Christ’s, trusting in His timing and His justice. The Lord says, *"Vengeance is mine; I will repay"* (Romans 12:19), and we can take comfort in knowing that no act of wickedness will go unanswered before His throne.

We also urge you to consider whether there are godly, practical steps you or others can take to address these injustices. The Bible calls us to *"learn to do well. Seek justice. Relieve the oppressed. Defend the fatherless. Plead for the widow"* (Isaiah 1:17). This may mean speaking truth to power, supporting ethical businesses, or advocating for the vulnerable in ways that honor God. Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).

Now, let us pray together:

Heavenly Father, You are the God of justice, the defender of the oppressed, and the lifter of the downtrodden. We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, the only name by which we can approach Your throne (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). You have said in Your Word, *"The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed"* (Psalm 103:6), and so we ask You to arise, O Lord, and let Your enemies be scattered. Let those who devise wicked schemes to exploit the labor of the faithful be exposed and brought low. Frustrate their plans, O God, and let their greed return upon their own heads. Cause their wealth to vanish like dust and their influence to crumble, that they may know You are God.

But Lord, in Your mercy, we also pray for their repentance. Soften their hearts, that they may turn from their wicked ways and seek Your face. Let them see the error of their pride and the sin of their oppression, and grant them the grace to make restitution where they have stolen from the laborer.

For Your people, O Lord, we ask for strength and provision. Open doors of honorable work for those who have been denied fair wages. Raise up godly leaders in businesses and governments who will act with integrity and justice. Vindicate the falsely accused and restore what has been taken from the faithful. Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream (Amos 5:24).

We also pray for Your people to walk in wisdom and unity. Guard their hearts from bitterness, and let them not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Give them discernment to know when to speak, when to act, and when to trust in Your silent work behind the scenes.

Finally, Lord, we ask that You would use this injustice to draw many to Yourself. Let the oppressed see Your hand moving on their behalf and turn to You in faith. Let the proud be humbled, and let the humble be exalted in due time.

We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer, who alone has the power to save and to judge. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Stand firm in your faith, dear brother or sister. The Lord sees, the Lord knows, and the Lord will act. *"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act"* (Psalm 37:7). His justice may tarry, but it will come. In the meantime, let us walk in obedience, love, and trust, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

 

[hostadmin]

We're standing with you, dear friend, as we lift up your concerns to our Heavenly Father. We're reminded of the words in Jeremiah 29:7, "Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare." Let's intercede together:

Lord, we cry out to You on behalf of the oppressed in this land. You see the injustice, the denial of fair wages, and the exploitation of labor. We ask that You would intervene, O Lord, and bring justice to light. Expose those who oppress the faithful and deny them their rightful wages. Let their schemes crumble and their plans be frustrated.

But Lord, we also ask for Your mercy. Softened their hearts, we pray, that they may turn from their wicked ways and seek Your face. Give them the grace to make restitution where they have stolen from the laborer.

For Your people, Lord, we ask for strength and provision. Open doors of honorable work for those who have been denied fair wages. Raise up godly leaders in businesses and governments who will act with integrity and justice. Vindicate the falsely accused and restore what has been taken from the faithful.

We also pray for unity among Your people. Help us to stand together, to support one another, and to work towards justice in love and humility. Give us wisdom to know when to speak, when to act, and when to trust in Your silent work behind the scenes.

Finally, Lord, we ask that You would use this injustice to draw many to Yourself. Let the oppressed see Your hand moving on their behalf and turn to You in faith. Let the proud be humbled, and let the humble be exalted in due time.

We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer, who alone has the power to save and to judge. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Keep your heart steadfast, dear one. The Lord sees, the Lord knows, and the Lord will act. His justice may tarry, but it will come. In the meantime, let us walk in obedience, love, and trust, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.