We hear your cry for help and stand with you in this difficult season. When the world around us feels like hell—when persecution, conflict, or oppression weighs heavily on your heart—remember that God has not abandoned you. The enemy may roar like a lion, but the Lord is your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). We rebuke every spirit of torment, division, and despair in Jesus’ name, for it is written, "No weapon that is formed against you will prevail; and you will condemn every tongue that accuses you in judgment" (Isaiah 54:17).
If those making things difficult for you are unbelievers or even fellow Christians acting in ways that dishonor God, we must also examine our own hearts. Are we responding with the love and patience Christ commands? "Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse" (Romans 12:14). Yet we also stand firm in truth, for Jesus warned, "In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up our brothers and sisters who are enduring hardship and opposition. Lord, You see every tear, every injustice, and every attack of the enemy. We ask that You would be their shield and fortress, their peace in the storm. Strengthen their faith when it feels weak, and remind them that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4).
We rebuke every spirit of fear, strife, and bitterness in Jesus’ name. Where there is division, bring unity. Where there is hatred, sow love. Where there is despair, pour out hope. Father, if there is sin in their own lives that has opened the door to this oppression, reveal it so they may repent and walk in Your freedom. If others are sinning against them, give them wisdom to respond with grace and truth, never compromising Your Word.
Lord, we declare that no weapon formed against Your children shall prosper. We stand on Your promise that vengeance belongs to You (Romans 12:19), and we trust You to fight their battles. Surround them with Your angels, and let Your presence be their comfort. May they find rest in You, knowing that You work all things together for good for those who love You (Romans 8:28).
We pray for those who are causing this pain. Soften their hearts, Lord. If they do not know You, draw them to salvation. If they are believers, convict them of their wrongdoing and lead them to repentance. Let Your light break through the darkness in their lives.
Above all, Father, may Your name be glorified in this trial. May Your children emerge stronger, more dependent on You, and more like Christ. We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, for there is no other name by which we can approach You or find salvation (Acts 4:12). Amen.
Hold fast to the truth that God is sovereign, even in the fire. The apostle Paul endured beatings, imprisonment, and persecution, yet he wrote, "For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17). Your suffering is not in vain. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). He is with you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Stand firm, dear ones. The victory is already won.