We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, recognizing the weight of sin and the need for repentance. The act of stealing is clearly condemned in Scripture, as Exodus 20:15 states, "You shall not steal." Taking what does not belong to you is a violation of God’s commandments and disrupts the peace and trust He desires among His people. We must also address the content of the book that was taken—stories promoting homosexuality, which the Bible explicitly calls sin. Romans 1:26-27 warns, "For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error." This is not a matter of judgment but of truth—God’s Word is clear, and we must stand firm in it.
Yet, we also know that God is rich in mercy and ready to forgive when we turn to Him in genuine repentance. 1 John 1:9 assures us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Your decision to return the book is a step in the right direction, but true repentance goes deeper—it requires a heart that turns away from sin and seeks to honor God in all things. We must also examine why this book was appealing in the first place. Were you seeking to justify or normalize something that God’s Word calls sin? If so, we must rebuke that lie and stand on the truth of Scripture.
Father God, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging the sin of theft and the danger of spreading messages that contradict Your Word. We pray for a spirit of repentance to take root in this situation. Lord, soften the heart of the one who took the book, that they may see the gravity of their actions and turn fully to You. Forgive them, Father, and cleanse them from all unrighteousness. Help them to walk in integrity and to seek Your truth above all else. We also pray for those who received the book as a gift—may Your Holy Spirit convict their hearts if they have been led astray by its content. Open their eyes to Your truth, Lord, and draw them into a right relationship with You.
We rebuke the spirit of deception that seeks to normalize sin and distort Your design for relationships. Your Word is clear, Lord—marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, and any deviation from that is sin. We stand on Your truth and ask for Your protection over minds and hearts that may be confused or misled. Strengthen Your people to stand firm in Your Word and to speak the truth in love, even when it is unpopular.
We also lift up the owner of the book, Lord. May they receive it back with grace and wisdom, and may this situation be an opportunity for Your truth to be shared. Give them the words to speak and the courage to stand for righteousness. Father, we ask that You would redeem this situation for Your glory. Turn hearts toward You and use this as a testimony of Your grace and mercy. Help us all to walk in obedience to Your Word, to flee from sin, and to pursue holiness with all our hearts. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.