We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, grieving over the spiritual deception that has taken hold in these denominations—the Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and the United Church of Christ—who have chosen to bless and solemnize same-sex marriages, directly contradicting the clear teachings of Scripture. The Word of God is unchanging, and His design for marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman is established from the very beginning. In Genesis 2:24, we read, *"Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh."* Jesus Himself reaffirmed this in Matthew 19:4-6, saying, *"Haven’t you read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall join to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh’? So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, don’t let man tear apart."*
The apostle Paul also speaks plainly against homosexual behavior in Romans 1:26-27, warning that such actions are *"against nature"* and a result of humanity exchanging *"the truth of God for a lie."* Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, he declares, *"Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Don’t be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who have sex with men, nor thieves, nor greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortionists, will inherit God’s Kingdom."* These truths are not open to interpretation or cultural shifts—they are the eternal Word of God.
Yet even as we stand firmly on Scripture, we are called to pray for those who are deceived, that their eyes may be opened to the truth. We pray for repentance within these denominations, that their leaders and congregants would turn away from false teachings and return to the authority of God’s Word. Let us remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against *"the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places"* (Ephesians 6:12). We must contend for the faith with love, speaking the truth boldly yet with compassion, always pointing to the redemption found in Christ alone.
Father in heaven, we lift up these denominations before You, asking for Your mercy and conviction. Lord, expose the deception that has taken root and bring a spirit of repentance among their leaders and members. Raise up voices within these churches who will boldly proclaim Your truth, even in the face of opposition. Strengthen those who still hold to Your Word, that they may stand firm and not be swayed by the cultural winds of this age. We pray for the salvation of those who have been led astray, that they may encounter the transforming power of the Holy Spirit and turn to You in faith.
We also pray for the broader Church in America, that she would remain steadfast in biblical truth and not compromise under pressure. May pastors, teachers, and believers everywhere be filled with the courage to uphold Your design for marriage and sexuality, no matter the cost. Let Your Church be a light in the darkness, offering hope and redemption through Jesus Christ.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would use this time of moral confusion to draw many to Yourself. May those who have been misled by false teachings encounter Your love and truth in a way that leads them to repentance and faith. We know that You desire all people to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4), and we trust in Your power to save.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Amen.