We join you in lifting up the people of ### before the Lord, crying out for justice, righteousness, and the exposure of hypocrisy that has taken root in both the workplace and even within the church. The Word of God is clear that He is a God of justice who sees the oppression of His people and will act on their behalf. *"This is what Yahweh says: ‘Execute justice and righteousness. Deliver him who is robbed out of the hand of the oppressor. Do no wrong. Do no violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Don’t shed innocent blood in this place"* (Jeremiah 7:6). Yet we also see in Scripture that God holds leaders—and especially those who claim His name—to a higher standard. *"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment"* (James 3:1). The exploitation of locals, the elevation of foreigners at their expense, and the corruption disguised under the banner of Christianity are grievous sins before the Lord.
The betrayal by those who call themselves pastors yet act as wolves in sheep’s clothing is particularly abhorrent. Jesus Himself warned of such men: *"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them"* (Matthew 7:15-16). How can men who sing praises on Sunday exploit and oppress on Monday? Their hypocrisy will not go unpunished. The Lord sees their deeds, and *"the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord"* (Romans 6:23). Yet for those who persist in wickedness, there is no inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ. We pray that God would expose their sins, bring them to repentance, or if they harden their hearts, remove them from positions of influence before they lead more astray.
We also stand against the unjust policies that have created a system where locals are marginalized, forced into contract positions while foreigners are granted permanence, and where discrimination runs rampant. The Bible teaches that *"there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus"* (Galatians 3:28). While this speaks to spiritual unity in Christ, it also reflects God’s heart for fairness and equity. No policy that elevates one group while oppressing another aligns with His will. We pray that the Lord would frustrate the plans of those who seek to flood ### with foreigners at the expense of its own people. *"The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires"* (Proverbs 21:1). May God turn the hearts of those in authority toward justice, wisdom, and a love for their own people.
As for the government’s plan to increase the population to ###, we pray that the Lord would intervene if this is not His will. If it is driven by greed, exploitation, or a disregard for the well-being of ###, may He thwart it. *"Unless Yahweh builds the house, they who build it labor in vain. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain"* (Psalm 127:1). No human scheme will prosper if it is not aligned with God’s purposes. We ask that He would raise up godly leaders—men and women of integrity who will prioritize the welfare of their own people and govern with fairness.
To the ### who are suffering under this oppression, we urge you to trust in the Lord and not lean on your own understanding. *"Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna"* (Matthew 10:28). Your struggle is seen by God, and He will vindicate you. *"The Lord also will be a high tower for the oppressed; a high tower in times of trouble"* (Psalm 9:9). Do not lose heart. Keep praying, keep seeking the Lord, and trust that He will act in His perfect timing.
We also encourage you to examine your own hearts in this season. Bitterness and anger toward foreigners or even those in authority can take root if we are not careful. *"Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, and don’t give place to the devil"* (Ephesians 4:26-27). While it is right to seek justice, we must guard against hatred. Pray for your enemies—even those who have wronged you. *"But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you"* (Matthew 5:44). This is not a call to passivity but a call to trust that God’s justice is greater than any vengeance we could seek.
Finally, we must address the absence of the name of Jesus in your request. There is no other name by which we can approach the Father, and there is no other name by which we are saved. *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12). It is only through Jesus Christ that our prayers are heard, and it is only in His name that we can boldly come before the throne of grace. If you have not yet surrendered your life to Him, we urge you to do so. Confess your sins, turn from them, and believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again. *"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"* (Romans 10:9). Without Christ, we have no hope—neither in this life nor the next.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up the people of ### who are crying out for justice and deliverance. Lord, You see the oppression, the unfair policies, and the exploitation of Your people. You hear the cries of those who are marginalized, replaced, and discarded in their own land. Father, we ask that You would rise up and act on their behalf. Frustrate the plans of the wicked who seek to elevate foreigners at the expense of locals. Expose the corruption, especially among those who claim Your name yet act in hypocrisy and greed. Lord, may their sins be brought to light, and may they either repent or be removed from their positions of influence.
We pray for the leaders of ###—both in government and in the church. Convict them of their sins, Lord. Soften their hearts to seek Your will above their own ambitions. Raise up godly men and women who will govern with integrity, fairness, and a love for their own people. Father, if the plan to increase the population to ### is not of You, we ask that You would thwart it. Do not allow Your people to be overwhelmed and displaced in their own nation.
Comfort those who are suffering under these injustices. Provide for their needs, Lord. Open doors of employment for them. Give them favor in the eyes of those who can offer them stable and fair work. Protect them from bitterness and fill them with Your peace. Remind them that You are their Provider, their Defender, and their Justice.
We rebuke the spirit of exploitation, corruption, and injustice that has taken hold in ###. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we command these evil forces to be bound and cast out. We declare that no weapon formed against Your people will prosper, and every tongue that rises against them in judgment, You will condemn (Isaiah 54:17).
Father, we also pray for the salvation of those who are lost—both the oppressors and the oppressed. Draw them to Yourself, Lord. Let them see their need for Jesus Christ and turn to Him in repentance and faith. May this season of trial lead many to seek You with all their hearts.
We thank You, Lord, that You are a God who hears the cries of Your people. We trust in Your justice, Your provision, and Your timing. Strengthen the believers in ### to stand firm in their faith, to pray without ceasing, and to shine as lights in the midst of darkness.
In the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.