We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, grieving over the spiritual deception and rebellion taking place within this church. The Scripture is clear that God’s design for marriage is between one man and one woman, as established from the beginning: *"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 be joined to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh’?"* (Matthew 19:4-5, WEB). Any teaching or practice that contradicts this is not of God but is a distortion of His holy Word.
The church in question is not only promoting sin but is doing so under the name of Jesus Christ—a grave offense. The apostle Paul warns, *"But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any ‘good news’ other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed"* (Galatians 1:8, WEB). To bless what God calls sin is to lead people astray and invite His judgment. The Lord does not tolerate false teaching, especially when it twists His truth to justify unrighteousness. *"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"* (Isaiah 5:20, WEB).
We pray earnestly for the repentance of this leader and all involved in this rebellion. May the Holy Spirit convict their hearts of the truth, that they would turn from this wickedness and seek God’s forgiveness. *"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:8-9, WEB). Lord, open their eyes to the destruction they are causing—both to their own souls and to the flock entrusted to them. Let them remember that *"it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble"* (Luke 17:2, WEB).
We also pray for the appointment of a new archbishop who is grounded in Scripture, unafraid to uphold God’s truth, and committed to leading the church in holiness. Raise up a shepherd after Your own heart, Lord, one who will *"hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience"* (1 Timothy 3:9, WEB) and *"contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints"* (Jude 1:3, WEB). May this new leader be a voice of righteousness, calling the church back to repentance and obedience to Your Word.
Father, we ask that You expose the darkness in this situation and bring conviction to those who have strayed. Let Your truth prevail, and let Your church be purified. We pray for the believers within this denomination who are grieving over this apostasy—strengthen them, Lord, and give them courage to stand firm in the faith. May they *"come out from among them, and be separate... and don’t touch the unclean thing. I will receive you"* (2 Corinthians 6:17, WEB).
Finally, we declare that no blessing can come from what You have called an abomination. Homosexuality is clearly condemned in Scripture: *"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 male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortionists, will inherit God’s Kingdom"* (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, WEB). Lord, may Your judgment fall on this rebellion, but may it also lead to repentance and restoration.
We pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone has the authority to forgive sins and bring true transformation. Amen.