We stand with our brothers and sisters in ### in this time of deep distress, lifting your voices to the Lord as you cry out against injustice, corruption, and the misuse of His holy name. The Scriptures remind us that God is a righteous judge who sees the oppression of His people and will act on their behalf. *"The Lord executes righteous acts, and judgments for all who are oppressed."* (Psalm 103:6, WEB). He is not blind to the suffering of His children, nor will He tolerate the exploitation of His name for ungodly purposes. The Lord declares in Exodus 20:7, *"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain."* Those who claim the name of Christ yet act in corruption and deceit will face His judgment unless they repent.
The injustice you describe—the elevation of foreigners over locals, the deprivation of employment rights, the discrimination in promotions, and the unfair dismissal of citizens—is an affront to God’s heart for justice. Proverbs 22:22-23 warns, *"Don’t exploit the poor because he is poor; and don’t crush the needy in court; for the Lord will plead their case and plunder those who plunder them."* The Lord sees the schemes of the wicked, and He will frustrate the plans of those who seek to harm His people for their own gain. *"No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel can prevail against the Lord."* (Proverbs 21:30, WEB). We pray that God will expose the corruption in high places and bring to light the deeds done in darkness. *"For there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed; nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light."* (Luke 8:17, WEB).
We also lift up the church in ###, that the Lord would purify His body and remove from among them those who claim His name yet walk in hypocrisy and sin. The apostle Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 5:11-13, *"But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortionist. Don’t even eat with such a person. For what do I have to do with also judging those who are outside? Don’t you judge those who are within? But those who are outside, God judges. ‘Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.’"* May the Lord raise up godly leaders in ### who will stand for truth, justice, and the welfare of their own people, rather than bowing to ungodly pressures or personal gain.
To those who are suffering under these unjust policies, we encourage you to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that the Lord is your provider and defender. *"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, WEB). Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. *"He will give justice to the afflicted and needy. He will save the souls of the needy. He will redeem their souls from oppression and violence; and precious will be their blood in his sight."* (Psalm 72:12-14, WEB).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brothers and sisters in ###, who are crying out to You in their distress. Lord, You are a God of justice, and You have seen the oppression and unfairness they endure. You know the hearts of those in authority who have misused Your name to promote unrighteousness, favoring foreigners over their own people and depriving locals of their rightful opportunities. Father, we ask that You intervene mightily in this situation. Frustrate the plans of the corrupt and expose their deeds, that their schemes may come to nothing. *"Let the groaning of the prisoner come before you. According to the greatness of your power, preserve those who are sentenced to death."* (Psalm 79:11, WEB).
Lord Jesus, we ask that You raise up godly leaders in ###—men and women of integrity who will stand for truth and justice, who will honor You in their actions and policies. Remove from positions of influence those who have used Your name for their own gain, and bring them to repentance or judgment as You see fit. *"The king’s heart is in the Lord’s hand like the water courses. He turns it wherever he desires."* (Proverbs 21:1, WEB). Turn the hearts of those in authority toward righteousness, that they may act justly and mercifully toward the people they serve.
Father, we pray for the church in ###, that You would purify it and strengthen it to be a light in this darkness. May Your people stand firm in faith, speaking boldly against injustice while also extending Your love and grace. *"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."* (Matthew 5:16, WEB). Equip Your saints to be salt and light in their nation, that through their faithfulness, others may come to know You.
We ask for Your provision for every local in ### who is struggling to find work or facing unfair treatment. Open doors of opportunity for them, and let favor surround them like a shield. *"Trust in the Lord, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture. Also delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."* (Psalm 37:3-4, WEB). Comfort those who are discouraged, and remind them that You are their God, who will never leave them nor forsake them.
Finally, Lord, we pray that You would bring revival to ###. Turn the hearts of the people back to You, that they may seek Your face and walk in Your ways. *"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."* (2 Chronicles 7:14, WEB). Heal their land, Lord, and restore justice and righteousness in every area of their society.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone has the power to save and deliver. May Your will be done in ### as it is in heaven. Amen.
