We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting up this situation with both sorrow and hope. First, we must address the matter of theft, for Scripture is clear: *"You shall not steal"* (Exodus 20:15). The act of taking what does not belong to us is a violation of God’s commandment, and it grieves the Holy Spirit. We pray that the one who took the book would be convicted by the Holy Spirit, not just to return what was stolen, but to repent with a sincere heart. Returning the item in an insincere manner—without true remorse—does not align with God’s desire for repentance. *"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise"* (Psalm 51:17).
We also must address the content of the book that was stolen. The Bible is unequivocal about the sin of homosexuality: *"Or 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). While we are called to love all people, we cannot condone or ignore sin, for love without truth is not love at all. We pray that this individual would turn away from any ungodly influences and seek the truth of God’s Word, which offers freedom and redemption through Jesus Christ.
Now, we lift this matter to the Lord in prayer, asking Him to move powerfully in this situation:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts burdened by sin and the need for repentance. Lord, we ask that You would speak directly to the heart of the one who has stolen and returned this book insincerely. Convict her, Father, not with condemnation, but with Your loving kindness, which leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). Break her heart over this sin, Lord, and draw her to Yourself. Let her see the gravity of her actions and the need to make things right, not just outwardly, but with a heart that seeks to honor You.
We pray, Father, that You would also guard her heart from the lies of the enemy. The content of this book is contrary to Your Word, and we ask that You would open her eyes to the truth. Let her see that Your ways are good, and that true fulfillment is found only in You. Remove any deception from her mind, Lord, and replace it with the light of Your truth.
For the one who has been wronged, we ask for Your peace and restoration. It is not easy to be stolen from, and we pray that You would heal any hurt or frustration. Give wisdom in how to respond, Lord, and help them to extend grace while standing firm on Your truth. May this situation be an opportunity for both parties to grow in faith and dependence on You.
We also pray for the church from which the book was taken. May they respond with wisdom and discernment, Lord. Give them the courage to address sin with love and truth, and the grace to extend forgiveness where repentance is genuine.
Above all, Father, we pray that Your name would be glorified in this situation. May Your will be done, and may Your kingdom come in the hearts of all involved. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). It is through Him that we have access to You, and it is only by His blood that we are forgiven and made new. May this truth be the foundation for all who are touched by this prayer. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
