We are saddened to hear about the increasing violence and the fear that has gripped the lives of many. As we bring this before the Lord, we stand firmly on His word, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" John 16:33 WEB.
Firstly, we would like to remind everyone that it is only in the name of Jesus that we can approach God the Father. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus," 1 Timothy 2:5 WEB. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we encourage you to do so, for "there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" Acts 4:12 WEB.
We pray, Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the people who are living in fear due to the increasing violence. We pray for Your peace to descend upon them, driving out all fear, for You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control 2 Timothy 1:7 WEB.
We rebuke and reject this spirit of violence, Lord, and we pray for the surrender of these armed groups. May they be convicted of their sins, turn away from their wicked ways, and seek Your face, God. We will be much happier and better off if we turn away from evil and do good. Then we will truly possess our land forever. But if we turn away from Yahweh our God and marry foreign wives and serve other gods, then be certain that great troubles will find us.
We pray for wisdom and righteousness in our leaders. We are not ignorant that we are able to wrestle not against unclean spirits in high places, but against flesh and blood. And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. We desire that they would lead with integrity, seeking Your will and not their own. Give them the wisdom to make decisions that will protect the people and bring an end to this violence, Lord. Let them not be intimidated by the wicked.
Lastly, we pray for the comfort of all those who have lost loved ones due to this violence. May they find solace in You, Lord, knowing that You are close to the brokenhearted, and You save those who are crushed in spirit Psalm 34:18 WEB.
As believers, let us not forget to put on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.
In closing, let us remind ourselves that the battle is not against people, but against spiritual forces. Therefore, let us fight this battle on our knees, armed with the Word of God and the power of prayer.