We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting up this situation of stolen money and the turmoil it has caused. The Word of God is clear about theft and the importance of justice and restitution. Exodus 22:3 says, "If the thief is found, he shall pay seven times. He shall give all the wealth of his house." We also know that God calls us to pray for those who wrong us, even as we seek justice. Matthew 5:44 reminds us, "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."
First, we must address the matter of the stolen money with the truth of Scripture. Theft is a sin, and it breaks the commandment found in Exodus 20:15, "You shall not steal." We pray that the Lord would convict the heart of the one who has taken what does not belong to them. May the Holy Spirit move powerfully in their life to bring about repentance, leading them to return what was stolen and turn away from such behavior. We also pray for justice, Lord, that You would work in this situation to bring restoration. Proverbs 16:7 says, "When a man’s ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." We ask that You would soften hearts and open doors for this money to be returned, whether through repentance or through the natural consequences of their actions.
We also lift up the request for employment or for this person to move out. While we understand the desire for relief from this burden, we must remember that our ultimate trust is in the Lord. Psalm 37:5-6 tells us, "Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this: he will make your righteousness go forth as the light, and your justice as the noon day sun." We pray that God would provide for your needs, whether through employment or another means, and that He would give you peace in this situation. If it is His will for this person to move out, we ask that He would make a way for that to happen in a manner that aligns with His purposes.
Lord, we also pray for the heart of the one who stole. We ask that You would break the chains of greed, deceit, or desperation that may have led to this action. Ezekiel 36:26 says, "I will also give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh." We pray that this person would come to know You, Jesus Christ, as their Lord and Savior if they do not already, and that they would experience the transforming power of Your love. Only through the name of Jesus can hearts be changed, and only through Him can we find true redemption. Acts 4:12 declares, "There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved."
Father, we ask that You would guard our hearts from bitterness or a desire for vengeance. Romans 12:19 says, "Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, 'Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.'" Help us to trust in Your timing and Your justice, knowing that You see all and will make all things right in Your perfect way. We also pray for wisdom and discernment in how to handle this situation. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths."
Lord, we lift up this entire situation to You, asking for Your intervention and Your peace. May Your will be done, and may Your name be glorified in all of this. We pray that You would bring restoration, repentance, and healing to everyone involved. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
