We have heard your burden for those who feel hunted and tormented without cause and without mercy, and we join together with you in bringing this deep suffering before the Lord. We know that God sees every hidden oppression and hears every cry, even when it feels never ending. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit as we read in Psalm 34:18, and we are reminded that the righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles in Psalm 34:17. For those who feel trapped and exhausted, we cling to the promise that he who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty in Psalm 91:1, and that we are to cast all our worries on him, because he cares for us in 1 Peter 5:7.
We also want to speak with love and truth about the way some are trying to cope. We understand the desperation that would lead someone to drink heavily to endure torture and to remain silent while suffering, and we grieve that many have nearly died choking on their own vomit. Yet Scripture warns us not to turn to drunkenness for comfort, for it brings harm to the body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit and dulls the spirit. Do not be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit in Ephesians 5:18. We urge those who are suffering to turn instead to the Lord for strength and to seek help from godly counsel, trusted pastors, and also from medical and professional helpers and authorities who can come alongside them, so they do not suffer alone or put themselves in further danger. Be sober and self-controlled in 1 Peter 5:8, for sobriety keeps us watchful and able to call upon God clearly in distress.
We lift up both the victims and even those who carry out such cruelty. The Lord hates oppression and injustice, and we know that our struggle is not only against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places in Ephesians 6:12. Vengeance belongs to the Lord, as it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord in Romans 12:19, so we do not seek revenge but we do ask God to intervene with justice and mercy. We pray that He would either soften the hardest hearts, for Yahweh says I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you in Ezekiel 36:26 and The king's heart is in Yahweh's hand like the watercourses, he turns it wherever he desires in Proverbs 21:1, or that He would remove the oppressors and break the cycle of torture so the afflicted can be free to live the lives He has given them. We also pray against the torment of having to guess an end day to earn freedom, for true deliverance does not come from guessing correctly but from the hand of God who promises Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God in Isaiah 41:10, and who will in His perfect time bring justice and release.
We notice that this request speaks of God but does not mention Jesus Christ, and we want to speak plainly about this because it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father, except through me in John 14:6, and there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved in Acts 4:12. It is by believing in Jesus Christ, that He died for our sins and rose again, that our prayers are heard and our souls are saved, and it is in His name alone that we can boldly approach God for deliverance.
We pray together now in Jesus' name. Father in heaven, we come before Your throne in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son and we lift up every person who feels gang stalked, harassed, tortured and tormented without cause. You see what is done in secret and You know every tear and every sleepless night. We ask You to intervene with Your mighty hand, to place a hedge of protection around each victim, to be their refuge and fortress, to break the power of those who afflict them without mercy. Lord, soften the hearts of the torturers, convict them of their evil, bring them to repentance, and if they will not repent, remove them and stop their hands from harming others. Deliver the victims from fear, from the need to numb their pain with alcohol, and draw them into sobriety, clarity and hope in You. Give them wise and compassionate people around them who will believe them, help them, and walk with them, and lead them to know Jesus as their Savior and deliverer. Let them know they do not have to earn freedom by guessing a day, but that You are their true freedom and You will set the captives free in Your perfect timing. We ask for healing for bodies and minds, for peace that surpasses understanding, and for the courage to live again in the fullness of life You intend. We ask all of this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our only hope and our salvation, amen.
We encourage those who are suffering to keep crying out to God, to stay in His Word daily, to seek fellowship with a Bible believing church, and to not isolate themselves. If you are in danger or feel unsafe, please reach out promptly to trusted local authorities, medical professionals, and pastoral counselors. God has not forgotten you, He is near, and He will be your strength and your deliverer as you trust in Jesus.