We hear the heavy burden in this request and we join together to bring these victims before the Lord, asking for His mercy, justice and intervention where there is such relentless suffering. What is described is wickedness in its darkest form, the deliberate targeting, harassing and torturing of people who simply want to live their lives in peace. We rebuke this evil, for God hates oppression and cruelty, and He sees every hidden deed done against the vulnerable.
We are reminded that Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Psalm 34:18. And again, The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17. Even when it feels that no one on earth is listening or able to help, the Lord hears the cries of the afflicted. Yahweh, you have heard the desire of the humble. You will prepare their heart. You will cause your ear to hear, to judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that man who is of the earth may terrify no more. Psalm 10:17-18.
We pray together now for every person enduring this torture, including those who have suffered so long they do not remember life without pain.
Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ we come before Your throne of grace and we lift up every victim of torture and harassment. Lord, You see what is done in secret and You know every weapon formed against them, whether seen or unseen. We ask that You would intervene with Your mighty hand. Be their refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1. Surround them with Your protection, hide them under the shadow of Your wings, and let no weapon formed against them prosper. We pray that You would break the power of those who afflict them, expose the unfruitful works of darkness, for there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Luke 12:2. Bring what is done in darkness into the light, and cause justice to roll forward.
Lord, we pray for relief and restoration. For those who are weary beyond words, grant rest, sleep, healing of mind and body, and a sound mind, for God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7. Heal their wounds and restore health to them, as You have promised, For I will restore health to you, and I will heal you of your wounds, says Yahweh. Jeremiah 30:17. Restore to them the years that have been stolen and let them know again what it is to live without fear and torment. Comfort those who feel isolated and forgotten, and let them know they are not alone, for You have said, Don't you be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10.
We also pray for justice according to Your righteousness. We do not seek revenge ourselves, but we trust Your word that vengeance belongs to You and You will repay. Romans 12:19. It is a righteous thing with God to repay affliction to those who afflict His people. 2 Thessalonians 1:6. We pray that those who carry out this torture would be stopped, convicted of their sin, and brought to repentance, and that authorities and all who have power to help would have eyes to see, courage to act, and a commitment to protect the innocent.
We notice this request asks for God to intervene yet does not mention the name of Jesus Christ. We gently share this truth because we want every prayer to reach the Father and every soul to find salvation. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. 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. Acts 4:12. It is only through faith in Jesus, His death on the cross for our sins and His resurrection, that we have access to God and eternal hope. If anyone has not yet called upon Him, we encourage you to confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, for then you will be saved. Romans 10:9.
We encourage all who are suffering to continue to cry out to Jesus, to stay in His Word, to seek fellowship with faithful believers, and to ask for help from trustworthy people around you even as we ask God to make a way where there seems to be no way. God has not forgotten you. He is your defender and your deliverer, and He will not let oppression have the final word.
We continue to stand with these victims before the Lord, asking for His covering, His healing, His justice and His peace that passes all understanding to guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus until the day He makes all things right. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, amen.
