Exodus 21:16 (GNT)
Whoever kidnaps someone, either to sell him or to keep him as a slave, is to be put to death.
Today, we gather in unity, deeply concerned about a grave issue that plagues our world – human trafficking. This abhorrent practice, which reduces the divine image of God in individuals to mere commodities, is a stark reminder of the darkness that exists in our world. But let us not forget, we serve a God who is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all.
As we navigate through this challenging topic, let us
remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:12, “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.” Human trafficking is not just a physical or societal
issue; it is a spiritual battle that calls for our fervent prayers and
steadfast action.
Let us begin by praying for the victims of human
trafficking. These individuals, created in the image of God, are precious in
His sight. They are not forgotten; they are not alone. God hears their cries, and
He is mighty to save. He is a God of justice, a God of mercy, and a God of
deliverance. We pray for their freedom, their healing, and their restoration.
May they experience the love of God profoundly and find hope amid their
despair.
Next, we pray for the perpetrators of this evil. We ask God
to convict their hearts, to open their eyes to the wickedness of their actions,
and to lead them to repentance. We pray for their transformation, knowing that
nothing is impossible with God. He is a God who can change the hardest of
hearts and redeem the most broken of lives.
We also pray for those on the front lines, battling against
human trafficking. We pray for their protection, their strength, and their
wisdom. May they be instruments of God's justice and mercy in this world. We
pray for governments and organisations worldwide, that they would enact and
enforce laws that protect the vulnerable and punish the guilty.
As we pray, let us also be moved to action. James 2:17
reminds us, “faith, if it does not have works, is dead, being alone.” We
are called not just to pray, but to act. Whether through raising awareness,
supporting anti-trafficking organisations, or advocating for stronger laws,
each of us can make a difference. Let us be as the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing hope and healing to the oppressed.
Finally, we look forward to the day when human trafficking
will be no more. We pray for God's kingdom to come, His will to be done, on
earth as it is in heaven. We long for the day when justice will roll down like
waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Let us remember our prayers are not just words, but powerful
weapons in the spiritual battle against human trafficking. Let us not grow
weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up. Let
us stand firm in our faith, knowing that our labour in the Lord is not in vain.
And as we continue to pray and work against this evil, let
us also remember the words of our Lord Jesus: "In this world you will
have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Let us hold
on to this promise, for it is in Him we find our hope, our strength, and our
victory.
God bless you all, and may He empower us to be the light in
this world of darkness. Let us stand firm, knowing that our labour in the Lord
is not in vain. Let us continue to pray, to act, and to hope, until the day
when every chain is broken, and every captive is set free. Amen.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You today with heavy hearts,
burdened by the deep pain and suffering caused by human trafficking. We are
pained because in this world that You have filled with beauty and love, there
is such profound darkness. Yet, we know that You are a God of justice, a God of
mercy, and a God of deliverance. We know that You hear the cries of those in
bondage, and that You are mighty to save.
Oh Lord, we pray for the victims of human trafficking. These
are Your children, made in Your image, precious in Your sight. We ask You to
stretch out Your hand of deliverance and free them from their chains. Comfort
them in their affliction, heal their wounds, and restore their hope. Surround
them with Your love that they may know they are not forgotten, they are not
alone.
We pray for the perpetrators of this evil trade. We ask that
You would pierce their hearts with Your truth, that they would turn from their
wicked ways and seek Your face. We pray for their repentance and
transformation, for we know nothing is impossible with You.
We also pray for those who are working tirelessly to combat
human trafficking. Strengthen their resolve, protect them from harm, and guide
them in their efforts. May they be instruments of Your justice and mercy in
this broken world.
Lord, we ask that You would stir up in us a holy anger
against this evil. Help us to not grow complacent or indifferent. Instead,
inspire us to be active participants in the fight against human trafficking.
Show us how we can contribute, whether through prayer, advocacy, or direct
action. Let us be Your hands and feet in this world, bringing hope and healing
to the oppressed.
Finally, we pray for an end to human trafficking. We ask
that Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Let
justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
We pray all these things in the powerful name of Jesus, our
Saviour, Redeemer, and Deliverer. Amen.