Anti Human Trafficking Prayer Guide

Anti Human Trafficking Prayer Guide A guide offering Scripture to pray in the name of Jesus for: Hope Rescue Efforts Justice Freedom Salvation Life and Liberty through Christ God s Purposes The True Fast Pray for Victims Pray for the johns (buyers) Pray for those who enslave and exploit others for their own profit Pray for the Traffickers Pray for Governments and Leaders Pray for the Root Causes and to Stop the Demand Pray for Global Awareness Pray for the Church Pray for Charlotte Agencies For our own commitment to pray and respond to the tragedy surrounding us in Charlotte, in our nation and the world Matthew 17:20 For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you. Jeremiah 32:17 Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. 1

Pray that the victims will not lose hope. Hope Psalm 10:17 18 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more. Job 36:15 But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction. Psalm 119:50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. Psalm 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Job 17:15 Where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me? Ps 119:116 Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. Micah 7:7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Rescue Efforts Pray for the rescue efforts. Pray for the eyes of the rescue organizations to be opened to see girls who need rescuing. Pray that the rescuers will have discernment as they plan and strategize. Pray for safety during rescue efforts. Pray for courage for the victims and the rescuers. Pray for Divine intervention. 2 Chronicles 20:15 and he said, "Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the LORD to you, 'Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's. Psalm 143:9 Deliver me O LORD, from my enemies; I take refuge in you. 2

Justice Amos 5:24 But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream! To e xpose corruption in governments and court systems, with officials and law enforcement: Leviticus 19:15 Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly. Luke 18:7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? Freedom Reveal anyone trapped in slavery Eph 5:11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Help victims who are trapped by threats and coercion find freedom Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of the sight for the blind, to release the oppressed Help victims find healing physically, spiritually and mentally John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Salvation Survivors and victims would know the love of Jesus Romans 8:38 39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 3

Traffickers would repent and free the people they have enslaved Acts 2:38 Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Revival would start around the world and people would know who they are in Christ Matthew 3:2 Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. Life and Liberty through Christ John 8:36 So if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 10:10 I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. God s Purposes Isaiah 61:1 3 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, Because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, To proclaim the year of the LORD s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, To comfort all who mourn, and to provide for those who grieve in Zion To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, And a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. The True Fast Isaiah 58:6 Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: To loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, To set the oppressed free and break every yoke Pray for Victims Pray that the Lord will comfort the girls in their affliction. Pray that they will feel His arms wrapped around them. Pray for their protection, in body, soul and spirit. 4

For their strength and salvation Psalm 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. For their protection, freedom, and justice Psalm 82:4 Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Psalm 103:6 The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. Psalm 146:7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free. For their hope and healing Psalm 40:1 3 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Jer 30:17 But I will restore you to health, and heal your wounds, declares the LORD. Jer 31:17 So there is hope for your future, declares the LORD. Pray for the newly rescued girls, that they know they are safe. Pray that they will be comforted by the Holy Spirit. Pray for healing for their deepest wounds that can only come from Him. Jer 33:6 Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. Psalm 30:20 O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 5

Pray for safety of those trapped in the bonds of slavery. Pray that God would be near to them in their suffering and bring comfort and provision. Pray that God would hear their cries and liberate them from the hands of their oppressors. Psalm 72:4 He will defend the afflicted among the people And save the children of the needy; He will crush the oppressor. Pray that God would set them on a path towards healing and restoration. Joel 2:25 I will restore to you the years the locusts have eaten. Pray for the johns (buyers) Pray that God would change their hearts, pierce their consciences, and bring about deep repentance. That their hearts and actions would be brought into light, that their shameful deeds done in secret might be exposed, so that more victims are not harmed. John 3:19 21 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. Hebrews 12:1 Let us lay aside every weight or encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us. 1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. Galatians 5:17 The flesh wars against the Spirit and they are in opposition to one another. Romans 7 I see this law, or this principle, warring within me, waging war with the law or the principle of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Romans 6 Do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lust. Ephesians 4:22 Lay aside the old self which is being corrupted in accordance with the lust of deceit. Abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. James 1:21 Receive the engrafted Word which is able to save your lives. 6

Pray for those who enslave and exploit others for their own profit. Pray they would be brought to justice. Pray that their efforts to abuse and manipulate for their own gain would be thwarted by circumstances, by concerned citizens, or by law enforcement. Pray that God would cause them to recognize the wickedness of their own actions and to turn from them. Pray for the grace of God to transform the hearts of those who have been guilty of such wretched sins. Psalm 10:17 18 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more. Pray for the traffickers For conviction,repentance, and salvation Is 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. Rom 5:6 8 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 2Tim 2:25 26 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. For criminal networks to dismantle Ps 7:9 O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure. Ps 37:17 For the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. Ps 37:20 But the wicked will perish: The LORD s enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish vanish like smoke. 7

For the oppressors to be arrested and prosecuted Isaiah 16:4 The oppressor will come to an end, and destruction will cease; the aggressor will vanish from the land. Jer 22:3 This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed. Amos 5:15 Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph Pray for Governments and Leaders For corruption to cease Deut. 16:19 Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. Amos 5:12 For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins, You oppress the righteous and take bribes And you deprive the poor of justice in the courts. Zech 8:16 These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts For implementation of just legislation Prov 8:15 By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just Prov 29:4 By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down. Neh. 9:13 You came down on Mount Sinai; you spoke to them from heaven. You gave them regulations and laws that are just and right, and decrees and commands that are good. For discernment in forming alliances 1Ki 3:12a I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart. Prov 3:21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight. Ecc 4:9 10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 8

Pray for leaders at the local, state and national levels to lead with moral character and commitment to justice. That they would stand against the crime of human trafficking. Pray for leaders in our city to have conviction and courage to take on this issue and help change policies and laws. Pray for our church leadership, that they will take a stand to be salt and light in the city. Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy And to walk humbly with your God. Pray for the Root Causes and to Stop the Demand Against poverty Prov 14:31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, But whoever is kind to the needy honors God Is 58:7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Is 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me Because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. Against greed Joel 3:3 They cast lots for my people And traded boys for prostitutes; They sold girls for wine That they might drink. Luke 12:15 Then Jesus said to them, Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, man s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. 1 Tim 6:10a For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Against prejudice Gen 1:27 So God created man in his own image, In the image of God he created him; Male and female he created them. 9

Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. For at risk children, who are surrounded by brokenness, poverty, abuse. Pray for the children who are thinking of running away, and for those that have run away. Psalm 82:3 4 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless Maintain the rights of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy, Deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Pray for Global Awareness The reality of trafficking is unveiled Mark 4:22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. Luke 12:2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made know. Eph 5:11 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible. For strategies to raise awareness Ps 25:4 Show me your ways, O Lord Teach me your paths. Prov 3:5 6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, And he will make your paths straight. Is 55:9 As the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways And my thoughts than your thoughts. 10

For people to be stirred to action Is 58:6 7 Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen; To lose the chains of injustice And untie the cords of the yoke, To set the oppressed free And break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry And to provide the poor wanderer with shelter When you see the naked, to clothe him, And not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 2:16 17 If one of you says to him, Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed, but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Pray for the Church For the church to awaken to the issue Is 60:1 2 Arise, shine, for your light has come, And the glory of the LORD rises upon you, See, darkness covers the earth And thick darkness is over the peoples, But the LORD rises upon you And his glory appears over you. Mt 5:13 14 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Mt 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. For advocates and laborers to emerge. Pray for public awareness to be raised and for God to raise up more men and women who are passionate about the cause. Ps 94:16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers? Prov 31:8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, For the rights of all who are destitute. 11

Mt 9:37 38 Then he said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. To unite against injustice Jn 17:23 May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Rom 15:5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For Charlotte Agencies For Divine Favor Ps 5:12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; You surround them with your favor as with a shield. Ps 90:17 May the favor of the Lord of our God rest upon us; Establish the work of our hands for us Yes, establish the work of our hands. For Divine Wisdom Prov 4:7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Prov 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, To choose understanding rather than silver. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. For Divine Provision Deut 28:12 The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. Ps 111:5 He provides food for those who fear him; He remembers his covenant forever. 12

2 Cor 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. For our own commitment to pray and respond to the tragedy surrounding us in Charlotte, in our nation and the world. Pray that God would keep us from apathy or from turning our eyes and hearts away from what is happening. Matthew 25:34 40 Then the King will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. *This guide has been compiled in part using resources including www.prayerforfreedom.com, The Salvation Army, www.aheartforjustice.com, www.a21.org, www.rescueher.org If you would like a copy emailed to you, please email: Debra Lozano htprayer@gmail.com 13