Let us bring before the Lord the precious lives of these captured missionaries in the Congo. It is so important that we stand in the gap for them, asking God for His divine protection and intervention.
Firstly, we should discuss that it is only in the name of Jesus that we can boldly approach the throne of God. As it is said "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" 1 Timothy 2:5 WEB. This directly relates to how we should pray, as it is only through Jesus that we can be saved. We implore everyone to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9 WEB.
In times of distress and danger, we can trust in God's promise to be our refuge and fortress. As it is written in Psalm 91:1-2 WEB, "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of Yahweh, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust." Let us claim this promise for the captured missionaries, asking God to be their refuge and fortress in this time of need.
We also pray for the captors, that God would soften their hearts and bring them to a place of repentance. As Jesus taught us, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27-28 WEB. Let us pray that the captors would come to know the love of Christ and be transformed by His grace.
Lastly, we pray for the families of the captured missionaries, that God would comfort them and give them peace in this difficult time. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 WEB.
Let us pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You today, lifting up the captured missionaries in the Congo. We ask for Your divine protection and intervention in their lives. Be their refuge and fortress, Lord, and bring them safely home to their families. We also pray for their captors, that You would soften their hearts and bring them to a place of repentance. Help them to know the love of Christ and be transformed by Your grace. Lastly, we pray for the families of the captured missionaries, that You would comfort them and give them peace in this difficult time. We ask that they would trust in You and know that You are in control. We pray this all in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.