A Call to Prayer
for Missing, Exploited, and Trafficked Children
Day 4
Thank you for joining Day 4 of the 10-day prayer initiative for missing, exploited, and trafficked children. The focus of this day centers on remembering the loving character of God who is our refuge, who brings beauty from ashes, and who heals the afflicted.
As a reminder, each day in this initiative includes Scriptures upon which to read and reflect, a basic discussion regarding the intention of the prayer topic, and a prayer that is to simply serve as a guide or starting point; what matters most is that we are directed by Biblical truth, lean into further intimacy with the heart of God, and be lead by the Spirit.
Throughout this call to prayer, share your prayers in the comments that we may join you through this journey.
Praying for the Miracle of Lasting Healing
“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 30:17a
“‘I will now arise,’ says the LORD; ‘I will place him in the safety for which he longs.’” Psalm 12:5b
Finding a missing child is only the beginning. While, tragically, there is very limited societal attention on kids who are currently missing, there is also little to no attention, resources, or services available once a missing child has been reunited with their family. And, this is when many begin to feel truly isolated. How many people share an understanding of such a tragic ordeal? How many understand the grief and stigma? How many can empathize? At minimum, one in every six missing kids are victims of trafficking and exploitation; but, we know that this number is low because many who have been trafficked (perhaps because of the manipulation and grooming) don’t even know they were victims of trafficking—such realizations often come later in life after years of healing. But, we know that the Lord is our healer and refuge; He sees us and knows us, and He is working to bring a kingdom of healing, peace, and restoration. He is the God who offers shalom (שָׁלוֹם)—perfect peace through wholeness, all made right. Christ doesn’t just bind wounds; He makes everything good again! He is the Lord God who turns dry bones into armies, who turns shame into glory, and gives beauty for ashes.
“[The Lord] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14
Prayer
Holy Spirit, come. Comfort those who mourn. Heal the afflicted. Bring dry bones to life again. You have said that those who call upon Your name will not be put to shame because You, oh Lord, comfort all who mourn; You anoint the heads of the downcast with joy; You clothe the destitute in praise; You bestow beauty from the ashes of ruin; You restore the lowly and make them strong. Father, we, now, call upon Your name for the sake of the hurting, for those who have been exploited, for those who are suffering and have suffered, for those who have experienced the evils of trafficking.
Jesus, we know You are willing; we know You are able. Come, Jesus, come. Move in power. Bring the miracle of lasting healing to the hearts and minds of exploited children across our cities, state, and nation. Bring restorative healing to the families of missing children—to those who have been reunited and those whose children are still missing. Bring healing to the law enforcement officers and private investigators who have witnessed and wrestled with the demonic realities of trafficking; restore them that they may continue to fight the good fight and rescue those in need. Strengthen families across our communities.
Lord, bring peace and renewal to the broken so that those who have experienced trauma would be made whole and know the depth of the shalom that only You provide. Amen.
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3
Share your prayers in the comments.