A Call to Prayer

for Missing, Exploited, and Trafficked Children

Day 10

Thank you for joining Day 10 of the 10-day prayer initiative for missing, exploited, and trafficked children. The focus of our last day in this initiative brings us back to being a people eagerly crying out “Thy kingdom come” that the movement of the Holy Spirit may be felt throughout our communities.

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 Continued Advancement of the Kingdom of God

The movement of God and a people with “Thy kingdom come” ever on their lips can be historically seen, in addition to many other examples, in the fight of the abolitionists to dismantle the evils of slavery, in the daily feeding of the poor and the caring for the sick, and in the bold advocacy for the precious value of unborn babies. History is, regretfully, full of voiceless struggles; but, it has always been the Church that has, moved by the power of the Good News, been the voice for the voiceless. The legacy of the Church is undeniable, and the fight continues with the battle raging on several fronts. But, the book of Acts begins with the ascension of Jesus and the disciples staring into the sky. Christ was no longer physically present with them, and they stood there staring when they should have been moving their feet and getting their hands dirty. The question asked of the disciples still stands for us today—“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?” (Acts 1:11). When Jesus returns, as he has promised and foretold, it will be glorious and visible for all to see; until then, there’s work to be done! Until then, the Kingdom of Heaven advances, and we are not only invited but called to join it. This is not a time to stare into the sky—it’s a time to get to work.

“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near. For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” Matthew 3:2

Prayer

Father, advance Your righteous kingdom, pour out Your Spirit, and guide us as Your servants. Lead us, Oh Lord, for Your glory, to proclaim Your goodness and mercy to the world through our words and deeds. And, let our efforts not be in vain; Lord, make our feeble  but honest attempts fruitful with a yield that glorifies Your name. We pray that through this tragic issue (the tragedy of missing kids, child trafficking, and sexual exploitation), the movement of the Spirit would be known and felt, that Your heart will be known, and that the love of Christ will be experienced throughout our communities. We pray that Your kingdom will be advanced in our lives, homes, cities, state, and nation.

Lord, you have promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against the movement of Your church, that the church planted on the Rock will stand against any storm; we pray, oh God, that we will not only withstand but prevail, that all who are in need may know that You are the Lord. We know that this is only possible through You, through the power of Your Spirit; so we pray for Your blessing, guidance, and favor. We thank You, Father, for letting us (and wanting us) to join in the movement of Your Spirit and the advancement of Your kingdom.

Abba, Father in heaven, blessed be the Name of the Lord; let Your kingdom come, let Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when [Jesus] had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?” Acts 1:8–11a

Share your prayers in the comments.