We hope the following is an encouragement for Christians to pray about the horrific plight of those caught up into prostitution, pornography and other sexual exploitation for others’ financial gain.
Through our prevailing prayer and active involvement, may God mercifully ordain changes in the law and in human hearts to bring about justice, righteousness, freedom and healing to those who are affected by this issue.
1. ‘Not for sale’
"The needy are sold for the price of sandals. They smear the poor in the dirt and push aside those who are helpless. My holy name is dishonoured because fathers and sons sleep with the same young women." Amos 2:6-7 (CEV)
God of justice, we intercede for the countless women and children bought and sold for sex in every country of the world. None of them is faceless and nameless to You – but precious because Jesus paid with His life to redeem and rescue them. Please bring an end to the wickedness that causes their suffering. In Your mercy. Amen.
2. Changing the law
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice." Proverbs 31:8-9 (NLT)
Lord, please make a way for UK law to become more effective in reducing prostitution: making it illegal to pay for sex and recognising the vulnerability of those who sell themselves or are sold by others. Grant opportunities, strategies and courage to parliamentarians and others who are committed to this cause. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
3. Vulnerable People
"Give your love of justice to the king, O God let the poor always be treated fairly… Help him to defend the poor, to rescue the children of the needy, and to crush their oppressors." Psalm 72:1,3-4 (NLT)
Loving God, we pray for those who are defenceless against violence and exploitation – many with childhoods marked by deprivation, abandonment, abuse and crime. Please protect further victims from deception and coercion and help many to escape from their desperate situations to find healing and safety. In Your mercy. Amen.
4. Organisations offering support
"God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
Lord of compassion, thank You for Christian individuals and ministries in the UK and further afield that offer practical help to people who are exploited and coerced into ‘paid for sex’. Please prosper and strengthen their work of awareness-raising, legal action, law reform, rescue, restoration and rehabilitation. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
5. Criminals engaged in trafficking and exploitation
"Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously." Isaiah 55:7 (NLT)
Mighty Saviour, thank You for redeeming us from sin when You died and rose from the grave. We pray for many of those who heartlessly profit from exploitation, inflicting violence, pain and fear upon their victims to be turned to repentance. May they entreat You for forgiveness and new life. In Your mercy. Amen.
6. Children being abused
"Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." Psalm 82:3-4 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, we intercede for vulnerable young people targeted for grooming and enticed into sexual abuse and exploitation in person and online. Please grant wisdom to teachers, youth and social workers, family members and others who can forewarn and protect them from those with evil intent. In Christ’s name. Amen.
7. Policing and the justice system
The testimony of Job: “I assisted the poor in their need and the orphans who required help. I helped those without hope, and they blessed me…I served as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame…I broke the jaws of godless oppressors and plucked their victims from their teeth.” Job 29:12-17 (NLT)
Lord, please help those in leadership of the UK’s police forces to insist on the highest standards of officers’ behaviour and determination and excellence in pursuing perpetrators of commercial sexual exploitation and ill-treatment. We pray for understanding and proper protection before the law for vulnerable sex workers, especially where trafficking and slavery are involved. By Your grace. Amen.
