1. The benefits of the internet
"The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper." Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)
Creator God, thank You for the internet’s potential for good. We pray for adults and children to increasingly reject negative and damaging content and seek what is ‘noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.’ In Jesus’ name. Amen.
2. The exploitation of vulnerable children
"Jesus said, “if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea." Matthew 18:6 (NLT)
Saviour, we intercede for children whose innocence has been stolen through sites and social media that promote radicalisation, grooming by sexual predators, self-harm, pornography and gambling. Please comfort and heal the thousands of nameless children who have suffered wicked abuse in the production of perverted online material. In your mercy Amen.
3. The pornography industry
"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." Isaiah 5:20 (NIV)
Holy Spirit, please help us to prayerfully engage with this issue, against ‘evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, mighty powers in this dark world, and evil spirits in the heavenly places.’ May those who profit from this evil trade be confronted by Your righteous anger. We ask for miracles of repentance leading many to cease their involvement and make amends. In Your name. Amen.
4. Healing Young Lives
"Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good." Romans 12:2 (J.B. Phillips)
Lord, please restore the mental health, and heal the regrets and fears of young people whose lives have been blighted and their perception of Your wonderful gift of sex contorted by the effects of pornography. We especially pray for girls who experience disrespect, harassment and harm. By Your grace. Amen.
5. Strengthening the Law
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed...see that they get justice." Proverbs 31:8-9 (NLT)
Sovereign Lord, we thank You that the Online Safety Act is finally on our statute books. May it pave the way for effective age verification, major fines for illegal content and inadequate safety measures for social media platforms. We pray for those working on this issue in OFCOM to have wisdom and insight to bring to justice those who flout the law. In Christ’s name. Amen.
6. Support and Protection
"Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them." Ephesians 5:11 (NLT)
Father, we thank You for the excellent advice, practical information and support that is available from organisations dedicated to protecting children and enhancing their online experience. We pray that many more parents, teachers, youth workers and young people will access them and benefit from their resources. For Christ’s sake. Amen.
7. Parents and Carers
"Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)
Loving God, please help parents and carers in their demanding task of raising children in this current culture where so much is sexualised, children are at risk and technology is advancing with such speed, transforming the way we live, work and relate to one another. Grant them all they need to teach, protect and help young people to fulfil the plans You have for them. In Your mercy. Amen.