Prayers . . . for the unthinkable

Watch Over and Rescue a Kidnapped Child

O God, this monumental evil seems more than I can bear.  How can I live through this?  What is happening to the darling child we love more than life?  Is she dead? Or worse, is a madman inflicting horrors on her that I dare not imagine?  God, I can't bear to think about it.  It tortures me.  I want to gulp down sedatives and sleep.  But I can't -- I won't -- because she needs me to pray.  I believe that my prayers release the power of your mighty arm to help her, to save her, even though it is invisible to me.  So show me how to pray!

Protect her, Lord.  Rescue her.  Grant wisdom to her, show her ways to escape, and then send her rushing to safety.  Bring her home safely; unharmed.  If she has to endure pain and abuse until then, keep her spirit safe; let her stay normal.  Erase any feelings of guilt she might have.  Replace fearful thoughts and memories with images of your mighty angels.  Your Word says they are surrounding her right now, Lord.  Guide her to focus on scripture and on you.  Help her to feel a strong sense of your presence through her suffering.

But if she is no longer alive, could you let us know for certain so we can have closure?  If she is in heaven with you, Lord, hold her tightly for me, and whisper that I'll see her soon.  Then give us a continuing vivid picture of her in your arms . . . happy and content.  Thank you, Lord.  I am so grateful you love her even more than I do.

Amen

"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones.

For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see

the face of my Father in heaven."

Matthew 18:10

Date this page was last edited:  July 11, 2004