Pray with the global church

Most High God, we lift up the women and children held captive in southern Borno, knowing You care for the afflicted and hear their cries. Defend the fatherless and the oppressed; bring deliverance to those suffering in captivity and turn back every plan of violence that seeks to harm Your people. In Your mercy, dismantle the strongholds of Boko Haram, and reveal Jesus to their captors, even as Saul was confronted on his path of persecution. Strengthen the believers in Borno with faith and courage, that they might stand firm amidst threats and uphold Your name with love. Let pure religion shine brightly in this darkness — visiting orphans and widows in distress and keeping oneself unstained by the world. For Your Kingdom's sake we pray. Amen.