Prayers for Survivors of Trafficking

By
Corrie Mitchell

O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear.

Psalm 10:17

It is estimated that between 20-36 million people globally are victims of human trafficking, and New York City is one of the largest destinations for trafficked victims entering the United States. Traffickers use violence, threats, deception, debt bondage, and other manipulative tactics to force people to engage in commercial sex or provide services against their will. Vulnerable populations are frequently targeted by traffickers, including immigrants, runaway and homeless youth, and victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, war, or social discrimination.

 

It is our collective call to seek justice for the oppressed, so we bring to our God these brothers and sisters of ours who have or are being trafficked. We serve a present and loving God, and we can trust that He will bring about justice and righteousness. Join us as we pray:

  • Pray that those who are caught in human trafficking would find safety from their abusers. Pray that they would find emotional, physical, and spiritual healing.

    Lord, we know that You are our Great Protector and Mighty Fortress. We pray that You would stand against any who seek to harm Your children, that You would thwart their evil schemes and liberate Your enslaved children. We pray for the holistic healing—emotional, physical, and spiritual—of those individuals who’ve suffered such grave injustices at the hands of others.
  • Pray that survivors of trafficking would be provided with the resources they need to start a new life. Pray they are able to find a safe home and meaningful work in order to take care of themselves and their families.

    Father, we stand in awe at Your ability to make all things new. In that vein, we pray that survivors of trafficking would come to know their true worth—and that they are deeply loved and cherished by their Heavenly Father. We also pray that Your people would step up to be the support system that survivors need to thrive as they transition into their newly freed lives.
  • Pray for the continual protection of those enslaved—and that justice will be brought to their enslavers.

    God, we know that You demand justice for the oppressed, and that you are a God of action and deliverance. We pray for Your swift work to free those who’ve been made to be modern-day slaves, and that Your righteousness would reign. Great Protector, we pray that You would be with those still enslaved, that they would be comforted by the eternal freedom You provide.
  • Pray for Restore NYC as they work to rescue victims of sex trafficking, care for and shelter women in crisis, and provide a fresh start for women. Would they be resourced and supported in their work.

    Thank you, O God, for those New Yorkers who’ve answered the call to care for and rescue some of the most vulnerable people in our city. We pray specifically that Restore NYC would be well equipped and fully resourced, able to provide shelter for and minister to victims of sex trafficking. We know it is difficult work, and we praise Your name for their faithfulness.