Friday, May 11, 2012

Red Light Prayers

I just got back from a screening of the documentary Nefarious: Merchant of Souls.  The film documents human trafficking across the globe and in my country.

This sin is unbelievably ugly and rampant.  This sin is disgusting and yet so prevalent.  We must do something about this evil.  If you don't know anything about human trafficking I strongly encourage you to do some research.  You'll be surprised quickly.

The folks who made the movie I watched highlight three ways to combat human trafficking.  They are: prayer, awareness and giving.  Prayer because God is in control and only He can change hearts and save souls.  Awareness because this evil will continue if light is not shed on it.  And giving because the need is so great and where we put our money is often where we put our heart.

According to Free the Slaves, 27 million people are enslaved in the world today.  Many of them are enslaved into prostitution.  According to the U.N., human trafficking is a $32 billion industry annually.  According to UNICEF, nearly 2 million children are involved in the international commercial sex trade.

These stats are staggering but we can do something about it.  The prayer, awareness giving model can help.

I want to invite you to join me in a simple way to change the world.  I'm stealing it from a man I heard speak from the organization Exodus Cry.  It's called Red Light Prayers because of course we think of red light districts.  Let's you and I not waste time at red lights.  When our cars get to a red lights instead of complaining, let's say a Red Light Prayer.

Here's mine: "Sovereign Lord, you are in control of everything.  Rescue one of your daughters from slavery and prostitution today."

That's it.  If I'm a light longer I can pray longer, but that simple prayer is one I can pray even while having a conversation with a passenger.  So, let's do this.  I'm not asking you to commit to doing this for the rest of your life.  I challenge you to do this for the rest of May.  Please try it with me and let's see what our awesome God does because He can do anything and everything.

Join me in praying Red Light Prayers this month.  Spread the word.  Let's participate in God's justice today.

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