Autism Strategic Prayer Network

(Please scroll down to “Prayer Points” for suggestions on how to pray. Full Scripture Guide follows below)

The Cry for Justice

He stood like a titan on the battlefield. His presence mortified the ranks of the armies of Israel. Standing somewhere near 9 ½ feet tall, Goliath must have looked surreal to the Israelites. Twice each day—80 times in all—this gargantuan Philistine cursed the God of Abraham and caused Israelite warriors to cower in fear.

Yes, Goliath was a shocking giant with a chocking challenge—send out a man to fight me. But still more shocking to David, the young shepherd, was the fact that no one had accepted his challenge. After all, more was at stake than just this one battle. Perhaps this is what young David was thinking when he answered his brother’s mocking cynicism toward him—and announced he was going to fight the giant—with the question, “Is there not a cause?” (1 Sam. 17:29, KJV). What a loaded question!

David was implying that there are some causes more important than life itself. He was saying, “Don’t talk to me about how terrifying, imposing or indestructible this giant seems. There is a cause bigger than he is and greater than any potential cost.”

These observations, taken from Dutch Sheets’ book, Praying for America (Regal Books), have great significance when we think about praying for our government. The Bible has a great deal to say about government and justice. God seems to take a special interest in the governments of the world. Buy why should this matter to parents and families of children facing autism, who already have daily struggles and dramas under their own roofs? Because it is those very ones of us, those who are in the midst of the struggle, who can cry out with the greatest passion for justice in prayer.

What is our need for justice? Here in America, and I suspect in many other nations, autism is a rampant epidemic, yet funding for researching either causes or cures are sorely lacking, even when they could be made available. Despite laws to the contrary, our schools often lack the funding or desire to pull children with autism through to reach their potential. While individual teachers and educators may have the passion needed, they often lack the support from administration to deliver adequate services. Expensive medical costs are often not covered by insurances and become prohibitive. The list can go on and on. Those who live in autism community often feel unheard and helpless—for any number of reasons, they often feel as if there is little justice.

There are a number of passages in Scripture where justice is translated as righteousness. The two go hand in hand. So, if there is a cause, and there is little justice, what can we as Christians do? Well, political activism, to whatever extent you may feel led, is always a good and necessary thing. In addition, it is important to understand that justice comes when we cry out to God in prayer. Isaiah 59:14-16 says, “Our courts oppose people who are righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth falls dead in the streets, and fairness has been outlawed. Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who tries to live a godly life is soon attacked. The LORD looked and was displeased to find that there was no justice. He was amazed to see that no one intervened to help the oppressed” (NLT).

“Intervene” in this passage is translated in other versions and “intercede.” In other words, in this passage, justice and truth had failed due to a lack of prayer! But Isaiah 33:22 says, “The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King, He will save us.”

This week we want to ask the ASPN to cry out to God for justice to our governments on behalf of our children. Many receiving this are in nations other than the United States, and we ask you to consider praying for the government in your nation as well.

Prayer Points:

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Tim 2:1-2, NIV)

Pray for those in authority, that they would live in godliness and holiness.

For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. (Lam 3:33, NIV)

Pray that those in authority would understand God’s heart toward all children.

For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face. (Ps 11:7, NIV)

Pray that government officials would love justice as God loves justice, and that they would have an encounter with Him.

for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Phil 2:13, NIV)

Pray that God’s good purposes would be done in and through those in power.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 5:9-10, NIV)

Pray that those in authority would have a heart to do what is right, regardless of the persecution they might receive.

The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Ps 9:7-9, NIV)

For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us. (Isa 33:22, NIV)

Praise God that He will judge in righteousness and govern the peoples with justice. Pray that those in authority would fear the Lord and seek Him in all their decisions.

Here in the United States, we would ask that you lift up those congressmen who have acted as outstanding advocates for children with autism. They are Dan Burton (R-IN), Dave Weldon (R-FL), Chris Smith (R-NJ), and Mike Doyle (D-PA). Please pray that each of them:

* would come to know the Lord, if they do not already know Him, and grow mightily in their walks with Him;
* would continue their fights for justice;
* would gain a new wind of strength from the Lord;
* would have great favor with their fellow congress members and other governmental leaders;
* both they and their families would be kept safe.

Thank you for praying with us in our cry for justice!

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

With blessings,
Jack and Rebecca Sytsema
Children of Destiny

The Cry for Justice Scripture Guide

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Tim 2:1-2, NIV)

"Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits.
(Exod 23:6, NIV)

Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.
(Deut 16:20, NIV)

Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge.
(Deut 24:17, NIV)

Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right?
(Job 8:3, NIV)

I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban.
(Job 29:14, NIV)

It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.
(Job 34:12, NIV)

Arise, O LORD, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice.
(Ps 7:6, NIV)

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.
(Ps 36:6, NIV)

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.
(Ps 89:14, NIV)

The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
(Ps 103:6, NIV)

Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.
(Ps 112:5, NIV)

The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.
(Prov 16:10, NIV)

It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice.
(Prov 18:5, NIV)

When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.
(Prov 21:15, NIV)

Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
(Prov 28:5, NIV)

The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.
(Prov 29:7, NIV)

he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope."
(Isa 42:4, NIV)

But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.
(Hosea 12:6, NIV)

A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory.
(Matt 12:20, NIV)

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices-- mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-- justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
(Matt 23:23, NIV)

For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. (Lam 3:33, NIV)

For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face. (Ps 11:7, NIV)

for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Phil 2:13, NIV)

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 5:9-10, NIV)

The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Ps 9:7-9, NIV)

For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us. (Isa 33:22, NIV)

If you would like to become an ASPN Intercessor, or if you are interested in further information, please email us at ASPN@childrenofdestiny.org