President Daniel Noboa has declared a state of emergency as the military deals with armed confrontations erupting across the country following the escape of gang leader Adolfo Macias from prison this week. Explosions, police kidnappings, prison upheaval, more escapes and even attempts to take over a TV studio and hospital are just some examples of violent encounters occurring over the past few days. As of yesterday, some 70 people had been arrested and about 12 escaped convicts recaptured. (Cañizares et. al., CNN, Jan 10)
Since the dissolving of the National Assembly in May and the assassination of a presidential candidate days before August’s election, crime and cartel-related violence has risen exponentially. The violence began its upward spike after a notorious gang leader was killed in 2020. Since then, thousands of Ecuadorians have died.
Almighty God, please give wisdom to and protect innocent citizens, as well as the president and all law officers and soldiers seeking to stop the drug cartels. Make known the whereabouts of Macias and all other escaped convicts, and make the way for their capture before more people get hurt. Restrain wrong and bring forth right. Be a Shield around all those who seek to restore peace and safety to the nation. Equip police, prison wards, lawmakers and others in positions of authority with everything they need to bring crime under control, and give them courage and wisdom. When they cry out to You, answer them, O God. Make a way where so many feel there is no way to crush the violence that has overtaken the country. Place in position leaders who will bring unity within the government and put an end to the drug trafficking, murder, crime and abuse. Bring down every drug lord and trafficker. Lay low every gang leader and gang. Bust up every cell, destroy every plan, block every cocaine trade route. Pursue drug traffickers and murderers with Your love and salvation. Get up in their face. Invade their space. Meet them in their dreams. Strike them with such a hunger for You, they are driven to read the Bible, listen to Christian radio broadcasts, find Christians to tell them the plan of salvation, and seek You with all their heart until they find You. Move them to lay down their weapons of destruction and surrender to You, O God of Love.
Awaken the hearts of the people of Ecuador to Your truth and love. Set them free from anger, violence, lust, abuse, fear, idolatry and so many other strongholds that keep them from the abundant life they were created for in Christ. John 10:10. Grow Christians strong in faith, deep in love, bold in evangelism, and steadfast in truth. Empower them to shine Your love to others all around them and draw them into deep relationship with You. Open wide the doors of Your churches to invite in those who truly hunger for a better life. For only You can satisfy them, Lord. Only Your love can give them the peace and joy they long for. Only Your truth will set them free. Raise up Christian counselors with the tools from Your heart to pray with people to freedom from strongholds. May addicts now crave only You. May the hungry now enjoy the Bread of Life. Swoop up the orphans and widows into Your loving arms. Tear down walls of religion, witchcraft and idolatry, and give every person a safe place in Your Kingdom where they can rest in Your protection and love, free at last. Raise up a generation of youth on fire for Your name, who will spread Your love from border to border and beyond. Raise up preachers who preach with fire, drawing cold hearts into the warmth of Your embrace. Save and radically transform the hearts of criminals to become evangelists. Awaken Ecuador to You, O God, and set them free to know You as You truly are.
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