SUPER MARDI GRAS

BOWL 40 DAYS OF PRAYER

2013

AGAINST DOMESTIC HUMAN TRAFFICKING

01.05.2013 TO 02.13.2013

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SUPER MARDI GRAS BOWL 2013

40 DAYS OF PRAYER AGAINST DOMESTIC HUMAN TRAFFICKING

The Super Bowl -- like other worldwide sporting events such as the World Cup and the Olympics -- has become known for creating somewhat of a “demand effect” for prostitution and sex trafficking. While some of the numbers tossed around regarding these events may be exaggerated, human trafficking and the sex trafficking of young women and children is very real. The U.S. Department of Justice ranks human trafficking as second only to drug trafficking as the fastest growing criminal industry worldwide. Those who cry out for justice for children, women, and other at-risk groups have found the Super Bowl to be a catalyst for raising trafficking awareness in host cities and around the world. In cities where the faith community has organized to address trafficking during the Super Bowl, effective ongoing efforts have continued. New Orleans is always unique, and in 2013 the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras will converge in a three-and-a-half-week party. We are calling it the Super Mardi Gras Bowl. The parade season opens January 19, the party hits a high point with the Super Bowl on February 3, and the grand finale is Mardi Gras on February 12. This 40 Days of Prayer Guide is a tool for the faith community to join together in crying out to God for justice and release for the captive. Romans 8:26-27 says that the Holy Spirit will help us in our prayers when we do not know what to ask of the Father -- so please continue to pray as the Spirit leads after reading each day’s prayer note. As you pray daily through this guide you will: discover the Father’s love for human beings created in his image and his heart for justice. lift up the efforts of the New Orleans faith community for the 2013 Super Bowl and beyond. pray for the men, women and children enslaved in the United States and around the world. pray for the apprehension, repentence, and restoration of perpetrators, buyers, and suppliers. You may notice that this prayer guide continues through the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras to Ash Wednesday -- a day which begins the season of Lent. It is typically a day of mourning and fasting -- a fitting response to the horror of trafficking.

01.09 01.08 01.07 01.06 01.05

In Leviticus 25, we read about the laws concerning the Jubilee -- a time of freedom and of celebration when both land and slaves were to be returned to their families. Let’s begin our 40 Days of Prayer by asking God to make 2013 a year of Jubilee. Missing children, runaways, and children who have been taken, sold, or coerced may be far from home or hidden away from sight in their own neighborhood. Pray that they would be found, rescued and restored to loved ones. For those whose families are not safe, pray that they would be restored to a spiritual family where they might experience love and healing.

Today is Epiphany, a Christian feast day celebrating the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. In Louisiana it begins King Cake Season, during which it is customary to bake round pastries filled with cinnamon, glazed white, and coated in traditional carnival color sanding sugar. The person who finds the tiny plastic baby hidden in a king cake buys the next king cake. Many of these cakes will be consumed during the next few weeks, and many babies found. Today, let’s thank the Father for sending his Son into the world. Let’s praise the Son, the King of Kings, for humbling himself to become a helpless baby in order to live a human life and die on the cross for us. And let’s pray for missing babies -- flesh and blood victims of human trafficking -- to be found and restored.

“He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf” (Proverbs 11:28). Pray for the efforts of Sister Greta Jupiter, member of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and her team, who are approaching hotel owners and operators. Pray that owners would value life over greed, and would agree to provide Human Trafficking Training for their staff, display informational brochures, and sign the ECPAT Code of Conduct for the protection of children. Pray that the tourism dollar would follow after compassion and justice, showing favor to businesses vigilant to protect human beings from exploitation and oppression.

“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers,and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday” (Psalm 91:2-6). Pray that trafficked individuals would know God as their refuge and fortress. Pray that God would deliver them from the physical snares, the trap of drugs and alcohol, and emotional prisons which may hold them captive. Pray that God would sheild them, and that they would no longer have reason to live in fear. “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself…he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2.21). Pray that the people of God would be set apart for the work of fighting human trafficking. Pray that Christians would be honorable and above reproach. Sexual temptation is powerful, and those who step into the battle must cleanse themselves and be pure of heart.

01.10

“If you...satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” (Isaiah 58:10, 11). Pray that the oppressed would have their needs satisfied -- and that those who labor for their freedom and restoration would be guided and strengthened. Pray that parents who pray and search for their children would not grow weary, but would themselves be encouraged and refreshed.

01.11

Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The battle wages on -- and at times it seems overwhelming. But we are not overwhelmed. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6.12). Pray for victory in the spiritual realms so that the plans of the traffickers to transport victims would be destroyed. Pray that those willing to take payments to help facilitate trafficking (like cab drivers, hotel employees, etc.) would come to grips with their wrong doing and do what is right and honorable in God’s sight.

01.12

In Genesis 16 we read about Hagar, an Egyptian slave impregnated by her owner, Abraham, and abused by his wife, Sarah. She fled to the desert, where she pleaded to die. But God was there, and he cared for her. She gave God the name El Roi, and said, “I have seen the God who sees me.” Pray for the women and children whose lives are controlled by others. Pray that in their desperation, they would see the God who sees them and is able to rescue them. Pray that they would know him by name, and that he would hear their cries and rescue them.

01.13

“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you” (James 1:27). Pray that our churches would not be so busy “doing church” that we forget what genuine religion is. Pray that we would genuinely care for the unprotected among us. Ask that God would open our eyes to their distress. Pray that our minds would not be corrupted by the thinking of this world. The media glamorizes the sex industry to the point that we have become indifferent and treat it lightly. Pray that Christians would be pure in their thoughts and actions toward our Father God.

01.14

In Numbers 22, Balak, king of Moab, tried to hire the prophet Balaam to curse Israel. God sent an angel to oppose Balaam, but his spiritual eyes did not see. God eventually used a donkey to get through to the man. In this world, there are parents who out of desperation, greed, or a thirst for drugs or power, are tempted to curse their own children by selling them to the highest bidder. Pray that the angel of the Lord would oppose them, and that God would use whatever means possible to open their spiritual eyes to the horrendous truth of their sin. Pray that God would thwart their efforts and bring them to a place of conviction, repentance and reconciliation.

01.15

“Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble? In pride the wicked hotly pursue the afflicted; Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised. For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire, And the greedy man curses and spurns the Lord. The wicked, in the haughtiness of his countenance, does not seek Him. All his thoughts are, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 10:1-4). Trafficking is big business with an elaborate mechanism of operation. Pray that God would make himself known among those who mock his name and pursue evil schemes. Pray that the pride of the trafficker would bring him down. Also pray for that God would provide the labor and the finances for the distribution of gift bags to women in high risk areas of the city.

01.16

“The Lord frustrates the counsel of the nations; He thwarts the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation. Happy is the nation whose God is Yahweh—the people He has chosen to be His own possession! ”(Psalm 33:10-12). Pray that those who are willing to take money to facilitate or turn a blind eye to trafficking -- cab drivers, hotel employees, etc.-- would see their plans frustrated. Pray that businesses would not be deceived by economic counsel which chooses to ignore the reality of human trafficking. Pray that those in businesses which have chosen to seek justice by refusing to participate in trafficking in anyway would be blessed and happy in their endeavors.

01.18 01.17

“The Lord looks down from heaven; He observes everyone. He gazes on all the inhabitants of the earth from His dwelling place. He alone shapes their hearts; He considers all their works. A king is not saved by a large army; a warrior will not be delivered by great strength. The horse is a false hope for safety; it provides no escape by its great power” (Psalm 33:13-17). Pray that those who are doing outreaches, surveillances, and rescues would know that God watches over them. Pray that God would shape their hearts and the hearts of those they are reaching out to. Pray that they would trust in God alone, not in carefully devised strategies or human strength.

“We wait for Yahweh; He is our help and shield. For our hearts rejoice in Him because we trust in His holy name. May Your faithful love rest on us, Yahweh,for we put our hope in You” (Psalm 33:20-22).

01.19

Our God is the ultimate Protector of the oppressed. Pray that in our efforts to free the captives, we would put all of our hope in him. Pray for the hopeless who wear invisible chains, that they would hope in the holy name of God. Pray against the despair which causes them to submit to their captors. Pray that Yahweh would shield them from harm until they are able to rejoice in their freedom.

The first of the Mardi Gras parades begin today. This is the economy and mindset of NOLA in action. Locals and tourists will spend freely and will party together for the next three-and-a-half weeks. As anti-trafficking groups speak out against trafficking in the midst of it all, the consistent protest is that they are putting a damper on events that are a boost to our economy. Pray that God would not be forgotten in the feast. Pray that our leaders and citizens would count the cost of buying and selling human beings. Pray that maskers and revelers would recognize the insanity of inhumane behavior in the name of fun and freedom. Pray for awareness. Pray for compassion. Pray for the exposure of what goes on in secret places.

01.20

“He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun” (Psalm 37:6). Pray for the light of day to shine into the darkness of human trafficking. Pray for the evil which is hidden in darkness to be revealed. Pray that the righteous cause of those who fight against trafficking would shine like the noonday sun. Pray that God’s people would awaken from their complacency and take up the cause.

01.24 01.23 01.22 01.21

“Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up Your hand. Do not forget the afflicted. Why has the wicked spurned God? He has said to himself, ‘You will not require it.’ You have seen it, for You have beheld mischief and vexation to take it into Your hand. The unfortunate commits himself to You; You have been the helper of the orphan. Break the arm of the wicked and the evildoer, Seek out his wickedness until You find none” (Psalm 10:12-15). Evildoers do not think that God sees them or will act against them. Pray that the Lord would arise and break the arms of the wicked and help the victim and the fatherless.

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). Pray for trafficked girls and women to know that they are created in God’s image and valued by him. Traffickers know how to capitalize on a girl’s low self-worth. Even when he is cruel and beats her, the trafficker gives her attention, which she often mistakes for love. Pray also that traffickers and purchasers of girls and women would perceive the image of God in themselves and in the women they are torturing, using, and holding captive -- and would be filled with fear and trembling at what they are doing.

“The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love” (Psalm 33:5). Pray for the Inward Ministry as they distribute gift bags to men and women in the clubs on Bourbon Street. The purpose of these gifts is to share God’s unfailing love. The bags also include a booklet of important resources for people who are in the midst of circumstances beyond their control. Approximately 3000 bags will be distributed throughout the city over the next few weeks (see also January 24, 30, 31; February 6, 7; and other dates TBA). Pray that the materials would make their way into the hands of men, women and children who will recognize them as God’s unfailing love for them and call one of the hotlines, faith-based groups or other numbers in the bag. Pray that they would receive timely and effective help. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). When the pimps, traffickers, and facilitators have faces and names, it is easy for us to see them as the enemy -- and to become intimidated and afraid for ourselves. We ask the unanswerable questions, “How could one human being do this to another?” and “How could I possibly make a difference?” Pray that we would recognize that it is a spiritual battle we are fighting. Pray that we would stand firm and put on the whole armor of God. Pray for One Ministry as they distribute gift bags in New Orleans East, and volunteers going to West Bank strip clubs.

01.29 01.28 01.27 01.26 01.25

In Genesis 50, we read about the reconciliation of Joseph with his brothers, who had beaten him and sold him into slavery. Joseph forgave them without justifying their actions as anything but the evil that they were. In verse 20, he said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Theresa Flores is a trafficking survivor who understands Joseph. Her traffickers intended evil, but God is accomplishing his purposes through the ministry that was born out of her pain. Today and tomorrow, TraffickFree is putting bars of soap with the anti-trafficking hotline number in restrooms of hotels and other businesses in NOLA. Pray that trafficked women would get to a restroom, find those soaps, and call the number -- and that God would save many lives through Theresa’s work. “Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep, O Lord, you preserve both man and beast” (Psalm 36:6). The physical and emotional pain experienced by trafficked women and children runs deep. It is impossible for anyone to fathom -- except for God. His justice runs deep -- deeper than any injustice and the suffering it brings. Pray that he would preserve the lives of trafficked individuals, and that he would heal their bodies, hearts, and spirits. Pray that their healing would run like the great deep.

“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. The Lord protects and preserves them -- they are counted among the blessed in the land — he does not give them over to the desire of their foes” (Psalm 41:1-2). The Superbowl is one week from today. This is when the two teams usually arrive in the host city along with more than 2,500 members of the media. The eyes of the world will be on New Orleans, and these athletes and have an opportunity to be heard by millions of people. Pray that these people of influence would have regard for the weak and would lend their voice to cooperate with the efforts of those seeking to recognize the victims of this hideous cr

“I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy” (Psalm 140:12). Pray that the perpetrators and facilitators of human trafficking would be brought to justice. Pray that victims would be treated fairly, and that God would uphold their cause. Pray that security in the hand of the Father would be found for those who have not been protected from harm. Poverty is a huge risk factor for human trafficking -- pray that the body of Jesus Christ would see the suffering around them and become active in the venture of caring for the needy, so that children would not be forced or coerced into slavery.

Pray that Christians, who bear the name of Christ will take on the mission of the King, stated clearly by Jesus in Luke 4.18-19: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” Ask forgiveness for where we have neglected to walk in this clear call on our lives in the power of the Spirit. Come into agreement with Jesus and his revelation in this passage. Pray that captives would hear the Good News and be released. Declare that THIS is the year of the Lord’s favor, and his freedom for these children is near!

01.30

When God heard the cries of the Israelites who were enslaved in Egypt, he raised up Moses to rescue them. Moses asked, “Who should I say has sent me?” And God replied, “I am.” He is the all sufficient one, of whom David said, “My whole being will exclaim, ‘Who is like you, Oh Lord? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them’” (Psalm 35:10). Praise the Great I Am today, for he is the rescuer of the weak. Only He has the power and authority and strength to save. Pray that he would intervene on behalf of the poor, who are coerced or deceived into captivity by people who prey on their need. Pray that the called would trust God to accomplish his purpose. Pray for Inward Ministry’s outreach on Bourbon.

02.03 02.02 02.01 01.31

“He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers…” (Malachi 4.6). Pray that the hearts of men and women who are visiting New Orleans for the Super Bowl would be turned toward home and family. Pray for a restoration and healing of homes and marriages so that the demand for trafficking will disappear. Pray that the intense desire for money, the lust for indulgence, and the thirst for violence would be overcome by compassion for the defenseless woman and child. Pray that men and women would be disgusted by the evil of buying and selling another human being, and filled with compassion for the victims. Pray for One Ministry’s outreach in New Orleans East. The Messiah came to earth at the perfect time. A study of history shows us that everything was in place for the rapid spread of the good news. The Roman road system and huge army protecting those roads, as well as the language of Greek spoken almost throughout the world helped facilitate the gospel’s transport. Sadly, in the same way, the ease of travel and communication in our generation facilitates the rapid transport of human beings and the trafficking of children from one place to another. Pray that the I-10 corridor of trafficking would be shut down as would websites that sell human beings. Pray that traffickers would not be able to get their “merchandise” to NOLA.

“The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success. He catches the wise in their craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are swept away” (Job 5:11-13). Pray that God destroy the schemes of the wicked by intervening in scheduled parties which plan to utilize these captives for pleasures of wicked men. Pray that many captives would be lifted to safety, and that traffickers would be caught in their craftiness. Pray that entire infrastructures of the big business of trafficking would be swept away by the hand of God.

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY Today, let’s rejoice in the house of the Lord, and then enjoy the game. Our God is a good God, and we can praise his name together. “Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful. O Israel, rejoice in your Maker. O people of Jerusalem, exult in your King. Praise his name with dancing, accompanied by tambourine and harp. For the LORD delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let the faithful rejoice that he honors them. Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds. Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands…” (Psalm 149:1-6).

02.08 02.07 02.06 02.05 02.04

No one would deny that New Orleans is trashed the morning after a big party. Pray that those who wake up today with the stench and filth in their skin, hair, and hearts would be like the prodigal son described In Luke 15 who “came to himself” and decided, “I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.’ Pray that this new day would be a time of celebration as men and women return to God and the Father and he rejoices saying, “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found” (Luke 15:24).

“O Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear to vindicate the orphan and the oppressed, So that man who is of the earth will no longer cause terror” (Psalm 10:17-18). Fear is a favorite weapon of pimps and traffickers. The buying and selling of another human being is much more about violence and greed than about sex and labor. Pray for God’s vindication of trafficked women and children. Pray that they would no longer be afraid of the retaliation of their traffickers against themselves or their families.

Pray for Law Enforcement to be discerning and to accurately identify trafficking victims as they make arrests. Many trafficked girls and women suffer from Stockholm Syndrome or Battered Woman Syndrome and are too ashamed to tell anyone about their situation. They will even return to their captors after being released from jail. This story is repeated over and over again. Pray that these women and girls would have the courage to cry out against their oppressors, that their voices would be heard, and that they would receive compassion and justice. Pray that they would know that there is freedom available for them, and that they would bravely seek release from their captor. Pray for Inward Ministry’s outreach on Bourbon.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them” (Psalm 139:13-16). Traffickers capitalize on a woman’s low sense of self-worth. Pray for girls in the first stages of being groomed by traffickers, that they would not believe the lie. Pray for girls and women who are broken by the threats and lies, that their soul would know their value to their Creator. Pray for One Ministry’s outreach in New Orleans East. “Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the cause of the widow” (Isaiah 1:17). Pray that Christians would become aware of the need to fight for justice -- to be willing to get the necessary training to seek justice and encourage those who suffer from injustice. British preacher, John Stott once said, ”It is exceedingly strange that any follower of Jesus Christ should ever have needed to ask whether social involvement was their concern.” Pray that justice seekers in the church would become the norm and that the bride of Christ would become known for her concern for the fatherless and oppressed.

02.10 02.09

Before his conversion, the apostle Paul was so zealous against the cause of Jesus that he hunted down and murdered Christians. When God saved him, he became just as zealous for Jesus as he had been against him. What Christian has not been moved, convicted, and changed by the words of Paul in Scripture? Pray that God would save a trafficker, a pimp, and other zealous evil doer in the sex industry and that the Holy Spirit would empower this person’s testimony. Pray that a transformed life would proclaim the power of our God to work miracles. Pray that the voice of the former oppressor would move, convict, and transform lives.

“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Surveys show that 65% of men in the organized church and 35% of pastors admit to a struggle with pornography. Beyond those who actually take part, the church as a whole is guilty of apathy and tolerance of sin. We cannot deny our contribution. Pray that the church would be a place of repentance, restoration, and prayer.

02.13 02.12 02.11

Pray for continued collaboration and development of strong relationships in Louisiana and with global and national anti-trafficking organizations. Ask “…that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2.2). Ask that those which the Father brought together would continue according to his plan. Let them be encouraged by each other, let understanding grow, let treasures of wisdom and knowledge be mined as God reveals himself through the unity of his heart. Ask that we would continue to see the fruit of our labor – and that God would raise an army of the delivered.

Today is Mardi Gras. Thousands of hands are grasping for bits of worthless plastic. “Throw me something, Mister!” is the plea that is heard on the streets while cries of desperation go unheard by human ears. Our Father hears and is looking for how his children will respond. Jesus said, “Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in; naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.” (Matthew 25:34) Pray that on this day of fleeting pleasure and the transient favor of beads,cups, and other Mardi Gras throws -- God’s children would see the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, and the prisoner and would meet the need, giving a blessing that is of eternal worth and value. “ ‘Even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.’ Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love,and he relents from sending calamity” (Joel 2:12-13). Today is Ash Wednesday - the first day of Lent - traditionally a day of fasting and repentance. After 40 days of crying out to God about Human Trafficking, our hearts are breaking and our spirits are somber. Today, let’s come to God with mourning and weeping. Consider fasting as you ask God to show you what he would have you do next to address the travesty of Human Trafficking.

THE SONG OF THE DELIVERED As men, women and children are freed from human slavery, many will come to know God as their Savior and Deliverer. Some of the delivered will join the fight against injustice with a passion and a zeal which cannot be matched by those who have never known captivity. Exodus 15 records the song of praise from Moses and the Sons of Israel, who had been slaves for forty years when Almighty God delivered them to freedom. May the world resound with their song once again as the captives of today are rescued and God raises an army of the redeemed:

“I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted; The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea. The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will extol Him. The Lord is a warrior; The Lord is His name. Your right hand, O Lord, is majestic in power, Your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy. And in the greatness of Your excellence You overthrow those who rise up against You; You send forth Your burning anger, and it consumes them as chaff. At the blast of Your nostrils the waters were piled up, The flowing waters stood up like a heap; The deeps were congealed in the heart of the sea. The enemy said, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; My desire shall be gratified against them; I will draw out my sword, my hand will destroy them.’ You blew with Your wind, the sea covered them; They sank like lead in the mighty waters. Who is like You among the gods, O Lord? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, Awesome in praises, working wonders? You stretched out Your right hand, The earth swallowed them. In Your lovingkindness You have led the people whom You have redeemed; In Your strength You have guided them to Your holy habitation. The peoples have heard, they tremble; Terror and dread fall upon them; By the greatness of Your arm they are motionless as stone; Until Your people pass over, O Lord, Until the people pass over whom You have purchased. You will bring them and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance, The place, O Lord, which You have made for Your dwelling, The sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established. The Lord shall reign forever and ever.” Exodus 15:1-18

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