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Prayer for the Persecuted Church

From China to sub-Saharan Africa, Christians have been experiencing exceptionally high levels of persecution in 73 countries, according to the 2019 World Watch List (see article Worldwide Persecution of Christians).

Christians and churches continue to be the targets of violent attacks, as was seen, tragically, in the recent bombing massacres of Christians at three Catholic cathedrals in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. In other countries, social pressure, extra surveillance and disapproval from family are just some of the ways Christians can feel the squeeze of persecution.

Despite this, they are faithful and hold fast to the message of hope. Even with the risk, they continue to go to church and worship God.

May we take the time to reflect on the love of Jesus and also pray for our brothers and sisters. If Christ calls us to love as He did, then one way we can love others is by praying for them. Prayer as Christians can be our love in action. So how do we pray for the persecuted?

For strength and comfort
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1 (NKJV)

God is the giver of incredible peace and comfort and if there is one thing we can pray for, it's that our brothers and sisters in Christ will be filled with that comfort. That God would uplift them them with His strength and give them the inexplicable peace that only He can give.

Boldness
"The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8 (NKJV)

We praise God that so many persecuted Christians are bold in their faith, despite their lack of freedom. We praise God that they remain faithful to Him even in the the most difficult circumstances. But we also pray for added boldness. That they would gain a deeper understanding of the faithfulness of God, that He goes before them and guides them and that they will be filled with inner strength. We pray that they will experience a new boldness for proclaiming the Gospel.

Salvation
"But Jesus looked at them and said to them, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible'." Matthew 19:26 (NKJV) The love and message of Christ can change the very hardest hearts. We continue to pray that in this time, people will find God and be changed forever. May we be encouraged to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and to also think of and pray for our brothers and sisters doing the same thing in different circumstances.

AMEN

[Source: Adapted from the prayer resources of Voice of the Martyrs]

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