Standing with the Persecuted Church Through Prayer
"The Church never shines more brightly in holiness than when it was under the greatest persecution." Jeremiah Burroughs
According to Open Doors, over 388 million Christians around the world suffer “high levels” of persecution (that’s 1 in 7 Christ followers worldwide), and an estimated 5,621 believers were killed for their Faith last year alone.
ACTION believes it is vital we remember those persecuted; we believe it is appropriate to highlight this Sunday, November 1st, as the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Right now, our colleagues are working in places around the world where they suffer for their bold testimony of the Gospel. Here are a few ways you can pray specifically for them:
1. Pray for PERSEVERANCE.
For most of us, especially those living in Western or predominantly “Christian” nations, it’s difficult for us to even fathom the weight and toll of daily persecution. Intense pressure, harassment, threats, imprisonment, violence, and other forms of persecution can come from family members, friends, co-workers, communities, and governments. It is easy for our brothers and sisters to grow weary and discouraged.
Pray for them to persevere and remain steadfast, experiencing confidence in Jesus despite hardship. Verses to consider: 2 Thessalonians 1:4; Matthew 5:10-12; 2 Timothy 3:12
2. Pray for BOLDNESS.
When believers face the possibility of losing their family, job, freedom, or even their life for the Gospel, the enemy wants to use fear to paralyze us. When one of our workers was imprisoned in South Asia they believed in the good Providence of God, and the Holy Spirit gave him boldness, and his Faith did not waver!
Pray for those facing persecution to have this kind of boldness, no matter what the cost may be. Verses to consider: 2 Timothy 1:7-8; Ephesians 6:19-20; Romans 8:31; 2 Corinthians 3:12
3. Pray for DISCERNMENT.
The Bible reminds us to be as “wise as serpents and as innocent as doves”. This means that even in Spirit-led boldness, believers must be wise and discerning in the way we conduct ourselves, especially when we are proclaiming the Gospel into dark places. This is easier said than done!
Pray that those living and sharing their faith in hard places will have wisdom in every situation. Additional verses to consider: Mattew 10:16; James 1:5-6; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-14
4. Pray for SHELTER.
When we face persecution, we may not be delivered from suffering, pain, and even death! But we do have confidence in the sovereignty of God and His good care of His people. Pray that those who suffer for the cause of Christ will rest in the shadow of Christ, His finished work on the cross, and His presence. While God does not promise that He will always deliver us out of harm’s way, He does promise to hear our prayers and to answer within His perfect plan.
Pray for protection and deliverance from harm for those in danger for the sake of the Gospel. Additional verses to consider: Psalm 46:1; Psalm 91:4; Isaiah 43:2; 2 Thessalonians 3:3
5. Pray for GOSPEL FRUIT.
As we remember the persecuted, pray specifically that their circumstances would produce Gospel opportunities which would lead to their salvation.
Pray that persecuted believers have a vibrant testimony for Christ, and that many would come to a saving faith through the Gospel. Additional verses to consider: Philippians 1:12-14; Luke 21:12-13; Acts 8:4; 1 Peter 3:15
May we all remember that trials and persecution come as no surprise, because Jesus assured us that this would be the case. In fact, He told us the world will hate us because of Him. Our hope is found in Christ; our encouragement is this:
“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Revelation 12:11