Persecuted Church
Persecution is on the rise. According to Open Doors, more than 360 million Christians worldwide suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith; that’s 1 in 7 believers. The number of countries where Christians experience extreme persecution has almost doubled in the last 30 years. Christian persecution can vary in different contexts. Believers may experience rejection and isolation from family, friends, and communities. Others reside in countries whose leaders are trying to pass laws so Christians would lose their citizenship because of their faith. Some believers may lose access to basic needs such as water, food, and healthcare, while others face violent abuse, imprisonment, and even death from extremists.
Why pray for persecuted believers?
When we pray for persecuted believers, God uses their witness to inspire Gospel transformation among the lost. As Christians, we have a Biblical command to care for our persecuted sisters and brothers around the world.
1 Corinthians 12:25-26
But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Hebrews 13:2
Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
1 Corinthians 12:25-26 But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Hebrews 13:2 Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Pray for the Persecuted Church
- Pray that every believer will remain faithful as they overcome the trials set before them.
- Pray that every believer experiencing the hardships that come with persecution will not grow weary but endure to the end.
- Pray for Holy Spirit discernment when witnessing to unbelievers.
- Pray for boldness to walk in Christ in the face of opposition.
- Pray for strength for those who suffer daily hardships for their faith.
- Pray for safe places for persecuted believers to worship and fellowship with one another.
- Pray for the restoration of family relationships for those who have been rejected in the name of Christ.
- Pray for the Lord to bring comfort to those who have lost loved ones due to persecution.
- Pray that the Lord will supply Bibles and other resources where they are restricted.
- Pray for those in prison to be sustained and experience the Lord’s comfort and favor as they witness.
- Pray for government leaders and persecutors to experience the love of Christ.
- Pray that there is a harvest, and the suffering is not in vain.