Praying for Persecuted Christians
In many countries, Christians are harassed, discriminated against, slandered, unjustly accused, summarily arrested and sometimes imprisoned, beaten, exiled or killed. Violence comes both from governments and religious extremists. Your prayers can focus on four groups.
Individuals - Pray that they:
- remain strong in faith and trust despite physical and psychological abuse
- will be able to forgive those who persecute them or who fail to support them
- will experience and know love, joy and peace from God (Romans 8:28-39)
- will walk humbly in their identification with Christ's sufferings
- will be fruitful witnesses to others
- will be able to balance standing up for their rights, yet responding in grace and love
Spouses - Pray that they:
- cope with the sense of loss and isolation
- cope with caring and providing for children alone
- remain full of faith and hope
- overcome any intimidation from police or other aggressors
Children - Pray that they:
- are protected from long term psychological/emotional harm and bitterness
- are protected from abduction or the "corrective teaching" some States try to impose
- might know and experience the love of God
Converts - Pray that they:
- receive help to grow spiritually
- are protected and provided for should their family or community turn against them
- will have the courage to lead others to know Christ
