Praying for the Persecuted…

We know that many around the world today are persecuted for the sake of the Gospel. Many have given their lives for the sake of the Gospel and we know this will continue to the end of the age!  The estimates today are that more than 340 million Christians are suffering high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith.

Places like North Korea, China, Nigeria, and many places throughout the Middle East, including the current crisis in Afghanistan. Our hearts are breaking for our precious brothers and sisters and their families.

I have often struggled over the years with how I can be involved, and help to serve them? I read verses like Hebrews 13:3 and wrestle with how to respond? 

“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body”

I think one of the most powerful ways is to pray and intercede on their behalf. As Brother Andrew from Open Doors writes, “Our prayers can go where we cannot. There are no borders, no prison walls, no doors that are closed to us when we pray.”- Brother Andrew

Jesus was clear that we would experience tribulation and trouble in this world but to take heart that He has overcome!  In Paul’s last letter, the letter of 2 Timothy, he shares with his beloved disciple Timothy his last words about life and ministry to encourage him, “my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” (2 Timothy 3:11-12).

We know in many cases God miraculously sets free believers from their imprisonment or severe persecution.  At other times he allows his saints like Stephen to be martyred and to give their lives for the message of the Gospel. In either case, God calls us the church to pray and intercede on their behalf! 

I have been inspired by the story of Andrew Brunson, an American pastor who was imprisoned a few years ago in Turkey. After 11 months he was given 3 life sentences and assigned to solitary confinement. At a place of despair with little to no hope, he wrote a powerful song, called Worthy of my All. He would sing this song every day and it would strengthen him to keep persevering to the end!  Here is a link to the song and words below …

Worthy of my All Video:

Worthy of my All - Lyrics and Chords

Let’s ask the Lord for his burden and heart for those who are suffering today. We want to grow in Love-motivated prayer, “a love-motivated plea, to a love-giving God, on behalf of love-needy persons who live in a love-starved world.” May God give us his compassion and even the ‘gift of tears’ as we enter into the pain of those are suffering today in the place of prayer.

We have worked together for many years with the Royal Kids in India. They have adopted thousands of children, many who had been left to die on the streets or in the garbage slums. Many include the children of temple prostitutes. 

These children are growing day by day in their relationship with their ‘Abba Father,’ and praying for people around the world.  Here is a short video clip, where they are praying for the suffering saints in Afghanistan.

To connect with key prayer points for our persecuted ‘family’ we recommend Voice of the Martyrs The Voice of the Martyrs (www.persecution.com) or Open Doors, Serving Persecuted Christian's Worldwide they have both put together excellent prayer guides and you can sign up to be a prayer partner, receiving first-hand prayer points and testimonies from around the world!

3 Prayer Points:

Pray: that God would strengthen Jesus Followers with his grace. Pray through Ephesians 3:14-21 on their behalf.

Pray: for ‘Open Doors’ for the sharing of the Gospel in the midst of their persecution. Pray for these workers to be ‘filled with the Spirit and speak the Word of God boldy!’  (Ephesians 6:18-21, Acts 4:29-31).

Pray: for the families of those who have lost loved ones through martyrdom or imprisonment (Galatians 6:2). 

May we follow those that have gone before us, ‘denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily, and following Jesus.’ (Luke 9:23).

Dr Jason Hubbard – Director
International Prayer Connect