God is moving in people’s hearts all over the world. With a movement of God comes great persecution. There are many persecuted Christians who suffer because of their faith in Jesus.
In this past year there have been 360 million Christians living in places where they experience high levels of persecution or discrimination. 5,898 Christians were killed for their faith and 4,765 believers were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced or imprisoned.
We are called to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being persecuted. Ask the Father to strengthen, encourage, and comfort these believers who are suffering so that they remain steadfast in their faith.
“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” Ephesians 6:18
1. Pray for believers to rejoice amidst persecution, knowing their reward is great in heaven
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10–12
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 1 Peter 4:12–14
2. Pray for persecuted Christians to not fear
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10–11
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
3. Pray for them to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.” Matthew 10:16–18
4. Pray for persecuted believers to have boldness to declare the gospel
“But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.” 1 Thessalonians 2:2
5. Pray for them to be comforted so that they can comfort others who are persecuted
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
