International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

When believers lose the communities that would normally care for them after being exiled or simply shunned at home, good health drastically increases in importance. If their immune systems hold up, they can face long treks to neighboring villages after they are banned from local wells, unsheltered nights after their homes are destroyed and beatings from neighbors and family members who despise their faith.are

Please ask God to protect these believers from all physical harm in whatever circumstances they face. Pray also for good health for them and their families.

Persecution often forces believers to search for new jobs, homes, water sources and other necessities. Imprisoned breadwinners can leave dependent children, parents and spouses with nowhere to turn. In individual cases, local believers do their best to rally around the afflicted, but in times of mass persecution—or when no other believers are around—extra resources are difficult to find.

Please ask God to provide income, shelter and all other necessities for believers facing persecution. Pray supervisors, landlords, village chiefs and other authorities will act favorably.

Village chiefs, police officers and other government officials generally have the power to fully investigate both sides of each situation and to defend believers against anti-Christians. Meanwhile, politicians on local, state and national levels can relieve tension by creating laws that treat all citizens fairly.

Please ask God to give government officials favorable attitudes toward believers, and pray for clarity and wisdom as they investigate each instance of mistreatment.

Acts of opposition serve not only to cause individuals to give up their faith but also to keep them from sharing the Good News with others. Some communities will drive away several missionaries before one insists on staying and finds success. Many new believers, too, pray in secret, fearing what their families may do to them. Yet, for the Gospel to spread, these brothers and sisters cannot keep silent.

Please pray believers will boldly take each opportunity God gives them to share their faith. Pray the abuse they experience will only drive them closer to Christ and strengthen their resolve to follow Him.

Just like Paul in the Bible, many Asian believers brutally opposed Christ's followers before their eyes were opened to the truth. Among today's persecutors are future brothers and sisters who will one day serve with us to see God glorified. Many will be reached by the very people they torment.

Please pray for open eyes and hearts in those who are opposing believers. Ask God to speak clearly through the Christians around them.

Sometimes peace comes through the redemption of persecutors or the intervention of local law enforcement. Other times, peace seems to come for no reason but God's divine hand. In whatever way God chooses to work, pray He will bring peace to each believer facing affliction.

Pray extremist groups will drop their false accusations against Christians, allow church buildings to be constructed and give believers the chance to fully participate in their communities.