Psalm 80 verse 14 to 16
[PHOTO SOURCE: http://episcoblog.holycatholicanglican.org/?p=602]
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SOURCE: http://www.releaseinternational.org/pray/
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
Let us be on the side of those who sit in jails
and are sentenced to death for their faith. Let us pray for them and help them.
- Richard Wurmbrand
Let us be on the side of those who sit in jails
and are sentenced to death for their faith. Let us pray for them and help them.
- Richard Wurmbrand
Suggested Prayers
Sovereign
God, we worship you and acknowledge that you know all of those who suffer in
your name1. We remember those who are imprisoned for their faith2
and ask that they would join with the Apostle Paul to see that even though they
remain captive, their chains have furthered the gospel, not frustrated it3.
May they inspire and embolden their fellow believers to speak the word of God
more courageously and fearlessly4.
God
of all comfort, for those who are tortured both in body and mind, give them the
grace to endure and to see their suffering as part of following in Christ’s
footsteps5.
Merciful
God, for those asked to pay the ultimate price; who are martyred because of
their love for you, may they truly know Christ and the power of his
resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him
in his death6.
Father
God, for those who are widowed and orphaned may they know the comfort that
comes from your promised presence7 even when they walk through the
valley8. May they be strengthened by your Spirit, enabling them to
rejoice with the psalmist as they proclaim that the LORD will not abandon them
in death9.
Heavenly
Father, we ask that you would make us ever mindful of our brothers and sisters
around the world who need us to stand with them10 as they suffer in
your name. Teach us what it means to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by
the word of our testimony; we pray that we would not love our lives so much as
to shrink from death11.
Cling to Jesus by Sophie Scholl
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Lord, hear our prayer.
2. Hebrews 13:3, Colossians 4:18
3. Philippians 1:12-13
4. Philippians 1:14
5. Romans 15:5-6, 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5, 11-12
6. Philippians 3:10
7. Deuteronomy 31:8, Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5
8. Psalm 23:4
9. Psalm 16:10
10. Hebrews 13:3
11. Revelation 12:11
Almighty God, who has taught us through
your Son Jesus Christ that those who follow Him may be persecuted; strengthen,
comfort and encourage all those who suffer harassment, violence, imprisonment
and even death for being followers of Jesus. We pray for those who persecute
your people; may their hearts be turned towards you through the faithful
witness of those they persecute. Protect members of the families and church
communities of those who are persecuted and bless the work and ministry of
Release International and its partners as we support those who are suffering
and seek to be a voice of persecuted Christians.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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