Pray for the Persecuted Church
The first and second Sundays in November are widely recognized as the International Days of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. They serve as reminders of the 100+ million believers worldwide who face persecution for their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In over sixty countries, 300+ Christians are killed each month because they follow Jesus. Over 200 church buildings and Christian-owned properties are destroyed each month.
Scripture encourages us to pray regularly for those facing such hardships. Hebrews 13:3 says – Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.
Generally, you can pray for those persecuted:
- That they would remain steadfast in the face of persecution
- That they would be encouraged in Christ and persevere with knowledge of joy to come
- For provision of Bibles to those who lack them
- That their captors would see their faith and be drawn by the Holy Spirit into relationship with Jesus
- That God would enable them to forgive their persecutors and have that forgiveness bring God glory
- That God’s Kingdom would be built and grow in these places of persecution
For more information and resources on the Persecuted Church and how we can pray for them, visit these websites:
- IDOP.org
- Persecution.com (The Voice of the Martyrs; see especially their Prayer Map)
- Persecution.org (International Christian Concern)
- Open Doors