Today is the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians around the world.
Listen to Today's Prayer Podcast
Take a moment and pray with us. Click today's Prayer Podcast to get you started. Consider joining with others today to intercede for those around the world suffering persecution.
“I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan.10 Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life. Rev. 2:9-10
Statistics
Over 340 million Christians living in places where they experience high levels of persecution and discrimination
4,761 Christians killed for their faith
4,488 churches and other Christian buildings attacked
4,277 believers detained without trial, arrested, sentenced or imprisoned
1 in 8: Christians worldwide experience high levels of persecution
2.7 times: the amount the number of Christians killed has risen in sub-Saharan Africa, year over year
20: Consecutive years North Korea has ranked No. 1 as the world’s most dangerous place for Christians
Prayer Points
they do not ask for the persecution to stop but they would be faithful to endure it and share their faith
for protection to those who are actively experiencing the persecution
that they would have the strength to endure
for freedom to gather together and worship, share the Word
for resources to live and to share with others in need
increased availability of the Bible in various formats to give away (including the YouVersion and other Bible apps)
for those imprisoned for their faith (strength, songs of deliverance, scriptures that come to their mind, able to withstand the isolation)
for boldness when they preach
for forgiveness to their captors and persecutors (this often is the most powerful testimony of all and often brings those causing harm
for family members who are separated from each other due to the persecution
prayer support from other Christians
whatever their circumstances, God will give persecuted Christians the right words
persecuted Christians will understand and find peace in the sufficiency of God’s grace, even in their weaknesses
Christians facing hardship will draw from a source of power larger than themselves
God would be present with persecuted Christians in their hardship, protecting them according to His will
their witness would inspire those who seek to harm them
Scriptures:
Hebrews 13:3 ESV Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.
2 Timothy 3:12 ESV Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted
Matthew 5:11 ESV “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Acts 4:29 ESV And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,
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