| Pray for the Persecuted Posted: 06 Jul 2012 06:30 AM PDT Each week, we will post some specific ways that we can be praying together for our brothers and sisters around the world who are actively sharing in Christ’s suffering through persecution. Take some time to lift the believers in each of these regions before our Father in heaven. At the same time, pray for those enacting the persecution to be kindly drawn to repentance and to experience new life through faith in Jesus. Iran - Pray that Christians well persevere in making disciples of those who speak Farsi despite the government’s apparent effort to stop Christianity’s growth among Iranian nationals. Early last month, officials ordered the closure of a church in Tehran. It was of one of only four churches in the capital city that offered Farsi-language services.
- Pray that the government officials in Iran will see the light of Christ in Iranian believers. Pray that God would grant them mercy, faith, and repentance. Also, pray that as they begin following Jesus in the power of the Spirit, they become bold witnesses, spreading God’s love and mercy to those above them and below them, both believers and non-believers.
Information from Voice of the Martyrs prompted these requests. See their site for more on the persecution in Iran. Kenya - Pray for the Kenyan Christians who are suffering physically and emotionally after attackers took the lives of 18 and wounded 66. Pray that they would resist the temptation to resent those responsible, responding instead in a way that reflects and illuminates Christ in them. Pray that God uses this trial to deepen the faith of believers, embolden them in their witness, and reach non-believers with the gospel.
- Pray for the attackers to be convicted by the Spirit and drawn to genuine, faith-filled, and bold repentance.
Information from Open Doors prompted these requests. See their site for more on the persecution in Kenya. China - Pray for the members of the Shouwang house church who are facing opposition from local authorities. Ask God to give them wisdom. Pray that they would boldly cling to the hope of “a kingdom that cannot be shaken,” and pray that they would respond to their enemies in humble love, gentleness, and respect.
- Pray that those opposing these Chinese believers would see God’s strength in them, that He would soften their hearts, and bring them to true and abundant life in Him.
Information from Voice of the Martyrs prompted these requests. See their site for more on the persecution in China. |
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