Praying For Brethren In Christ Who Are Facing Persecutions

 Prayer Support

    Along with this, and central to all of it, is our prayer support for the persecuted.  The Apostle Paul provides this example of the importance of such intercession:  “Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may be rescued from those who are dis­obedient…” (Rom. 15:30-31).  Today we have the opportunity and responsibility to strive together in our prayers to God for our fellow believers who are undergoing fiery trials.  Here are some ways we can pray as we lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ facing persecution: 

    • Pray they will consider Jesus “who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself,” and that they will not become weary and lose heart (Heb. 12:3). 

    • Pray that even though they are afflicted and hard pressed, they will not be crushed, driven to despair or destroyed; pray the life of Jesus will be manifested through their lives (2 Cor. 4:8-11). 

    • Pray they will bless those who persecute them, bless and not curse; that they will repay no one evil for evil; that they will not avenge themselves, but give place for the wrath of God; and that they will not be overcome by evil, but will overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:14, 17-21). 

    • Pray they will love their enemies, bless those who curse them, do good to those who hate them, and that they will pray for those who persecute them (Matt. 5:44). 

    • Pray they will maintain a good conscience, so that those who defame and revile them may be ashamed (1 Pet. 3:16). 

    • Pray they will be able to “glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Rom. 5:3-4). 

    • Pray they will not be ashamed, but glorify God in their suffering, and commit their souls to their faithful Creator in doing good (1 Pet. 4:16, 19). 

    • Pray they will be able to endure “as seeing Him who is invisible” (Heb. 11:27). 

    • Pray that “in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake” they will experience the all-sufficient grace and power of Christ (2 Cor. 12:9-10). 

    • Pray they will experience the presence of Christ and the comfort of Christ (Psa. 23:4). 

    • Pray they will experience the blessed reality that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; and that they will be able to rejoice because of their great reward in heaven (Matt. 5:10-12). 

    • Pray that they will be “more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Rom. 8:37). 

    •Pray they will be faithful, even unto death (Rev. 2:10).