“Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.”
“ Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”
“ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.”
Humans being have rights and even the right of religion, but this right has been threatened since the days of old in the Bible like the apostles; Acts 14:19 “But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.” Christians are forcefully met with physical and spiritual forces of wickedness not wanting their existence and expression of their love for God. As believers, we must expect some form of persecution as part of our walk with the Lord. However, some experiences are really inhumane. The joy in this is that Jesus suffered the same, so we cannot be exempt. We have confidence that in the mist of it all God cannot and will never abandon his church. I believe that for some of us our own marks of persecution are spiritual; laboring in prayers and standing with the persecuted church. As intercessors, especially with the freedom with have, we will be held accountable if we don’t pray. It our way of standing with them.
Pray for the blessing of the Lord over the persecuted church. Matthew 5:10-12 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Pray against the demonic powers released from the kingdom of Satan. Pray against the strong holds of the nations. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
Pray that the persecuted church will continue to experience the delivering power of God. 2 Corinthians 1:10-11 “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”
Pray for the government of nations that are dictators that God will soften their hearts. In nations such North Korea or Eritrea etc. Romans 15:30-33 “I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.”
Pray that persecution will only push forth the agenda of Christ-soul winning for His glory. Pray that the persecuted believers may be delivered from the evil hands. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3 “As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
Pray that their faith will not be shaken, and they will always trust that God will come through for them. 2 Timothy 3:11 “persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me!”
Pray that God will strengthen the persecuted church to stand strong. Pray that daily they will put one the weapons of war; God’s full armor. Ephesian 6:10-12 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Pray that the spirit of forgiveness will always consume the hearts of the persecuted church. Acts 7: 59-60 “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Pray that in the midst of persecution, the Gospel will continue to spread. Pray the oil of grace and power to minister upon them. Acts 11:19-24 “Now those who had been dispersed by the persecution which arose over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, giving the message as they went to Jews only. However, among their number were natives of Cyprus and Cyrene, and these men, on their arrival at Antioch, proclaimed their message to the Greeks as well, telling them the good news of the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. News of these things came to the ears of the Church in Jerusalem and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw this working of God’s grace, he was delighted. He urged them all to be resolute in their faithfulness to the Lord, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. So it happened that a considerable number of people became followers of the Lord.”
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