Prayer Fuel

Pray as the Lord leads you as you read today’s verse

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10) ESV

Praying with insight

Throughout most of the Muslim world, Christians are persecuted for their faith. This persecution causes many Christians from Muslim backgrounds or Christians living under an Islamic government to fear living out their faith. Some Muslims admit admiration for the teachings of Jesus, but the fear of persecution prohibits them from moving forward in following Christ. Let Jesus’ promise that “blessed are those who are persecuted” guide your prayer time today.

For believers

Pray that God’s children who are right now in prison because of their faith in Jesus would remember and believe the truth of Jesus’ words. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake.” When feelings declare that they are forgotten and unseen when the accuser whispers that maybe God is punishing them or maybe He is neither good nor loving, may each believer declare by the blood and name of Jesus that God is good and powerful and wise and they are blessed because He declares it so. Pray that each one will increasingly know the sweetness of the presence of God and the meaning of “fellowship in his suffering.”

For the lost

When the oppressors strike the faces of believers, may their hearts be stricken by the grace and light of Jesus in the face of his children. May the guards in prisons be dumbfounded by the peace and praise of suffering saints. When judges and lawyers who try the cases of Christians hear the charges against the believers and see them stand unwavering, may they wonder about the power and gentle confidence Jesus gives. Let them cry out with the jailer at Philippi, “What must I do to be saved?”

For the church

One of the most difficult things for the persecuted church all over the world is gathering faithfully. Believers who have not yet told their families of their faith often hide their reason for leaving the house. When spouses or parents don’t yet believe, Christians are reluctant to gather there for fear of being betrayed. How can men and women meet together honorably if there are only singles who believe? Pray for wisdom and courage for believers to gather honorably and honestly. May the church be willing to obey Jesus and gather even though they may be betrayed or imprisoned. Jesus is worthy.

For areas of influence

Pray for places of business in this region:
– Pray for employers who would esteem their Christian employees because of their outstanding character.
– Pray for believers who get fired from their jobs because of their faith in Christ to find other employment that would meet their needs.
– Pray for places of business that persecute believers to be convicted of this and repent.

Declaration of the scripture

Persecution can accelerate movements when it results in greater boldness among believers: “And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria…” (Acts 8:1) or it can stamp out new movement beginnings “…when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away…” (Matthew 13:21). Today we pray for new disciples and simple churches in this area to stand firm in the face of persecution and for God’s protection from persecution that would destroy new Gospel works.