Looking out, Looking up
The International Day of Prayer (IDOP) is held every November to pray for our persecuted brethren. As a lead-up to IDOP 2009, following are some prayer thoughts, provided by the IDOP office, for our suffering brethren.
Communist World
Christians facing persecution from Communists and govern-ments ideologically opposed to Christianity.
Pray that in CHINA, God will give its government divine wisdom in dealing with the immensely complex issues of this large and multi-cultural nation. May there be security with justice, development with sensitivity and may religious freedom be recognised throughout the nation.
Pray that God will be the refuge and strength for the vast number of believers imprisoned in ERITREA and NORTH KOREA. Pray for healing for their physical and emotional wounds and that the ever-present Holy Spirit may comfort and counsel their hearts.
Pray for continued church growth in the midst of oppression and suffering in the nations of VIETNAM and TURKMENISTAN. May Christians display the refreshing righteousness of Christ in the midst of nations struggling with corruption, dictatorship and injustice (Philippians 2:12-14).
Militant Hindu World
Christians facing persecution from militant Hindus and discri-mination in the legal system.
Ask God to protect Christians in NEPAL and INDIA, most of whom are vulnerable, poor and without a 'voice'. Pray that they will not feel abandoned but rest in the peace and provision of their Father. Pray for God to awaken the people of India to the dangers of militant Hinduism and that anti-Christian propaganda will be rejected in preference for truth, openness, harmony and liberty.
Pray for the Indian Church to grow in prayerfulness, casteless solidarity, wisdom, grace and perseverance in the face of suffering.
Pray for the people of Nepal to be united across ethnic and religious lines, and that they will find so much joy in liberty that they will not be tempted by Hindu nationalism.
Ask God to give great heavenly wisdom and courage to evangelists in Nepal and to bless their witness.
Militant Buddhist World
Christians facing persecution from militant Buddhists or legal/state discrimination.
Pray that Christians in BURMA will be sustained, kept safe and blessed with faith, peace, and the assurance of God's love and presence in their lives.
Pray that God will protect Christians in SRI LANKA from the schemes of Buddhist nationalists so that they may witness and worship with liberty and security. May God empower the Sri Lankan Church as a peacemaker to show the light of truth in the midst of long-term ethnic conflict.
Pray for God to embolden the young church in BHUTAN to be a wise and sensitive agent of blessing in the midst of pressure and opposition. Pray for the Spirit of Christ to soften and enlighten the hearts of those who do not know Him, turning them towards peace and progress.
Others
Christians facing persecution for other reasons.
Pray for the Christians in the precarious PALESTINIAN territories where they face pressure from all sides. Pray that the faith of these believers will not be dampened by the exodus of fellow believers and that they will remain bold witnesses of Christ's love and grace.
Pray for believers in COLOMBIA, MEXICO and the PHILIPPINES as they risk their lives to witness for Christ in communities hostile to God. Pray that, even when rejected and pressured for their faith, they will put their hope in the Lord as the One who upholds their cause (Psalm 146). Pray for Christians facing persecution from Muslim militants, and facing discrimination in employment and the legal system.
Pray that God will intervene by frustrating the ways of the Taliban in countries where it seeks to maintain control, such as AFGHANISTAN and PAKISTAN.
Pray for God to continue moving powerfully among the people in Islamic countries so that just and upright political leaders might be raised up, prepared to serve the nation.
Pray for God to bless converts to Christianity in nations such as IRAN and SAUDI ARABIA. Ask God to enable them to be instruments of blessing (salt), transformation (yeast), and truth (light) in their communities (Matthew 5:13-16).
Pray for nations where Al-Qaeda terrorism is intense, such as IRAQ and ALGERIA, and where Muslim militants instigate violence against Christians such as NIGERIA, EGYPT and SOMALIA. Pray for protection, wisdom, provision and perseverance for the victims of attacks and for those who have lost loved ones due to violent persecution. |
