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persecuted Christian
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Posted by: 7DayJesusFreak
I was sent an email and it maid me think how many times do I remember to pray for persecuted Christian.
The author of Hebrews makes a statement that I want to look at in this passage:
(Hebrews 11:36_38 NIV) [36] Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. [37] They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated_[38] the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
He is speaking of the people who were persecuted for their faith. He was speaking of people in his time, but I want to look at this in the perspective of today. It has been reported many times that more people have been martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ in the past 50 to 100 years then all those martyred up to this time put together. That is a staggering fact.
I am not sure we can even understand this, because of our sheltered environment. We hear about people who are persecuted but it is remote from us. Just as people have a hard time imagining the horrors of World War II, people have a hard time imagining the horrors facing may believers around the world today.
We struggle to find the time to read a couple of chapters in our Bibles each week, so how can we identify with a whole house church that has to share one book of the Bible? They pass it around and each person memorizes it. The Scripture is precious to them and they take the time to memorize it and pass it on to others.
We struggle to find the time to pray. We have to find the time between our favorite television programs and our busy schedules. They pray constantly for the courage and strength to resist and not deny Christ when that inevitable knock comes on their door.
We struggle with whether to allow our daughters to wear makeup and to date. They struggle with the knowledge that they might have to endure the sight of their daughters raped and abused before their eyes, knowing they could stop it by just denying the Lord who died for them. Again they pray for the strength not to deny Him.
We worry about how much money we will be able to leave our children when we die. They worry about what will happen to their children if they are martyred.
We have divisions in our churches because of the style of music that is used. Or we have division because of the kind of seats the remodeling committee picked out. They risk their lives to meet in each others' homes. They have a bond and a love for each other that we find hard to understand.
We have trouble forgiving a fellow believer who takes our "usual" seat at church. They often publicly forgive those who are taking their life.
We are careful how we witness for fear that we might be told we are shoving our religion down someone's throat. They risk their lives to witness to their neighbors because they love them and don't want to see them lost for eternity, even at the risk of their own safety.
We can't find the time to support them in prayer, yet they pray for those who persecute them.
We worry about our tax exemptions when we give tithe, or our church's tax exempt status, as if the church would have to close if they lost the tax exemption. They worry about having their church put in prison.
We worry that if we fast and people know it, that we will be called fanatics. They worry about where the next meal will come from for their families.
We worry about not being able to pray out loud in a public place. They worry that they will be forcibly converted to Islam. For a man this is a simple matter, either denounce Christ and convert or die. For a woman it is much harder, they are forcibly converted, which involves among other things female circumcision. Read up on what this is and it will appall you.
We get tired of all the violence on television. They get tired of all the violence directed towards them.
We get tired of hearing about the persecuted church. They get tired of hearing the screams of friends and family as they are tortured and killed.
Am I being too dramatic? I don't think so and I doubt the persecuted church would think so. Are all believers in these countries subjected to abuse? No, but they all live with it hanging over their heads. Some countries are worse then others. Some Christians just face long prison terms while believers in other countries constantly face the threat of death. Notice how easy that "just face long prison terms" is to say and read? Unless of course you are the one who "just" has to worry about those long prison terms.
I am not trying to cast the first stone, I am guilty of the things I have written in this article too. I find it hard to remember my persecuted brothers and sisters in pray often enough. I find it way too easy to put their problems out of my mind and go about my business. I have, however, been praying that God will make me more sensitive to their plight and bring them to my mind more often.
I have written my elected leaders on their behalf. I was very disappointed in the response or lack of response in many cases. I wrote the President, but received no reply at all. I wrote my representative, but received no reply at all. I wrote both of my Senators. I received no reply from one and a short letter from the other one. In the letter my Senator made the statement that she is all for religious 'tolerance' and that she would support any legislation, that happened to come before her, condemning intolerance in any country we give money to. Intolerance! Is that what you call depriving people of their liberty and even their lives?
I have encouraged others to write their elected leaders. Unless they feel that there are more then a couple people concerned they won't be concerned. I refuse to give up, I will continue to call on Christians to take a stand, to pray for the persecuted church and to write letters to our government officials. If you are interested in sample letters you can find them at http://www.valleyofdecision.net
Not only is the world not worthy of them, we are not worthy to be called their brothers and sisters, unless we support them and pray for them. We in America claim to be the only remaining superpower and yet we sit idly by as Christians are murdered for their faith. Not only do we sit idly by, we support the governments that are persecuting our brothers and sisters. We send money to some, we vote to maintain most favorite nation status to others.
Real persecution will come to America, it is just a matter of time. It will be too late then to take a stand, we will be too busy praying for strength to endure and not to deny our Lord. Let's hope we have not already denied Him by our actions before the persecution even starts.
Lord Jesus help us remember to pray for them daily and not take our freedom for granted.
Posted by: JeriRose12
Lord, I pray protection over perseculted Christians in the next 24 hours. I ask, Lord, that You intervene in these situations. Do not let them denounce their faith. An, please, Lord, give US such boldness. Protect US from being timid in a couintry where one barely suffers for sharing their faith. Oh, Lord, please send angles to help these Christians that ARE persecuted. And let us keep a prayer covering over them. Oh, Lord, forgive me for my selfishness; for thinking I have it so bad, when they REJOICE in their sufferings for Christ. I pray that You will visist them, Jesus, and lead them out of dangerous situations. Deliver them from their persecutors!!! Save their persecutors that thier persecutors are no longer persecuting them. I pray You lead them Holy Spirit, so that they are receiving directions from You to avoid danger. Please make us faithful to pray, Lord, and I thankyou for what You are doing to use them as a testimony around the world.
~JeriRose~
Seeking HIS Glory in 2004
Posted by: pickone
Father, in the Name of Jesus, comfort Your people. Amen.
Posted by: ANOINTED WARRIOR
Jesus protect are beautiful brothers and sisters who are being persecuted all over this world flood them with your fire anointing and place on them an even fierecer mantle of the lion of Judah in boldness while they are being persecuted, surround them with a wall of fire and your glory at all times hide them all under the shadow of your wings Jesus at all times, let those who arise against them be knocked down from the power of your glory on them then may those who have been persecuting them set them free because they have now come to know you Jesus as saviour and Lord
Posted by: JeriRose12
Lord, work through our persecuted brothers and sisters, that glory is brought to Your Name. May their testimony remain true and strong, and may Your glory rest upon them when facing their persecutors. Show their persecutors the amazing grace and strength Jesus can give in these adversities. I pray, Lord, that souls are saved, as Saul of Tarsus was, who once persecuted Christians. Do modern day Damascus Road experiences of the same nature. Thankyou, Lord, for these dear brothers and sisters and their awesome testimony of faith!!!
Make me as strong, Jesus. Give me that holy boldness. I speak in tongues, but where's the power??? Oh, Lord, I CRY for that power!!! Do not let me deny You or put You to shame!!! Thankyou, Lord, for favoring me with boldness!!!
~JeriRose~
Seeking HIS Glory in 2004
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Posted by: JC_FREAK
Lord, I feel a real calling to pray for the persecuted esp in Columbia. I pray that you would give me a passion to pray for those who are in prison and for those who are being persecuted. Lord Jesus, please give me a passion. Father, I pray that you would save these persecutors. Lord that you would give these people strength to face this persecution and sometimes to physical pain. Lord I pray for these people not to back down from their faith and to stand up and shout your name from the heavens. Lord I pray that you would save these muslims and communists who are all going to hell. Lord reveal the truth to them and save them. In your name I ask this. Amen
Posted by: JeriRose12
Dear Lord, keep Your hand on our persecuted brothers and sisters. I pray we will see more Nora Lamb type miracles -- more miraculous moves of God to save their lives. Intervene to keep them alive. I pray that You send angles to surround them and protect them. May they have a covering of the blood, a covering of prayer, and the Holy Spirit sourrounding them with a wall of fire. Lord God, direct them so they are moved out of harms way. Hide them in the wing of the shadow of the Almighty. I pray protection over them, each and everyone in every situation they face. Lord, appear to them and lead them to safety, as stories I have heard have reported. Contiue to do these miracles today and always, Lord.
Let Your Name be lifted up and glorified. I pray these situations bring glory to You. As they forgive their persecutors, let their persecutors be saved. I pray many persecutors of Christians are saved, that Christians are delivered from their persecutors. Oh, Lord, I thankyou for moving mightily through the adversity they are going through.
I ask all this, Father, in Jesus Name, amen.
~JeriRose~
Seeking HIS Glory in 2004 
Posted by: JeriRose12
Oh, Lord, deliver our persecuted brothers and sisters. Deliver them from danger, unforgivness and fear. Deliver them from denouncing You. Let them stay strong in their faith no matter what. However You can, be so near to them, draw them so close to You. I have such a struggle feeling close to You here in America. So I don't know how they find You in a quiet place there in the troubles they face. But, please Lord, give them special times in the throne room. Please appear to them in all Your glory. May they behold You full of grace and truth. May they look to You the author and finisher of their faith. The Word says "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." Deliver these precious, courageous brothers and sisters. Thank You for the angels protecting them, for the wall of fire of the Holy Ghost, for the blood and prayer covering. Oh, Lord, remine us to faithfully pray for them, as so many of them pray for us. Thank You, Father, for delivering and keeping them. In Jesus Name, amen!!!
~JeriRose~
Seeking YOUR Glory in 2004
Posted by: JeriRose12
Father God, encourage our persecuted brothers and sisters this day. I pray that we may remember to pray for them....as I have not. Forgive me, Lord, for not caring enough to pray for them! I pray, Lord, that they will be surrounded and protected, encamped about by angels. Make them aware of the ways in which You protect them and give them tesitmonies of Your protection. I pray they will continue to preach The Word fearlessly. Give them boldness to go forth, obeying God rather than man. I pray those who hold church meetings will continue to do so. I pray those who water baptise will continue to do this as well. Let Your people be given strength of spirit to keep on in faithfulness to You. I pray they will pray in tongues and all other things that are of God for them to do. Perform miracles of healing and signs and wonders of God among them, to be a witness to theri nations of Your power and greatness. I pray they will not be weary in well doing, but will be SO aware of Your Presence and help that they continue to go forth in Your Name.
Father, I ask that You will flood them with Your forgiveness, that they may forgive their persecuters. Make this a mighty testimony to the unsaved who persecute them and the unsaved who observe this. I ask for them to be able to respond with gentleness and kindness to all who hate and mistreat them. Let them for those who despitefully use them, love those who hate them....and so on, always responding in love to all.
I pray for Your Holy Spirit to guide and protect them, leading them into paths of safety. May He send warnings of when to leave buildings, where to go to hide, how they should proceed....for their keeping and safety. Let them be very aware of Your protection, Lord. May they see visions of You leading them out or in. May they be aware of Your Presence and hand of protection many times in many situations. Let them be aware of angelic activity on their behalf. Let them sense the prayers of the saints. Let them know that the blood covers them for their proteciton and that Your Name is a powerful weapon. I pray that they are protected by Your Spirit and all other power and force of heaven available to them, in the Father and Son as well and with the aid and help of angels. Lord God, put a firey hedge of proteciton of Your Spirit around them at ALL TIMES.
Lord, we ask and pray these things, in Jesus Name, amen. JeriRose
Posted by: JeriRose12
Father God, great and awesome are Your ways. And Your hand is not too short to deliver. Send deliverance to these brothers and sisters. We pray for them to have angels or even You, Lord Jesus, guiding them to safety.
I ask that they be guided by Your Holy Spirit as well, as He speaks to them directions and instructions that will lead to their safety.
Then, again, I have heard they don't pray to be delivered; they simply pray to be a strong witness. . . . Lord, my prayer is You keep them alive to BE that strong witness. Let them know that You will bring them through many dangers, toils and snares in order to let them continue sharing with those in their countries the good news of Jesus Christ.
I pray for the salvation of thier persecutors. Let their lives stand as a witness to those who despitefully use them....as they respond in love and forgiveness. How easy for me to pray they forgive, but, dear Lord, it can't be easy. Give them Your forgiveness that they may extend it to those who persecute them. Help them immensely in this area. May they remember You on the cross, saying, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do," or Stephen saying asking You not to lay this charge on them, and may they do the same. Father, it is a miracle to be able to do this, so send them this miracle mulitplied many times over! May their persecutors know they must respond ot the message of Jesus Christ their lives speak through this.
Father, give them the strength and boldness they so desire, that they may keep preaching no matter the results. Over here in America, we are so afraid of offending someone if we share about Jesus. May we be SRONG like them and share regardless. I pray, Lord, that they are given mighty courage. Send them forth without fear, and let them share with joy and love.
Lord, I pray for miracles to attend the preaching of the Gospel, as it happened in the New Testament church. Let a mighty show of Your power flood their streets, villages and towns. Work in signs and wonders to confirm the preaching. Let bodies be healed, other miracles occur.
And, Lord, let SOULS be saved! We call it "saved," anyway...but let them repent and be baptised in the Name of Jesus for the remission of sins and, afterwards, let the Holy Spirit fill them. I pray they see this regularly. Let these persecuted churches see phenomenal growth! Show them that You will receive the reward of Your suffering because of their faithfulness!
We ask You to have Your way in these situations. We pray these countries will open up to the Gospel and that persecution will end. But their concern is to remain faithful, and we know it's very hard in countries like America to do so. I hear THEY pray for us for that very reason! Lord, no matter what happens, may they remain FAITHFUL!
I commit them into Your hands for Your help and dealings. In Jesus Name, amen. JeriRose
Posted by: JeriRose12
Lord, keep their faith strong and let them be overcomers. I pray the persecuted church will continue to serve and love You regardless of what comes against them. I pray they are bold in sharing their faith. I pray they are seeing many saved and added daily to their numbers. Give them boldness.
Lord, let Your protection attend them, always. Bring them through the dangers they face by the aid of Your angels and Your Spirit. I pray Your blood covers them for their safety. Let Your hand of direction clearly be seen in moving them to places and paths of safety. I pray our prayers may avail much toward their protection and safety.
I ask and pray these things, in Jesus Name, amen. JeriRose
Posted by: JeriRose12
Lord, make Your Presence known to these brothers and sisters who suffer for You. I pray they can know and experience You in the midst of dangerous situations and perilous times. Make Yourself seen and known of them. Visit upon them the power of Your Spirit. You said in the last days Your would pour out Your Spirit on all flesh; pour it out mightily upon those who are under persecution. Pour it out that they remain bold. For it says they would be endued with power from on high to be witnesses in the earth. Let it be so! Move among them with signs and wonders confirming the words they preach. I pray they are clearly graced with Your Presence and power in these countries where persecution is.
Lord, I ask that You would draw souls into Your Kingdom through the testimony of these saints. Let people be saved through the preaching of Yoru Word....and especially let their love and forgivness to their persecutors be a mighty witness. I pray they will see huge growth in spite of persecution. Give them boldness! Let NOTHING shut them up! Let them say as the disciples did, "We ought to obey God rather than man." Let the persecution actually fuel the determination to keep spreading the Gospel to those in their land(s). And let people be repentent, water baptised and Spirit baptised.
I pray Your proteciton, for longer life to preach more. I ask that angels encamp aournd them, and that Your Holy Spirit fire burns around them. I pray Your blood is a mighty covering and proteciton, and I ask that the saints prayers would also be a covering and a proteciton. Keep them and guard them. Direct them and protect them. Move them out of harms way, and move those with harmful intent away from them. Intervene in situations where there is intent to harm them! I pray for miracles, signs and wonders of various types that divert those with plans to hurt them. Put angels around churches, Holy Spirit fire around gathering places....let those who come to harm see angels and Your glory or a pillar of fire or a cloud of smoke....or whatever manifestation You would show them, that will be afraid and run from that place! I ask for Your protecion upon them and around them and for them to be obvious, to the glory of Your Name!
I ask and pray all these things, in Jesus Name, amen! JeriRose
Posted by: BrendaMagana
King of the universe,
Protect the labourers working in Yur Vineyards all across the globe. Keep them, their families and properties from harm.
Bring to nought the schemes the enemy has lined up against them.
Give them bumpy harvest at every place where You have sent them.
Lead Your servants by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
Send Your warrior and guardian angels to surround them and guard them wherever they go!
You are Lord now and till the end of time, amen
Posted by: JeriRose12
Father God, help our persecuted brothers and sisters to have boldness to keep sharing their faith! I pray they will be a BRIGHT CITY in the day and a SHINING LAMP in the darkness of night. Also, cause them to be salt, having their speech FULL of grace but SEASONED with salt.... Lead them by Your Spirit in all their sharing and preaching of faith. I pray You will touch all they say by The Holy Spirit, so that many our repenting of their sins and turning to You as their Lord and Savior. I ask for many souls swept into Your Kingdom through their witness.
Father, surround them by Your protection at all times in all ways. I pray they will clearly see Your hand of protection and guidance in all they do, everywhere they go.
Lord, I pray for You to be their all and everything. I pray they can keep their focus on You and love You above all. Let their witnessing and sharing be from the overflow of The Spirit from time spent with You. I know it is harder in these countries, with the persecution and all, but allow them to find and spend time alone in Your Presence. I pray that their love for Jesus is contageous!
I ask and pray these things, in Jesus Name, amen. JeriRose
Posted by: JeriRose12
Lord God, aid and assit our perescuted brothers and sisters. I pray they are aware of Your help in all matters they face, seeing plainly the miracles You perform and how You give them boldness. Make them aware of angels around and Your protection keeping them in all ways. Let them receive instructions and directions from Your precious Holy Spirit that keep them from harm. I ask that they will have the desire of their heart to preach the word boldly and to not deny their faith. I ask for a special grace and extention of life, that they may preach more. But I am mindful of the word that unless a kernal of wheat falls into the ground and dies.... This is a mystery with You. We pray for as little loss of life due to persecution as possible. We pray that no matter what happens, You turn all to the good of the spreading of Your message of love and repetance unto salvation that You extend to all. Continue to work, daily, in awesome wasy ways with each member of the persecuted church. I ask and pray, in Jesus Name, amen. JeriRose