Prayer before the International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church

http://www.christianpost.com/news/persecuted-christians-lifted-up-in-prayer-by-churches-worldwide-this-sunday-171345/  Photo: Lifeway Films

Lord, today we pray in anticipation of this Sunday’s International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Yes, we are praying for a day of prayer, because we believe it is important for the worldwide church to acknowledge our suffering brothers and sisters around the world. We should not forget those who are being persecuted for their faith. May we join hands and hearts on Sunday to consider those whose lives, families, homes and jobs are at risk because of their faith. May we not simply go through the motions, but truly intercede on behalf of the suffering. May prayer services be powerful. May people be changed. Lay it on hearts to regularly pray—and act—on behalf of the persecuted church. And, of course, we pray against the persecution that necessitates this day. Finally, we pray that you may be glorified by your precious children that suffer in your name. In the worthy name of Jesus we pray, amen.

(FYI - The IDOP for the Persecuted Church was also marked Sunday, November 6.)