Prayer for imprisoned American pastor Andrew Brunson

https://aclj.org/persecuted-church/after-one-year-of-dangerous-imprisonment-american-pastor-andrew-brunson-is-now-a-hostage-in-turkey

Lord, today we pray for American pastor Andrew Brunson, who has been unjustly imprisoned in Turkey since October 2016. We are thankful for Brunson's 23 years of pastoral ministry in Turkey. We are thankful that the Turkish government has finally acknowledged that they are holding him as a political prisoner. We are thankful they offered him in a trade for Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen. We know a swap is highly unlikely, but we do thank you that this offer has again brought attention to Brunson’s plight. Lord, we know these trades are much more complicated than one-for-the-other. We pray for wisdom for all involved in negotiations. We pray that Brunson and all other unfairly-imprisoned people in Turkey will be released. Heavenly Father, in this Christmas season when believers around the world are focusing on hope and joy, may we not forget to pray for our brothers and sisters who are imprisoned and oppressed around the world. May Brunson and other persecuted believers also have hope and joy this Christmas season as they celebrate that you sent the Savior of the world! May they hold fast to your promises, focus their vision on what is to come, and celebrate that an eternity of peace and celebration awaits. As we sing tidings of comfort and joy, may our worship combine with entreaties on behalf of our brothers and sisters in dark places. In the name of the Savior we pray, amen.