Prayers for the Persecuted Church
John 16.33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
The church – the body of Jesus Christ – is persecuted. If you are a firm Christian, then you have likely experienced some persecution, whether you just felt like it, or it was blatant.
Countless Christians have been severely persecuted throughout history; untold numbers are suffering currently. In many countries, Christians are ostracized, beaten, imprisoned, tortured, maimed, and killed for their faith. Those who remain faithful to God, who walk in obedience to His calling and leading, must tread carefully, knowing it is imperative to walk only in the steps He directs.
In our own country, we must prepare for persecution.
Whether you pray yourself, for those you know who are persecuted, those who suffer mild ribbing, who get the cold shoulder from their family and friends; or you pray for those who are taxed beyond what we can realize: here are some prayers to say on their behalf.
Lord God, we lift up all those who are persecuted by the world and by Satan himself.
May they palpably feel Your presence, and know You are with them in their trials. May they feel your comfort. (Joshua 1.5)
May they understand that we are praying for them, lifting them before Your throne of mercy and grace, on their behalf. (2 Timothy 1.3, Philemon 1.4)
May they depend entirely upon Your guidance as they serve You and spread the good news of salvation to a lost world, to the people around them. Give direction as to when to speak, when to remain silent, to whom to speak, and Your words. (Isaiah 30.21)
Give them discreet boldness to proclaim You in word or deed. Give them wisdom. (Acts 9.29)
May they mature in their own faith: may they read, study, meditate, and memorize Your Word as they have access. May they hide Your Word in their hearts that they might not sin against You. (Psalms 119)
As faithful Christians, may we all be reading and memorizing Your Word, preparing for when we won’t have access. (Psalms 119.11)
May they remain joyful amid suffering, forgive their persecutors, and appropriate Your great love toward all. (Acts 5.40-42)
May they continually give You praise. (Psalms 34.1-4)
May they receive comfort from those You provide for them. Send them Your people. (2 Corinthians 7.5-7)
May they continually prostrate themselves before You in confession and repentance, maintaining a clean heart and a right spirit before You. Give them hearts to early sense Your conviction. (Psalms 51.10)
May You provide them with food and shelter and comforts; and may they give You thanks for each gift. (Colossians 1.12)
May they praise You with joy in music. (Psalms 150)
May they remember that it is man who is punishing and persecuting, not You, Lord God. May they rest in the peace that is only found in obeying and following your will. (Psalms 119.78)
When they have given up everything, when everything is taken from them, and they forsake all to follow You, may they bask in Your glory and love and riches. (2 Corinthians 4.7-12)
May those who are imprisoned be free in spirit, if not in body. (1 Corinthians 9.25)
We pray Your protection, Lord God, upon those whom You call to suffering, according to Your will. (Psalms 20.1)
Use persecution to spur a revival! (2 Chronicles 7.14)
Whatever their circumstances, give them the right words, wisdom, boldness or silence, and a strong sense of Your presence. (Mark 13.11)
May they find peace in the sufficiency of Your grace, even in their weakness. (2 Corinthians 12.9)
May they draw from Your greater power. (Acts 1.8, Romans 15.13)
May they live lives to inspire those around them, friend or foe. (2 Thessalonians 3.9)
Provide peace in their personal / interpersonal relationships and daily lives (Isaiah 26.3, 4)
May they adjust their expectations to Yours, Almighty God. (1 Corinthians 2.16)
Revelations 12.11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
For more information on persecuted Christians and how to pray more specifically, see these resources: