“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” (Matthew 5:10, NLT)
“The Book of Acts records early church history. After the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, the eighth chapter begins, “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church” (verse 1, NIV). Jesus told his followers to expect persecution. In John 15:20, He says, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (NIV). Since Christians don’t experience persecution much in the Western world, we sometimes think it doesn’t exist.
Prayer: Father, knowing You is life and peace. Please give strength and courage today to believers and Christian workers as they share the Gospel. Bring much fruit as a result of their faithfulness to obey and follow You no matter the cost. Amen.”
(from Voices of the Faithful compiled by Kim P. Davis, page 187)
Today I am joining … Spiritual Sundays and Scripture & a Snapshot and Open Sunday Thoughts .
What an amazing and insightful prayer for us to be saying over the ministries of the faithful. Thanks, Joanne, for Sunday inspiration.
Thank you, Michele. It’s been such a wonderful reminder for me each week. Blessings!
Is is SO important to remember the persecution of the early Christians and modern day Christians throughout the world. I think we do face an increasing persecution in the U.S. as secular society wins the mindset more often than not. I believe it is more subtle here, but very much present. I will pray this prayer for all Christians today. Thank you for sharing it on the #sundaythoughts link up!
Jamie, I agree with you that persecution in the US is on the rise. This is a prayer for us all. Blessings!
Yes, even though we do not face the persecution that other believers around the world are facing today, we are increasingly told that we should keep our mouths shut in America – when it comes to our Christian beliefs.
Julie, in my opinion, persecution is on the rise and will take subtle forms but is present even in the US. May we be faithful to pray for us all.
What a timely reminder for all of us.
This is a beautiful prayer: “Bring much fruit as a result of their faithfulness to obey and follow You no matter the cost.” So many go through so much more hardships to follow the Lord. Yes, bring fruit, Lord!