Heavenly Father,
Thank You that Your Son Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his resurrection He restores life and peace in all creation. Your word tells us that You are a stronghold for the oppressed. God I pray for a breath of hope and for chains to be broken for all victims of oppression and persecution. For those who oppress and persecute, lead them toward compassion β¦ awaken the Holy Spirit within them and lead them toward Your son.
Father, we worship You and we acknowledge that You know all of those who suffer in Your name. We remember those who are imprisoned for their faith and ask that they would join with the Apostle Paul to see that even though they remain captive, their chains have furthered the gospel, and not hindered it. May they inspire and encourage their fellow believers to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
Father, for those who are tortured both in body and mind, give them the grace to endure and to see their suffering as part of following in the footsteps of Christ.
Merciful God, for those asked to pay the ultimate price β¦ who are martyred because of their love for You, may they truly know Christ and the power of His resurrection β¦ and becoming like Him in His death.
Father, we ask that You would make us mindful of our brothers and sisters around the world who NEED us to stand with them as they suffer in Your name. Teach us what it means to overcome β¦ by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. We love You and we trust You and we PRAISE You, in the holy and mighty name of Jesus! Amen.
