International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Here a brief prayer.  

Father, I pray that you would be near those suffering today, those in fear, those in prison.  Lord give them joy and peace that passes understanding.  Let them experience the power of your presence in the midst of their trials.  Lord, shine through them that others may see Your light and Your love.  Draw people to you, even the persecutors...soften their hearts toward You.  Jesus, you were crucified for us.  Thank you for these men and women who follow you, even unto physical pain and death.  Strengthen their faith, bless them.  Speak to them, Lord, remind them of their reward.  Show them the fruit of the persecution.  Let them see Your kingdom purposes.  Send people to them that would encourage and support them, that would help them and hide them.  Lord, I pray your provision on the small hidden house churches around the world.  Give them discernment so that they would know with whom to share Your love and good news. Help me Lord to remember these sisters and brothers and lift them to You daily.  Guide my prayer and the prayers around the world to Your will and Your heart for Your suffering children.  Oh, Jesus move!  Light a fire in the Christians that are free to share the gospel.  Let us honor that freedom now before it is taken away.  Help us to burn brightly..."It only takes a spark."  "I wanna light the World on Fire!"  Use me, Lord.  Use the free and the persecuted Christians around the world for Your purposes.  Today, Lord, You know the needs of those around the world. Guard them against the spiritual darkness of depression, fear, anxiety.  Fill their hearts with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control--especially in the face of persecution.  Let those who want to hurt, kill, or imprison see the Holy Spirit within them and want what they see!  Oh, Jesus, strengthen each believer this day.  Give them rest in You, and hope in You!  Lord, break my heart for the things that break Yours, and let me not stop praying for them...