International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, Sunday, November 13th

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.~ Philippians 3:20-21.

I have never been home, but I know where home is.  Similarly, I have never seen my persecuted brothers and sisters face to human face, but I know where they live and how I should pray for the saints.

Prayer proceeds to the throne of God through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.  We have seen the lame walk and heard the proclamation that the deaf hear.  Christ will hear and will answer our cries for the deliverance of the saints and the newness of life brought forth from dead dry bones.

The ultimate prayer of the persecuted church is for the salvation of lost souls.  That they may see the dry bones walk in newness of Christ- life.  Yes, we join them in praying for their personal deliverance and protection and provision for their families but the ultimate goal of the church is that the body should be added to.  Paul said, “Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” (Philippians 1:14)

Have we been encouraged, changed, and challenged by our brothers imprisonment?

This Sunday as we unite as one around God’s throne interceding on behalf of the persecuted prisoners of our spiritual warfare, may we not forget to pray for the salvation of the persecutors around the world.  For in praying for them we are praying that Christ’s kingdom will be added to and our family extended around the globe. “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things  I urge you the more earnestly to do thins in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.” ~Hebrews 13:1-3, 18-19

Read here all of the Raise the Risk posts concerning the persecuted church.

Raise the Risk Challenge:

• Use this weekend as a teaching time for your family. Set an empty place setting at your table as you remember the persecuted church.  Let an empty bowl represent the prayers of the saints for the persecuted and the perishing around the globe.
• Give to the cause of protecting the persecuted and their families.
• Write a letter to a persecuted Christian at PrisonerAlert.com a ministry of Voice of the Martyrs.
• Download free materials to use in your church or small group this Sunday to join in the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.
• Consider God’s call to make His name known among the nations. Is He calling you to go and serve to the ends of the earth?  Seek His face in prayer and join with Isaiah in saying, “Here am I, Lord, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)