Persecution. It's a reality for believers in much of the world, especially in the 10/40 Window where we see the greatest number of unbelievers. For every Youcef Nadarkhani we hear about, there are literally hundreds, even thousands, that will remain nameless and faceless until we meet them in the throne room and worship Jesus together for eternity.
Today, though, we have the benefit of getting a rare glimpse into the reality that much of the body of Christ faces. The author of Hebrews exhorted us to identify with those who are persecuted. This video from Open Doors allows us the chance to hear firsthand from a Christian in Bangladesh - to learn his story and hear from his lips how he would have us pray. Please watch the video, then review pages 132-136. My prayer for today follows the video.
http://youtu.be/NGFo26QgDP0
My prayer for today: Thank You, Lord, for the church in Bangladesh. Thank You for the creative ways that You are reaching these people and the creative guidance You are giving the church. Thank You for the ministry of Open Doors and others who are seeking to meet the needs of the persecuted. Lord, the persecuted in Bangladesh are part of the body that is hurting. We are not complete without them. We hurt because they hurt. We pray for this man, Lord, to stay strong in his faith until he dies, just as he asks. We pray for a deeper faith and commitment to You. We pray for the suffering church in Bangladesh - Lord, take what is meant for evil and turn it to good, so that many would be saved. (Genesis 50:20). Send angels to minister to them. (1 Kings 19:3-9). Open their eyes to see the spiritual forces at work, and the power God has unleashed on their behalf. (2 Kings 6:15-17). Deliver them to show His supremacy. (2 Kings 19:1-19). Defend the cause of truth and rescue Your oppressed. (Psalm 74:21-23. Let them live to proclaim Your power to the next generation. (Psalm 71:18) and to praise God in the presence of the saints once again (Psalm 116). Give them a strong sense of Your presence (Isaiah 43). Calm any doubts and fears, and show them the evidence that You are who You say You are. (Luke 7:18-23). Help them be aware just how strongly You identify with persecuted believers (Acts 9:1-4).Let the church in Bangladesh be strong in prayer, united, and bold; let this cause nominal believers to be "all in" and false members to be revealed; let this be a
strengthening, purifying, unifying time for the church (Acts 12:1-5). Deliver those leaders who are in prison for continued fruitful labor with their congregations (Philippians 1:19-26). Let Your Word speed ahead and be honored in Bangladesh (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2). In the mighty name of Jesus, amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment