A Prayer for Persecuted Christians

(Based on Luke 21:12, written in honor of the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians.)

God, you know
The plight of people far away
Oppressed by governments and vigilantes
In places
Where Christianity is an unpopular choice.

God, you knew
That the day would come here
When truth-telling would be despised
And siding with the oppressed
Part of the road less travelled.

Have mercy, O God,
Upon persecuted Christians there and here
Who are willing to suffer consequences
For speaking your Name
In word or in deed
In defiance or in advocacy.
Grant courage and strength
To all who would dare
To live their convictions out loud. Amen.

Additional Resources for the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians

Official IDOP resources

A Service of Prayer for Persecuted Christians