Seeing with the Lord’s eyes

Persecution is not an accident of history but a promised reality for those who follow Jesus. The Lord said this plainly, and His Word stands true in every generation (John 15:18–20; 2 Timothy 3:12; Matthew 10:16–23). These are not merely sentiments; they are literal, inerrant promises that anchor our expectations and shape our prayers.

Suffering believers are our family. We are one body with them, joined to Christ and to one another; their wounds are our wounds and their joys are our joys (1 Corinthians 12:26; Ephesians 4:4–6; Hebrews 13:3). Jesus declares, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (BSB, Matthew 5:10). Our prayers line up with this blessing and ask God to supply grace worthy of the calling they have received.

Why our prayers matter

God ordains both the ends and the means, and prayer is one of His appointed means for advancing the gospel and sustaining His people (Acts 12:1–17; 2 Corinthians 1:8–11). Prayer is not passive; it is obedient participation in the Lord’s work, under the sovereign hand that opens prison doors and gives courage to witness.

Our praying is also a tangible expression of love. When we remember the imprisoned and mistreated, we honor Christ and strengthen His church (Hebrews 13:3; Romans 12:10–13). As we persist, He uses our petitions to comfort, embolden, and uphold those under pressure (2 Thessalonians 2:16–17; 1 Peter 5:10).

- Obedience to clear commands: intercession “for all people,” especially for gospel advance (1 Timothy 2:1–2; Colossians 4:2–4; 2 Thessalonians 3:1).

- Love for Christ’s body: standing with those in chains and affliction (Hebrews 13:3; 1 Corinthians 12:26).

- Partnership in mission: doors opened, words given, hearts prepared (Colossians 4:3–4; Acts 4:29–31).

- Spiritual warfare: prayer in the Spirit for perseverance and bold proclamation (Ephesians 6:18–20; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5).

- Comfort and endurance: strengthening hearts to hold fast (2 Thessalonians 2:16–17; Hebrews 10:32–39).

How to pray, specifically

Specific, Scripture-shaped intercession helps us stay focused and faithful. Aim for both breadth across regions and depth for particular believers and churches.

- Endurance with joy under trial (James 1:2–4; Colossians 1:11–12).

- Uncompromising faithfulness for pastors, evangelists, and new believers (1 Peter 5:1–4; Revelation 2:10).

- Open doors for the Word and clarity in witness (Colossians 4:3–4; Acts 4:29–31).

- Protection from the evil one and exposure of plots (John 17:15; Psalm 140).

- Provision for daily needs, safe shelter, and needed documentation (Philippians 4:19; Psalm 37:25).

- Unity across denominations and ethnic lines amid pressure (John 17:20–23; Ephesians 4:1–3).

- Comfort for the bereaved and courage for the traumatized (2 Corinthians 1:3–7; Psalm 34:18).

- Wisdom for legal defense and favor with authorities (Acts 24–26; Proverbs 21:1).

- Courage for those tempted to deny Christ and repentance for those who have fallen (Luke 22:31–32; John 21:15–19).

- The salvation of persecutors and those who instigate violence (Matthew 5:44; Acts 9:1–22).

Praying Scripture over suffering saints

The safest and strongest prayers are God’s own words returned to Him. Linger over texts that shape endurance, courage, purity, unity, and hope.

“Pray without ceasing” (BSB, 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Build your intercession around passages such as:

- Psalms for refuge, justice, and courage: Psalm 27; 46; 56; 91; 142.

- Promises of sustaining grace: Isaiah 41:10; 43:1–3.

- Patterns for bold witness: Acts 4:23–31; Ephesians 6:18–20.

- Endurance in suffering: 1 Peter 4:12–19; Hebrews 10:32–39; 2 Timothy 2:1–13.

- Hope of glory: Romans 8:18–39; 2 Corinthians 4:16–18; Revelation 2–3.

Keep some verses in easy reach for repeated use. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (BSB, Romans 12:21). These short swords help when prayer must be quick and constant.

Joining prayer with wise action

Prayer ignites and guides action that serves the suffering church. The same Scriptures that fuel intercession also direct sacrificial love.

- Give strategically to trusted ministries providing legal aid, trauma care, safe houses, and discipleship.

- Supply Bibles and sound teaching in secure formats; support translation and pastoral training (2 Timothy 2:2).

- Advocate wisely with truthful reporting, avoiding details that endanger believers (Proverbs 11:13; 12:19).

- Welcome refugees; practice hospitality; help with jobs, language learning, and community (Hebrews 13:2; Romans 12:13).

- Strengthen secure communication and digital hygiene for field workers (Matthew 10:16).

- Mobilize local churches to partner with churches under pressure for mutual edification (Philippians 1:3–5).

Rhythms for home and church

Sustainable habits keep our hearts engaged long after headlines fade. Shape congregational life so remembering the persecuted becomes normal.

- Set a weekly slot in gathered worship to pray by name for a country and a church tradition (1 Timothy 2:1–2).

- Fast at regular intervals for boldness and purity in the global church (Matthew 6:16–18; Acts 13:1–3).

- Create a simple monthly prayer calendar that rotates regions and themes.

- Encourage families to pray five minutes daily for one persecuted believer or church, using a map and a verse.

- Have small groups “adopt” a country to learn, give, and intercede with accountability.

- Include regular public reading of Scriptures that strengthen perseverance (1 Timothy 4:13).

Hope that cannot be shackled

Our brothers and sisters are not defined by their chains. They are heirs with Christ, and no prison can silence the Word or extinguish the Spirit (2 Timothy 2:9; Romans 8:17–18). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (BSB, Hebrews 13:8).

God’s promises are literal, sure, and near. He will refine, preserve, and crown His faithful ones, and He will judge oppression with perfect justice (Revelation 2:10; 6:9–11; 19:1–2). We pray, serve, and stand with them until faith becomes sight.

Suffering for Christ is not outside God’s plan; it is a grace granted and a means He uses to advance the gospel and purify His church (Philippians 1:29; 1 Peter 1:6–7). The Lord reigns with unassailable wisdom and love, and He wastes nothing in the lives of His people (Romans 8:28–30).

This hope does not minimize pain. Biblical lament names evil and pleads for deliverance while clinging to the Lord’s covenant love (Psalm 13; 42–43; Lamentations 3:19–26). Our prayers can be both tearful and confident.

Praying for enemies and justice together

Scripture commands sincere intercession for enemies alongside pleas for righteousness to prevail (Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:17–21). We ask God to restrain evil, to expose lies, and to save persecutors by the same mercy that saved Saul of Tarsus (Acts 8:3; 9:1–22).

Use both gospel-centered petitions and biblical justice prayers:

- Pray for repentance and new hearts for persecutors (Ezekiel 36:26; 2 Timothy 2:25–26).

- Ask for protection of the innocent and for unjust decrees to be overturned (Psalm 82; Isaiah 10:1–3).

- Employ imprecatory psalms carefully, aligning with God’s honor and the defense of the weak, not personal vengeance (Psalm 7; 10; 94).

Civil disobedience, risk, and prudence

Scripture honors authorities as God’s servants and also commands allegiance to Christ above all (Romans 13:1–7; Acts 5:29). Believers may sometimes flee, sometimes stand, and sometimes speak publicly, always seeking to obey God both in conscience and conduct.

Guiding principles for conscience-bound action:

- Obey rulers in all lawful things; disobey only when obedience requires sin (Daniel 3; 6; Acts 4:18–20; 5:29).

- Embrace suffering without hatred when fidelity to Christ brings reproach (1 Peter 2:19–23; 4:12–16).

- Seek counsel from mature leaders; avoid rash decisions; weigh the impact on family and church (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22).

Stay secure and do no harm

Love is careful. Public sharing of names, photos, and locations can endanger lives. The prudent foresee danger and take shelter (Proverbs 27:12). Walk in holiness and shrewdness, remembering the Lord’s charge to be wise and innocent (Matthew 10:16).

- Use vetted channels for updates; sanitize identifying details.

- Protect devices and accounts; avoid forwarding sensitive stories casually.

- Ask field partners how to pray and share safely.

Flee or stand: both are biblical

Scripture permits fleeing persecution and honors steadfast witness unto death. Jesus said to flee in one instance and to endure in another (Matthew 10:23; Revelation 2:10). Paul sometimes escaped and sometimes stayed, led by the Spirit and love for the churches (Acts 9:23–25; 14:19–22; 20:22–24).

Pray for Spirit-led wisdom in each case:

- When to stay for the sake of the flock (John 10:11–13; 1 Thessalonians 2:7–12).

- When to flee for future ministry fruitfulness (Matthew 2:13–15; Acts 17:10–15).

Miracles and means

God delivers through miracles and through ordinary providence. Peter walked out of prison while James was martyred, and both events served Christ’s purposes (Acts 12:1–17). Pray for signs and wonders that attest the Word and also for steady means that sustain faith and life (Acts 4:29–31; 1 Timothy 5:23).

Hold both together in prayer:

- Boldly ask for healings, releases, and divine interventions.

- Faithfully ask for food, jobs, visas, legal victories, and healing through medicine.

Eschatology and perseverance

Scripture foresees intensifying hostility and the triumph of the Lamb. The church overcomes by the blood of the Lamb, the word of testimony, and loving not life even unto death (Revelation 12:11; 13; 14:12; 20:4). Christ will repay affliction to those who afflict and grant relief to the afflicted when He is revealed (2 Thessalonians 1:4–10).

Biblical longing steadies present labor:

- The gospel must be proclaimed to all nations, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:14).

- The Judge stands at the door, so strengthen your hearts (James 5:7–8).

- The crown of life awaits faithful witnesses (Revelation 2:10).

A sustainable rule of prayer for the persecuted

Anchor your year with simple, repeatable patterns that keep intercession fresh.

- Daily: one country, one church leader, one persecutor group by name or type; one verse to pray.

- Weekly: fast one meal and intercede through Ephesians 6:10–20 for laborers.

- Monthly: give financially to a trusted partner and write encouragement to a field worker (without sensitive details).

- Quarterly: host a focused prayer night, read a short persecuted-church biography, and adopt a new region.

- Annually: dedicate a Lord’s Day service to Scripture, testimony, and prayer for the suffering church, followed by intentional generosity.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (BSB, Matthew 5:10). “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (BSB, Romans 12:21). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (BSB, Hebrews 13:8).