“A Prayer for Strength: Standing with Persecuted Christians Worldwide”

O Lord our God,

You are our refuge and strength, a help in trouble (Psalm 46:1, RSV). We lift up Your persecuted children worldwide, enduring hatred for their faith in Jesus Christ.

In China, we pray for the ~30 Zion Church believers, including Pastor Jin Mingri, arrested in October 2025 under laws stifling worship. Grant them resilience or release. In Nigeria’s Middle Belt—Benue, Plateau, Adamawa—over 7,000 Christians have been killed this year by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants, with villages burned and thousands displaced. In Somalia, ~1,500 underground believers face al-Shabaab’s executions and legal death penalties for their faith, worsened by recent social media hostility. Hide them under Your wings (Psalm 17:8, RSV). Give all courage, for You said: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10, RSV).

In the West, Your children face subtler hostility—mockery, bans on crosses, and restricted worship. Strengthen them, as You warned: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18, RSV).

Shield Your Church with Your peace (Philippians 4:7, RSV). Comfort those grieving martyrs, and let justice prevail, for “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Romans 12:19, RSV). Fill Your people with hope and boldness until every knee bows to Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:10-11, RSV).

In Jesus’ holy name,

Amen.