By Gigi Kotze
31/10/24
On Sunday, 3 November, the International Day of Prayer (IDOP) for persecuted Christians across the globe will be observed. The purpose of remembering this day once a year is to unite our hearts as the Body of Christ and raise our voices in support and prayer for those who are persecuted, while also increasing awareness of those oppressed for their faith in Jesus. Persecution takes many forms, such as being insulted, isolated, humiliated, discriminated against, arrested, beaten, tortured, burned, or killed.
When we think about the persecution of believers, we often view it as something strange or unusual. However, 1 Peter 4:12 reminds us not to be surprised by it, as if it were strange – it is normal, and we should rejoice because we share in Christ’s suffering. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the facts and statistics about persecution. Instead, we should honour the strength of those who are persecuted and be inspired by how God is working through them to grow His Kingdom here on earth. Hebrews 13:3 encourages us to “remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.” Even though they face hardships, we are reminded that, “We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
As we remember those who are persecuted, let us not forget their persecutors – many of whom have come to Christ because of the witness of those they persecute. May we respond as Jesus did when He prayed for His persecutors: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
There are many ways the global Body of Christ can stand with those who are persecuted. As the Bible says, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26). Here are some key ways we can respond:
- Pray: Lift up those who are suffering in prayer, asking for God’s protection, strength, resilience, and comfort.
- Raise Awareness: Share their stories to help others understand the reality of persecution.
- Give and Support: Provide financial or practical help to organisations working with persecuted Christians.
- Visit and Encourage: If possible, visit those who are suffering to strengthen them and support them.
Please join us in fervent prayer for our brothers and sisters who are persecuted for righteousness, remembering their chains (Colossians 4:18) for the sake of the Gospel.
- Pray for world leaders to take meaningful action in addressing global persecution, working towards justice and protection for those who suffer.
- Pray that those enduring persecution remain steadfast in their faith, holding on to the truth that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).
- Pray that the hearts of persecutors would be transformed by the powerful witness of those they persecute, leading them to repentance and salvation.
- Pray for believers worldwide to deeply empathise with the anguish of those being persecuted, standing united with them in prayer and support.
