The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is observed each year on the first Sunday of November. This special day reminds the church of the growing persecution of Christians around the world and encourages a time of concentrated prayer for those who suffer. There are presently sixty different nations of the world where Christians are subject to outward hostility, although many believers may silently suffer in many other countries. The recent situation in Afghanistan has brought the plight of Christians back to the forefront, as has the attack at the First Baptist Church in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, last Sunday.
The growing persecution toward Christians around the world has affirmed several things. One, the Bible is right. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you, when men revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against for my name’s sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12, NKJ). Satan hates the followers of Christ like darkness hates the light. To live for Christ in this evil world is to risk suffering.
Two, this is no time for compromise. Jesus declared that if anyone would follow Him, he must take up his cross, deny himself and follow boldly (Matthew 16:24). The stories of suffering from believers around the world should inspire greater devotion from everyone called by the name of Jesus. In the great battle with the devil in Revelation 12, the Bible says, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death” (vs. 11). The increase of persecution will purge the church of Christ between those who follow from the heart and those who affiliate in name only.
Third, prayer is needed. The spiritual battle in this world is on the rise. Christians find strength on their knees. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NKJ). Before He went to the cross, Jesus spent the night on His knees in the garden. The Bible states, “Men ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). This is no time to lose heart, but this is a time to redouble our efforts in prayer. Hebrews 13:3 commands us to remember those who are chained for their faith as if we were with them. Pray for their courage. Pray for their witness. Pray for their families. Pray that when the time comes and your faith is challenged, you will stay strong and honor the Lord regardless of the cost. And pray for the enemies of Christ to come to faith in Christ.