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Blessed are the Persecuted!

The most persecuted religious group in the world today are Christians. And in this present age of escalating persecution, millions of Christians have no safe spaces. That's why, now more than ever before, it is critically important that we stand in solidarity with our Christian family. Even when we are unable to give tangible support, we can take our prayers to the All-Mighty God. So, on this International Day of Prayer (IDOP), let's unite in prayer for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ.

by William L. Nowell

International Days of Prayer (IDOP) 2021

  • Mark your calendars:
    • International Days of Prayer (IDOP) for the Persecuted Church:
      Sunday, November 7 & 14, 2021

Yeshua (Jesus): “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My 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 NKJV)

It seems counterintuitive to think of the persecuted as blessed, but according to Yeshua (Jesus), they are indeed blessed. Even though Yeshua (Jesus) assures us that the reward of the persecuted is great, it is a future reward stored up for them in heaven. So what should our attitude be concerning our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ in the here and now? The scriptures tell us:

  • If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (1 Corinthians 12:26-27)
  • Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. (Hebrews 13:3)
  • Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:9-10)

But what can we do to alleviate the suffering of our Christian family? The problem is massive, impacting hundreds of millions of people, many of whom live in far distant lands. Naturally, many of us feel frustrated and helpless, as though we are unable to do anything. But, there is one thing we can do, we can all pray. And we know that "the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (James 5:16) Hence, the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) exists for the purpose of uniting Christians in prayer for our persecuted brothers and sisters

Around the world, there are an estimated 340 million Christians experiencing high levels of persecution for their faith. Persecution comes in many forms including, intimidation and harassment, discrimination, physical assaults, kidnapping and imprisonment, and worse yet, martyrdom. In fact, on average 13 Christians are killed daily simply because of their faith in Christ.

The World Watch List is an annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution. You can download and use the World Watch List 2021 to help focus your prayers for the persecuted. And to further target your prayers on specific Believers who are suffering under the weight of persecution, visit I Commit To Pray .

Suffering Church Action and Awareness Week

Suffering Church Action and Awareness Week (SCAAW) is a ministry of Barnabas Aid . This year, SCAAW begins on Sunday, October 31, and ends on Sunday, November 7. SCAAW is the perfect time to advocate for and commit to giving tangible aid to suffering Christians around the world. Let's always remember Galatians 6:10 which tells us to "do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of Believers."

News and Information

Ministries to the Persecuted

Related Articles

Below is a list of previous IDOP articles and related topics.

We are ONE in the Lord

“After this, I looked, and there before me was a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9) Yes, one day we will stand before the throne of God along with our brothers and sisters in Christ from every nation, tribe, people, and language. We are one family—a family so massive that no one can number it.

The International Day of Prayer is a time for Christ's followers from every nation, tribe, people, and language to unite in prayer for the persecuted church. And on this IDOP let's especially remember Christians living in Afghanistan. Afghan Christians, like sheep thrown to wolves, must live in hiding or flee the country; otherwise, they will be slaughtered by the Taliban.

The International Day of Prayer lasts only for a day, but for millions of Christians, persecution is a reality 365 days of the year. So after IDOP has come and gone, let's continue to offer petitions, prayers, and intercessions on behalf of the persecuted. And let's always give thanks for those who remain faithful even to the point of death, knowing their reward is the crown of life.

IDOP 2021
Three Crosses