3. “Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” Acts 12:5

4. Then he said to me, ‘Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.’” Daniel 10:12 The Power of Intercession

5. The Reason for Intercession “Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:27

6. Although some Christians think of the Persecuted Church as being in a distant part of the world, far from their own realm of experience, the truth is, We Are One.

7. The Christian Church is not divided into Persecuted and Non-Persecuted. “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it…” 1 Corinthians 12:26

8. Many Christians are persecuted in these ways: Serious social pressure against converting to Christianity —and persistent discrimination against those who become Christians.

9. In some countries, new Christians are rejected by their loved ones and are forced to find new homes and new jobs. Rejection by family and friends.

10. Repression from authorities. Authorities repress Christians through laws restricting religions, arrests and imprisonment of church leaders.

11. Violent attacks against Christians. Sometimes antagonism to Christianity explodes into violence. For instance, in mid-April this year, four Christians working with a Christian bookstore in Turkey were brutally tortured and killed.

12. Opposition and intimidation from other religions. In parts of the world where Christianity is a minority religion, members of majority religion groups often put pressure on Christians to convert to their religion, or to keep quiet about their faith and not evangelize.

13. Please remember our persecuted sisters and brothers in prayer. Pray for wisdom for Christians in many countries, as they minister under repressive conditions. Pray that they will rely on the Spirit of God for guidance.

14. Pray for true religious freedom in all countries of the world, and government recognition of more churches.

15. Pray that national governments will recognize true human rights and govern uprightly.

16. Pray for greater co-operation and unity to replace mistrust among Christians and denominations in some countries.

17. Ask the Lord to raise up bold and godly leaders around the world to guide the church in His steps. Pray for growth in maturity of indigenous pastoral leadership, and depth and anointing in the preaching of the Word.

18. Pray for protection for pastors, evangelists and missionaries as they share the Good News of Jesus.

19. Pray that those who turn to Christ will stay firm in their faith despite opposition from family, friends and others. Pray that family and friends will also encounter Christ in a personal way.

20. Pray that Christians may show the love, grace and forgiveness of Christ to their persecutors.

21. Pray that Christians will be united and courageous in the face of widespread and localized persecution.

22. Pray for Christians who are persecuted and in prison, that God may give them strength and boldness.

23. Thank you for praying for our brothers and sisters of the Persecuted Church. WE ARE ONE!