Friday, June 26, 2015

This week we pray for the

FAMILIES OF MARTYRS

In physical stature, he was an ordinary man. Spiritually he was a giant! Because he believed in Christ, had led scores of Muslims to the Kingdom and discipled and shepherded them, he was arrested and brought to trial. In court, before judges, lawyers and the public, he proclaimed the Kingdom of Christ with power and courage. Never had that group of Muslims heard the Gospel message stated so plainly, clearly and powerfully. The Muslim authorities were furious. They executed him.

Two years later, I talked with his son, a young man about 25 years old. He too is a giant who has continued to carry his father’s torch and legacy among his own people. He pastors a church and brings the lost to the Kingdom. Hundreds of thousands of Christians are martyred every year.  Have you thought of what happens to their families?  This week we will pray for them.

PRAYER

Father of the fatherless and defender of the widows (Psalm 68:5), we come to you in awe and sadness at the loss of our brothers and sisters to martyrdom. These are times of trial and trouble for your Church, but you are our merciful Father who comforts our hearts. Your consolation never fails.

I pray for the families of the heroes of faith who have paid the ultimate price for the sake of your name. They have left behind wives, husbands, children, parents, siblings, friends, and a church that seems orphaned without them. Dear God, comfort us all in our affliction and loss, and let your divine presence be our stay and support.

Visit the martyrs’ families and encourage them. They have needs—financial, spiritual and emotional. Use us, their Christian brothers and sisters, to care for them and encourage them.

May nothing separate those families from the love of Christ—no tribulation, distress, persecution, danger, loss, or death; no life, angels, or rulers… absolutely nothing! Rather, in all these things may they be more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:35-39).

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior who paid for our redemption with his own blood. Amen.

PROMISE

Will not God give justice to his chosen ones, when they cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? (Luke 18:7, Sharif Bible).