Blessed Are the Persecuted — A Morning Prayer

Lord Jesus, somewhere in the world this morning,
someone is praying to You in secret.
For them, following You may cost a job,
a home, their freedom, even their life.

Be near to them today.
Give them courage, comfort and wisdom.
Protect them from harm,
and when suffering comes, hold them close.
Let them know they are not forgotten.

My own trials are small beside theirs:
a roll of the eyes, a joke at my expense,
a friend who thinks less of me for believing.
Even so, give me courage
not to hide what I believe,
and grace to answer with kindness.

You said the kingdom belongs to them.
Let me stand with them in prayer today.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

When to Pray This

Pray this when the news tells of Christians suffering for their faith and you want to stand with them in prayer. It is also for a day when someone has made fun of what you believe.

A Verse to Hold On To

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." — Matthew 5:10 (KJV)