The one thing common in news items all over the world (almost) is the amount of anti-Christianity in them! Open Doors reports that just about every major country in the world is turning hostile towards our faith in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. From state condoned violence against Christians by fanatic Hindus in India to liberalism sponsored anti-Christian laws being passed in Canada, we are witnessing tremendous persecution.

In fact, according to the United States Department of State, Christians in more than 60 countries face persecution from their governments or surrounding neighbors simply because of their belief in Jesus Christ (via Open Doors).

So much so that Pope Francis ended up saying, “Nowadays, persecution of Christians is stronger than it was in the first centuries of the Church, and there are more Christian martyrs than in that time.”

Here’s a prayer I was inspired to write that might help you pray through these tough times:

Lord we pray for authentic conversion

In the hearts of those who govern this nation

That your love breaks through evil and ignorance

And brings forth Your freedom from the darkness

To every lost soul in need of deliverance

May we become authentic witnesses

Stepping out in compassion and faithfulness

Flinching not in the days of persecution

That we embrace death with hope and gladness

If dying for You is Your will for us

As seen throughout your church’s history

May the blood of martyrs be the catalyst

For Your Kingdom to increase in territory

That all may come to know Your glory

And Your Cross stands in ultimate victory

Amen.

Remember, the Lord always brings out the best from us during persecution. Let’s continue worshiping expecting a greater season of harvest to come. The more the world pulls us down, the more we must lift Jesus up. Hallelujah.