Topical Bible: Persecution: Pray for Those Suffering

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Persecution is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the trials and tribulations faced by the faithful in a world often hostile to the message of the Gospel. The Scriptures provide both historical accounts of persecution and theological insights into its purpose and the appropriate response of believers. One of the most profound responses encouraged by the Bible is to pray for those who are suffering persecution.

Biblical Context of Persecution

Persecution is depicted in the Bible as an expected reality for those who follow Christ. Jesus Himself warned His disciples of the inevitability of persecution, saying, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). The early church experienced significant persecution, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, where believers were imprisoned, beaten, and even martyred for their faith (Acts 7:54-60; Acts 12:1-5).

The Apostle Paul, who endured numerous hardships for the sake of the Gospel, wrote to Timothy, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). This acknowledgment of persecution as a part of the Christian experience underscores the need for a robust spiritual response, including prayer.

The Call to Pray for the Persecuted

Prayer is a powerful tool given to believers to support those who are suffering for their faith. The Bible encourages Christians to intercede on behalf of their persecuted brothers and sisters. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul requests prayer for himself, that he might declare the Gospel boldly despite his chains (Ephesians 6:19-20). This highlights the importance of praying for strength, courage, and perseverance for those enduring persecution.

The author of Hebrews also exhorts believers to "Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them" (Hebrews 13:3). This call to empathy and solidarity through prayer reflects the unity of the body of Christ, where the suffering of one member affects all.

Purpose and Power of Prayer in Persecution

Prayer for the persecuted serves multiple purposes. It is an act of love and support, providing spiritual strength and comfort to those who are suffering. James 5:16 reminds us, "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." Through prayer, believers can invoke God's protection, provision, and peace for those facing trials.

Moreover, prayer aligns the hearts of believers with God's will, fostering a deeper reliance on His sovereignty and justice. It is a means of entrusting the persecuted into God's care, acknowledging that He is the ultimate source of deliverance and hope.

Examples of Prayers for the Persecuted

The Psalms offer numerous examples of prayers for deliverance and protection in times of distress. Psalm 91 is often cited as a prayer of refuge and safety, invoking God's protection over those in danger. Similarly, Psalm 46:1 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble."

In the New Testament, the early church's response to persecution was marked by fervent prayer. Acts 4:29-31 records the believers' prayer for boldness in the face of threats: "And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness." This prayer was answered with a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to continue their mission.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not shy away from the reality of persecution, it consistently points believers to the power of prayer as a means of support and solidarity with those who suffer for their faith. Through prayer, Christians can participate in God's work of sustaining and strengthening the persecuted, trusting in His ultimate justice and deliverance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Thessalonians 3:2
And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning Persecution
... I will tell thee, Satan; I pray; I serve ... Canticles 8:7). No, not the waters of
persecution. ... These are those suffering graces which are a Christian's armour of ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... How can we love; pray for; and do good to; those who despitefully use us? ... asserts,
that "all who live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution.". ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

Continuation of the Foregoing Argument Proofs from the Writings of ...
... therefore, both those who should suffer persecution, and He ... both suffered, and did
Himself exculpate those who had ... us, "Love your enemies, and pray for those ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xviii continuation of the foregoing.htm

Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
... and mitigate the vexation and sorrow which persecution might cause us ... For who are
we, I pray, to be witnesses of ... in suffering for the gospel than those who had ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/calvin enduring persecution for.htm

The Persecution of Diocletian.
... Pray tell me, wast thou not with me in prison ... released from prison unless thou didst
promise those that put ... ever acted a cowardly part in time of persecution. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/section 3 the persecution of.htm

Endurance of the World's Censure.
... I said just now, religious persons have by degrees been sheltered by the law of
the land from persecution, and Christ's ... You should pray for those who lead ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon x endurance of the.htm

In Reply to Marcellina, who had Asked what Should be Thought of ...
... We pray Thee, God, Creator of all things, let not ... For those whom she had joined together
with herself for ... Who, in an age of persecution, borne to the heights ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vii in reply to.htm

The Gospel Cordial
... the Christians were confined during the Decian persecution, and afterwards ... I pray
the Lord also to raise up many ... College or for the support of those who are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the gospel cordial.htm

The Foundation of the Monastery of St. Joseph. Persecution and ...
... the most Holy Sacrament, though I could not pray to Him ... made me suffer together with
all those who were ... there were not many, but they suffered much persecution. ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxxvi the foundation of.htm

Of Certain Outward Temptations and Appearances of Satan. Of the ...
... with me only because I asked them to pray, and because ... in me would glorify Him; and
that those who did ... His gifts, and prepare itself for persecution, which in ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxxi of certain outward.htm