Dec. 28, 2021
Yesterday we looked at the martyrs of Biblical times. We’re saddened by the memory and pray for them on their feast days. I think of the words from Holy Communion – “It is meet and right so to do” – and so it is.
But martyrdom has never stopped. We can find Christian martyrs today around the world. This is a link for the “World Watch List 2021”, listing those countries that kill but also physically punish and/or ostracize Christians. https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/
When you walk into church this Sunday, on the prayer list to be read at the altar, along with the names of friends and family members who need prayer, don’t forget to write “All persecuted Christians around the world”. We are all members in the Body of Christ and so they qualify as ‘family members’ for which prayer is wanted and needed. Make it a practice to list them every Sunday. Also, when you are doing your Morning and Evening prayers, where we pray “A Prayer for all Conditions of Men” -after we read “… all those who are any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate …” we add there “Especially all persecuted Christians around the world …” as well as whomever you are also praying for.
We can’t be everywhere, we can’t always send money, but we can cover them in prayer daily because God IS everywhere and He doesn’t need coin of the realm to get things done.
Dear heavenly Father, please protect and guide all persecuted Christians around the world. We ask this in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus. Amen.
Words on the Word 