Heavenly Father, we lift before You our brothers and sisters in this world who are suffering because they bear the name of Jesus. You see every prison cell, every place of hiding, every tear shed in secret, and every heart that trembles under threat. Nothing is hidden from Your eyes, and no suffering is forgotten by You.

Lord Jesus, when Your children are afraid, give them courage. When they are exhausted, give them strength. When they feel alone, remind them that You will never leave them nor forsake them. When they are mistreated, keep bitterness from taking root in their hearts and fill them instead with the love, grace, and forgiveness of Christ.

Give them the faith of those who have gone before them—faith that does not depend upon comfortable circumstances, but rests firmly upon Your promises. Help them to remember that their true treasure is in heaven, that this present suffering is not the end, and that nothing in all creation can separate them from Your love.

Protect those who are in danger. Provide for families who have lost homes, livelihoods, or loved ones. Strengthen pastors, missionaries, parents, and children who must follow You at great cost. Give wisdom to those who must make difficult decisions, and open doors of escape and deliverance according to Your will.

And Father, where Your people are imprisoned, be their freedom. Where they are hungry, be their provision. Where they are wounded, be their healer. Where they are grieving, be their comfort. Where they are surrounded by darkness, let the light of Christ shine so brightly through them that even their persecutors may encounter Your grace.

Give Your Church courage not to deny Christ, hope not to despair, and love not to hate.

We pray also for those who persecute Your people. Soften their hearts, open their eyes to the truth of the gospel, and bring them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Turn enemies into brothers and persecutors into witnesses of Your mercy.

Lord, remind Your suffering children that they are not forgotten. Their prayers rise before You. Their tears are precious to You. Their faithfulness matters. And Christ Himself is with them.

Until the day when every tear is wiped away and every knee bows before Jesus, keep Your people steadfast.

May they be able to say, even in the darkest hour:

“Jesus is Lord. God is faithful. Christ is with us. And our hope is secure.”

Strengthen Your Church throughout the world, Father. Preserve the faith of those who suffer, encourage those who are afraid, and make Your people courageous witnesses to the gospel. We ask all this in the powerful and precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.