International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
When? 1st Sunday in November (but dates vary across regions and organisations)
Open Doors, Release International and Christian Solidarity Worldwide are working in countries where Christians are restricted in meeting together to worship or stopped from sharing their faith openly. The war in Syria has increased the pressure on Christians in that country and across the region, while in many other parts of the world Christians risk their life to practice their faith.
A Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Almighty God, God of the silence We pray for siblings across the world who may only whisper your name in praise. May they know your presence in the quiet, silent air, yet full of faith.
God of the darkness We pray for siblings across the world only able to meet at night, in secret or even alone. May they know your creative Spirit hovering over the depths of their hope.
God of the outsiders We pray for siblings across the world, locked out of places of worship by government authorities. May they see your hand at work in the sanctuary of your creation and the signature of your love.
God of Justice, as we pray for siblings in the persecuted Church, for the freedom to worship you, help us to avoid simplistic and wrong characterisations of other faiths, cultures and people. May we see with your love, seek justice with your passion and stand in solidarity with all who seek to worship and express their faith free from fear.