We often forget about a segment in society that doesn’t have the religious freedom many of us enjoy—the persecuted Church. The apostle Paul reminded us to remember those in jail and harassed for the gospel (Eph. 6:18–20). The battle for the free expression of the gospel is increasing, but prayer can bring hope for these dear Christians.
I have prayed for this segment of the Church for many years through information received from Open Doors. Then I recently discovered my ancestors were Huguenots—persecuted Christians during the 15th to 17th centuries—who were driven from France for their beliefs. Knowing my ancestry has given me a greater burden to pray for the persecuted segment of the Church. I am rekindled in spirit to lay before God the tribulations of these precious children of God.
Social media is an effective way to stir up intercession for the plight of these fellow believers (taking care to protect identity). Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms are a fertile arena for increasing awareness of the persecuted. Through the far-reaching means of social interaction, we can keep these persecuted believers in front of a vast network of friends.
One way to heighten awareness is to post needs and specific prayer requests on your page or accounts. As you speak up about the persecuted and draw awareness, encourage people to engage with you. Write out a prayer that others can pray. Start a group within a social media platform to post both requests and prayers.
Open Doors maintains a list of the prayer needs of the persecuted in 50 countries. You can use content from the Open Doors USA Facebook page by sharing their posts or adding your own requests. Then search other sites for content and photos to add. As these posts appear in your friends’ newsfeeds or other platforms, you will raise awareness and stir up prayer for those who are oppressed.
Let’s use every tool and means possible to call the Church to pray for fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
JAMES HOWARD has a heart for the persecuted and has prayed for them for years. He has a pastoral diploma and writes books, articles, and Christian poetry.
