Pray Strength for the Persecuted
Reflection
We read that the church came under intense persecution and then scattered. We are distinctly aware today of our brothers and sisters around the world who are persecuted for having faith in Jesus. We pray that they would be strengthened and know that God is with them as they seek to preach the word wherever they find themselves. Let us remember that in the Western world, having faith in Jesus can sometimes be easy but in other areas around the globe it is a challenge. We see here that when Stephen was stoned, the church was persecuted but those who were scattered preached the word wherever they went.
Prayer
Lord, we pray for our brothers and sisters around the globe who are persecuted. May they find strength and peace. We ask that you come and walk closely with those around the world who are being persecuted for the faith. Father, we pray that freedom of religion would increase and that the ability to talk about you would not be diminished. Father, we pray that your word would be preached throughout the globe today.
ACTS 8:1-4
1 And Saul approved of his execution.
And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.
Philip Proclaims Christ in Samaria
4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.