Praying for the Persecuted

I don't understand persecution. I wonder if anyone living within the United States really can. One of the most important things we can do for the persecuted preach is pray... At least that's what I've heard. My head knows that this is true - that praying is the right answer to the anguish we feel for our brothers and sisters in Christ right now. But I'll be honest - sometimes my heart doesn't feel like praying can really help. Thankfully our God is gracious and He hears me despite my lack of faith.

I believe that the Holy Spirit takes my doubts and weakness and turns them into something beautiful. But it's powerful when someone takes your anguish and your confusion and puts words to it. That's what happened to me on Sunday. Our Archbishop (remember that Adam and I are attending an Anglican church) has called the Anglican community to pray and support our brothers and sisters in Christ (especially in Iraq and Syria). Our clergy wore red in recognition of the martyrs and we prayed special prayers for those persecuted. I've been using these prayers on my own this week and I've found them extremely helpful, so I thought someone else might as well. The opening prayer is written below. If you'd like to see the call to prayer from our Archbishop or if you'd like to have a copy of all the prayers we prayed on Sunday, you can visit the website for the Anglican Church in North America.

Heavenly Father, we bring before you today the people of Syria and Iraq, asking you to be their defender and help in their time of need. Walk with them in their suffering and loss, and give them strength to face the days ahead. We pray for release of the captives, and freedom for those held hostage. We pray that you would intervene against the violence and evil your people suffer. We pray for your provision for the hungry, the homeless, and the bereaved. We pray you to aid your people who are called by your Name, Jesus' Name, and is is in his Name we ask these things. Amen.