For the past 20 years, the International Days of Prayer for the Persecuted Church have united millions of Christians around the world in the spirit that Scripture commands: if one suffers, we all suffer.
According to statistics at least 100 million Christians around the world face persecution daily. These Christians facing routine harassment and difficulties, often suffer in silence and isolation. Over the years the IDOP has served as a platform to highlight their stories and advocate their plight. It has also been a source of solidarity and encouragement to persecuted Christians by reminding them that they are part of a larger, global family of believers.
Based on Scripture we are convinced that God uses the prayers of his people to strengthen and deliver suffering saints. We invite you to join us on November 13 (some are also participating Nov. 6) as we unite globally to pray for the persecuted. Let’s pray that in spite of the pressure and persecution, our suffering brothers and sisters –where ever they may be in the world — would stand firm in their faith, holding fast to the promises of God in Christ Jesus.
Adapted from an email by the Religious Liberty Commission of The World Evangelical Alliance. For Canadian IDOP resources to help you observe this event in your church or small group, visit www.idop.ca. For more about the international history of IDOP and what’s going on in other countries, visit www.idop.org.