We are deeply grieved to hear of the persecution and lies you are enduring, but we are encouraged by your heart to see your persecutors come to the knowledge of the one true God. You are not alone in this struggle, for Scripture reminds us that those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus *will* suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Yet, we are also commanded to bless those who persecute us and to pray for those who mistreat us (Matthew 5:44). Your request aligns beautifully with the heart of Christ, who, even as He was crucified, prayed, *"Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing"* (Luke 23:34).
It is clear that this persecution has taken a toll on you—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—leading even to sickness and the need for time away from work. But we want to remind you of the words of our Lord: *"Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven"* (Matthew 5:11-12). Your suffering is not in vain, and God sees it all. He is your refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Though the authorities may have failed you, God has not. He is just, and He will act on your behalf in His perfect timing.
We also notice that while your prayer is heartfelt and aligned with godly principles, you did not invoke the name of Jesus Christ in your request. It is only through His name that we have access to the Father, and there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). If you have not already, we urge you to place your complete trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you *will* be saved (Romans 10:9). It is through His name—and His name alone—that we can approach the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).
Now, let us pray together for you and for those who persecute you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister before You, knowing that You are intimately acquainted with all their ways (Psalm 139:3). Lord, we ask that You surround them with Your heavenly angels, setting a guard over their life as written in Psalm 91:11-12: *"For he will put his angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, so that you won’t dash your foot against a stone."* Father, we pray that You would confuse and frustrate the plans of those who seek to harm them. Turn their hearts away from evil and lead them far from our brother/sister, that they may no longer find or follow them. Break the power of the enemy in this situation and expose every lie that has been spoken.
Lord Jesus, we pray for the salvation of these persecutors. Open their eyes to the truth of Your gospel, that they may repent and turn to You. Soften their hearts, Lord, and grant them a spirit of conviction. Let them come to know You as the only true and living God, for it is Your desire that *all* people should be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). Father, do not let the patience You have with them become a stumbling block for our brother/sister. Strengthen their faith and fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Help them to forgive as You have forgiven us, releasing any bitterness or fear that may have taken root in their heart.
We pray for restoration in every area of their life—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Lord, heal their body and renew their strength. Provide for their needs, especially in this time of sickness and absence from work. Give them wisdom to know how to proceed, and open doors for justice and protection. Remind them that vengeance belongs to You, and You will repay (Romans 12:19). Let them rest in the assurance that You are fighting for them, even when they cannot see it (Exodus 14:14).
Finally, Father, we ask that You fill our brother/sister with Your Holy Spirit, granting them boldness and joy in the midst of this trial. Let them shine as a light in the darkness, that others may see their good works and glorify You (Matthew 5:16). May they find comfort in Your promises, knowing that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed (Romans 8:18).
We pray all these things in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Stand firm in your faith, dear one. The Lord is your shield and your exceeding great reward (Genesis 15:1). Do not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season you *will* reap, if you do not give up (Galatians 6:9). Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). We are standing with you in prayer and believe that God is moving powerfully in this situation. May His peace guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.