Other Prayers In Persecution

2 Timothy 3:12

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

This first scripture establishes the fact that it is God who appoints every trial and tribulation we face. Even the messengers of Satan are in subjection to the command of God, and He uses them to strengthen the character of Christ in us.

This is the mindset we all must have when we pray about the hard trials we are experiencing. Paul was persecuted probably more than any of the other apostles. He suffered many things at the hand of the enemy. But when he pleaded with God on at least three occasions, finally God responded with; “My grace is sufficient. My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

This is God’s way of introducing you to the power of the Holy Ghost. In the midst of suffering, the work of the ministry will be executed. But more than that, you will experience the awesome power of the Comforter. That power will abort any attempt of the enemy to lead you into becoming offended with Christ, due to persecution. If you can embrace this mindset, then you too will know as Paul came to know. The power of God is strong when I am made weak in the flesh.

You might find it hard to accept such truths, but unless you do, you will never experience the power of real ministry. Therefore, when we approach God in prayer during our season of persecution, we must truly agree with Him concerning the negative things we are subject to experience at the hand of the enemy.

If we truly submit to the strength of the Spirit within us, we will be kept by the power of God in the midst of hard trials. We will indeed experience the power of the Comforter and be able to rejoice in these times. This disposition will truly manifest itself in prayer. You will not be able to fake nor pretend as you enter the presence of the Lord.

But if your heart is pure before God, He will manifest Himself to and through you. Ministry will flow out of what seems to be a powerless, broken, emaciated vessel. You will be able to stand against the wiles of Satan, setting the captives free and healing the infirmities of the weak.

Acts 7:59

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Acts 16:25

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Acts 12:5

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

The above scriptures show literal examples of men and women of God in times of persecution. They all displayed steadfastness in times of physical abuse or the abuse of those they loved. In the example of Stephen, his heart was made evident; because in the midst of violent persecution, there was no guile in his mouth nor iniquity in his heart. He maintained focus on the Lord. This proves that if we are steadfast in righteousness, we will encounter the Lord’s good pleasure, and He will deliver us from all trials and tribulations. Moreover, we would have confidence that it is well with our souls.

Similarly, the apostles set forth the example of praising in the midst of abuse. When we walk in

the Spirit in the midst of hard trials, God is glorified in the presence of others. Moreover, the prayers of the righteous avails much. God is not timid to move upon our prayers once we have satisfied Him with righteousness.

Do you experience the power of the Comforter in your trials? If so, thank Him for His faithfulness. If not, ask Him for His peace.