"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." -Matthew 5:10
Spiritual persecution is the systematic attack on Christians or Christianity by a more powerful force with the purpose of choking out the growth or movement of the gospel.
And it's happening all over the world.
In places like North Korea, Iran, and nations across the African continent, believers are enduring oppression and hardship at the hands of political and religious authorities.
One African nation where this kind of persecution is especially high is Nigeria, which has been ranked by Open Doors the number 7 country in the world in hostility toward believers.
Here, churches are often bombed and burned. Bibles are often confiscated and destroyed. And those who make the decision to follow Jesus do so knowing it could cost their lives.
One of our iReach staff in Nigeria shared...
"Following Jesus in Nigeria, especially in the northern parts of the nation, is extremely difficult. Believers are constantly at risk... but God is working through it. Please pray for us!"
Prayer points for the spiritually persecuted...
- Pray for the leaders of "illegal" churches around the world, that God would strengthen them to remain bold in their faith in the face of persecution.
- Pray for those who follow Christ in secret, that they would stay strong in their desire to know him and grow.
- Pray for the softening of political policies against Christians and Christianity in places like North Korea and Iran.
- Pray for iReach frontline workers in Nigeria who face constant opposition to their work.