A prayer by the Alliance's director of prayer, Fred Drummond, for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on Sunday, 16 November 2014.

Gracious and almighty God,
We thank you for the miracle of the Church.
We thank you that the Church is made up of weak and strong,
Rich and poor, men and women and children;
People of every tongue, tribe and nation.
We thank you that we are the body of Christ, one people united through the grace, mercy and love of Jesus.
When one part suffers, we all suffer. When one weeps, we all weep. When one laughs, we all laugh.
We are mysteriously and marvellously united for eternity. Across generations and time together we are yours.
Lord of mercy we pray for all our brothers and sisters across the world who are facing persecution for your name.
We ask that your deeper, more tangible presence may be with them and that they may know you. May they know your hope and strength in the times of doubt and weakness.
Lord, may your promise that you "will never leave nor forsake" be a word of comfort.
We also ask that you may allow all who suffer for the sake of Jesus know that they are not alone or forgotten.
Soften our hearts Lord and give us boldness and creativity in finding ways to support our Christian brothers and sisters in time of trial.
Help us to pray with faith and advocate with courage for the sake of the persecuted.
God of justice we thank you for the example of those who give up all things for your sake. May they find comfort in the knowledge that you are Lord of all and that one day in Christ ,all sorrow, pain and mourning will end and prize and vindication will be found in you.

In Jesus' name
Amen