This situation with Nigeria has overwhelmed me, and I know I'm not alone in feeling like this... The horrors of entire families and generations being systemically wiped out, all because they are Christians.
The subtle lie that can come with feeling overwhelmed, though, is that it can make us feel powerless, and so we tend to look away. I want to encourage you: do not look away. Instead, look at this horrific situation through the power of the blood of Jesus.
There is no distance in prayer, and we may be physically powerless all these miles away, but we are full of strength and power by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.
This week, stop and pray over the persecuted church in Nigeria. Imagine for a moment how much more fervently you would pray if it was your own bloodline on the line. Take communion for them and lift up the blood of Jesus as a doorpost over their villages. Pray Psalm 91 over the families and children.
With that in mind, let's charge the gates of Hell in prayer together.
How You Can Pray for the Church in Nigeria
Nigeria has become one of the deadliest places on earth to follow Jesus. This is not something we can look away from.
"Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." (Hebrews 13:3 NIV)
Last year, Nigerian Christians made up 72% of all Christians killed worldwide for their faith.
Here is how you can pray:
1. Pray for Protection and Divine Intervention
Father, we pray Psalm 91 over every man, woman, and child affected in this region. We ask You to shield Believers, pastors, and villages in the Northern and Middle Belt regions from further violence.
"Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident." (Psalm 27:3 NIV)
2. Pray for Comfort
Father, we pray for those who have lost loved ones, even their entire families. We hold up their broken hearts before You and ask You to hold them and comfort them, Holy Spirit. We weep with those who are weeping. (Photo via Pexels)
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18 NIV)
3. Pray for Justice
Father, You are the God of justice. We beseech You on their behalf and plead for their justice, Lord. Raise up those who will defend them. Raise up leaders around the world who will rise to end this evil against the Nigerian church.
"This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place." (Jeremiah 22:3 NIV)
4. Pray for Revival
God, we ask that—even through this wickedness and sorrow—You would pour out Your Spirit upon the Nigerian church. We ask that the blood of the martyrs would be the seedbed of revival. Remind the enemy that he has once again overplayed his hand!
"For He who avenges blood remembers; He does not ignore the cries of the afflicted." (Psalm 9:12 NIV)
[Read more about the Nigerian Church conflict on Breaking Christian News. Get the full story here. For the latest developments, click here.]
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Christy Johnston
Everyday Revivalists
Email:Â click here
Website:Â www.nateandchristy.co
Christy Johnston is an intercessor, teacher, prophetic voice and justice carrier. Christy's burning heart for justice and intercession has led her on a life journey of prayer, contending for major world issues. Together with her husband Nate and their three daughters, Charlotte, Sophie and Ava, Christy moved from Australia to the USA to stand and contend for America. She is passionate to raise and empower God's sons and daughters to release the Kingdom of God across the earth.
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