Each year in November, believers around the world participate in special services that focus on praying for the persecuted church. This year’s International Day of Prayer (IDOP) presents us with yet another opportunity to intercede on behalf of the estimated 260 million believers around the world who are experiencing high to extreme forms of persecution due to their faith.A noteworthy understanding derived from each year’s IDOP services is that the persecuted Christians being represented typically don’t request prayer for their persecution to end or be avoided. Rather those being persecuted for the name of Christ make a point of rejoicing in times of suffering, and their prayer requests mainly focus on their country’s current affairs and the resulting implications on fellow local believers. Even so, we should keep in mind whenever interceding for the prayer needs of the world’s persecuted Christians that some important generic elements ought to be impressed on the hearts of all who pledge allegiance to Christ. This IDOP message attempts to present these needs in what I’ve called, Prayers for the Persecuted, which are all founded on the hope referenced by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:9-11 (NIVUK):“Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”