Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Today one in nine Christians around the world is persecuted. See some examples in the video below.
Let us pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters:
O MERCIFUL God, and heavenly Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men; Look with pity, we beseech thee, upon the sorrows of thy persecuted servants for whom our prayers are offered. We would ask for protection and safety, Lord, but they ask for boldness and courage to stand strong. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy; endue their souls with patience; comfort them with a sense of thy goodness; lift up thy countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
~ Adapted from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.