“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10 (NIV)
Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. And while I’ve been all around the globe and met persecuted Christians from many different countries, the people of North Korea will always have a special place in my heart.
For decades, North Korea has been one of the most dangerous places for Christians. Being caught following Jesus can mean death. They must worship in secret, and owning a Bible is a crime that can lead to years in one of North Korea’s infamous labor camps.
Please pray that the underground church in North Korea will continue to grow despite the dangers
Still, these incredible believers continue to ask for more Bibles, and the underground church keeps growing!
Today, will you join me in praying this prayer for the people of North Korea?
Dear God,
I lift up the people of North Korea in prayer today.
You know their pain and their suffering. And while, of course, we want the persecution to stop, we understand that often it’s during the times of worst persecution that the church grows the most and Your people draw closest to You.
Please protect, strengthen, and encourage Your church in North Korea as they endure this persecution. Give North Koreans supernatural peace to withstand the physical and spiritual challenges they face. Remind them that You see their needs and that they have not been forgotten. Remind them of Your many promises and of the fact that Your Word says Your kingdom belongs to people who are persecuted for Your name’s sake.
I ask that you continue to spread Your Word throughout the country and let it change the lives of everyone who hears it — including the leaders and officials. Open up new ways for Your Word to safely reach North Koreans who want to know You, and touch the hearts of Christians around the globe to do whatever they can to help.
On this International Day of Prayer, I pray you will unite the body of Christ for one cause and do a great work in North Korea.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen