A Prayer for Secret Believers
Lisa (not her real name) lives in South East Asia. She became a Christian through the witness of a friend who could see the struggles she was going through. “My stepfather is an Imam," she says. "If my parents found out about my belief, then I am sure that he would alert the authorities. There is a law in Islam that restricts us from converting or having the freedom to choose our own belief, so, the authorities will come for me,” said Lisa.
Lisa attends secret Bible studies. She has to hide her Bible, not play worship music or express her faith in Jesus freely at home. She longs for the day when she can share her faith with her family.
When asked how she manages, Lisa shares this verse from Deuteronomy 31:6. ‘Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God who goes with you, will never leave you nor forsake you.’
"The last part means a lot to me," she says. "I"t has helped throughout this journey, and I want to just share that with everyone. Remember that God will not forsake you, He will not leave you’”.
A prayer for secret Believers
Lord Jesus,
Be with all Your disciples who are under suspicion,
all Your followers who are being followed,
whose lives are lived against a background hum of fear.
Give comfort and courage to the watched and the whispered about,
the spied upon and the shadowed,
those who have to hide their beliefs,
disguise their actions,
and watch their steps.
Refresh and renew those exhausted from the need for constant vigilance.
Protect all those who gather in secret.
Strengthen the underground networks of believers around the world.
Give wisdom to their leaders, so that they know whom to trust, when to speak and when to stay silent.
Thank You for their faith and perseverance, and for the courage of those who, despite the penalties for being caught, still try to share Your truth and love.
Amen.
