In parts of the world where Christians face daily persecution, church leaders are often under immense pressure to lead their congregations.

Lord, we ask You to grant Your gifts of love, wisdom and faith to church leaders around the world as they lead their churches in the face of persecution.

This week, please:

• Give thanks for church leaders who speak up for religious freedom and justice.
• Pray for church leaders in countries where religiously motivated violence tears communities apart.
• Ask God to sustain and encourage church leaders who are in prison today because of their faith.
• Pray for those who, at risk tothemselves, lead communities of secret believers or welcome apostates into their congregations.
• Ask God to protect church leaders in Cuba who are being increasingly outspoken on religious freedom issues.
• Ask God to give churches the opportunity to contribute positively to society in countries being ruled by repressive regimes.
• Lord, we ask You to change the hearts of leaders in countries such as China and Cuba, so that they would see the benefits that Your Church can bring to their nations.
• Ask God to enable church leaders to help build bridges across faith communities, particularly in countries where Muslim and Christian relations are increasingly tense.
• Ask God to equip church leaders with all they need to support their congregations in the face of persecution.
• Pray that church leaders in the UK would encourage their congregations to support the persecuted Church in prayer.