Father, if it is possible that you can take this cup of suffering from the hands of those facing martyrdom, we pray together that you would do so. But nevertheless, your will be done. We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose(Romans 8:28). You tell us to expect trials and tribulations while we are in this world (John 16:33) and that the world will hate us just like it hated you (John 15:18). You tell us about the narrow gate and path that few will find (Matthew 7:13) and that you are the one truth, life, and way (John 14:6).
May the example of these true Christian martyrs of today testify against the many false teachers of prosperity (Matthew 6:19-21), positive thinking spirituality (Collosians 2:8), “name it and claim it” (Matthew 16:24-26, 1 John 2:14), “speak it into existence” (Philippians 4:11), that are nothing short of demonic(James 4:4), self-centered lawlessness (Jude 1:4) seeking to make themselves fat and wealthy off of the ones they surround themselves with (1 Timothy 6:4-6). Lord, open eyes to recognize the hirelings (John 10:12) and wolves that are living off of those around them (Acts 20:29) instead of feeding and serving them (John 21:15). Chastise those seeking after the honor of men (John 5:44), the treasure of this earth (Matthew 6:19), and a kingdom of their own (Mark 10:44) – so they might repent, receive your Holy Spirit, and instead seek your will, your Kingdom, your righteousness (1 Timothy 5:20).
Chasten our nation that murders it’s unborn children by the thousands each day, Lord. Empower your mighty church to rise up in revival and say, “No more. We will no longer sleep in the complacency and comfort of our grand tombs that are bought with debt and oppression and wickedness of every kind and nature. Lord, we ask you to breath life and power into us to see either the repentance of our nation, or our safe deliverance out of her before the fulfillment of her pending destruction – as she follows in the ways of Jeremiah and Lamentations, of Sodom and Gomorrah, of the great flood.”
Lord, have mercy upon us for not crying loud enough from the watch tower, that more might have heard the warnings and turned away from the darkness and clung to the light. Use us still to share your Good News to those few who might yet repent and come to know the glories of your grace and mercy before their time and opportunity is past.
Lord, embolden us to stand firm and confident in the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony, and our not loving our own lives even unto death. If we must one day stand beside these martyrs for your glory and honor, may we be filled with your peace that passes all understanding. Amen.
Harold J. Ballinger 