121 Days of Prayer

In Spite of Persecution You Received the Word With Joy

The purposes of this prayer are: Spreading of the Gospel, Increased Faith and Inspiration.

Eternal Father, the faith of some Christians is so strong (their intense faith being a priceless gift from you) that in spite of persecution they still accept the gospel with joy: “We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters, beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2–7 (NRSV). Lord, please fill us with such faith as the Thessalonians had. We want to be imitators of Jesus and of the apostles in all circumstances. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.