121 Days of Prayer

Blessed Are You When People Revile You and Persecute You

The purposes of this prayer are: Salvation, Perseverance and Increased Faith.

Righteous Lord, during his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explained to his listeners that non-believers would be very antagonistic and abusive toward them, but they should nevertheless remain courageous in their faith, and even joyful because they will be rewarded in heaven: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10–12 (NRSV). Peter told the recipients of his first letter the same as Jesus told his listeners, to prepare them for what they should expect, saying, “If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of Glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker. Yet if any of you suffer as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear his name.” 1 Peter 4:14–16 (NRSV). Heavenly Father, no matter what sufferings and persecutions await us, give us the faith, we pray, to persevere through all of them as Christians. We ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.