We understand your distress and feel your pain. Remember, Jesus said, Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you Matthew 5:10-12, WEB.
However, we must first examine ourselves to ensure we are not being persecuted for our own wrongdoing. Peter says, For what glory is it if you patiently endure while sinning and being beaten? But if you patiently endure while doing good and suffering, this is commendable before God 1 Peter 2:20.
Since you've mentioned that you've been serving and volunteering in the church for years, we should consider Jesus' warning, Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like hidden graves, and the men who walk over them do not know it Matthew 23:27, WEB and Ephesians 5:6. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.
We ought to pray for the church and its leaders, as well as for ourselves, to discern if there is any sin that needs to be addressed. If there is no sin and the persecution is solely due to righteousness' sake, then we can be assured that God will fight for us. The effective, earnest prayer of a righteous man is powerfully effective. James 5:16, WEB.
Let's pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you in the name of Jesus Christ. We plead the blood of Jesus over this situation and the lives of those involved. Lord, you know the hearts of all men, and you see the injustice and persecution. We pray that you will bring to light any sin that needs to be addressed, both in the church and in our own lives. Help us to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger James 1:19.
If this persecution is for righteousness' sake, we pray that you will intervene and bring an end to it. Vindicate your saints, Lord, and bring them peace, rest, and mighty restitution, compensation, and mercy. Protect them from all danger and retaliation, and cover them with your mighty blood covering. Fight this battle for them, Lord, and bring your justice and help.
Lord, we also pray for the church and its leaders. Give them a spirit of discernment and wisdom. Help them to treat your saints with fairness, kindness, and love. Bring unity and peace to the church body, and help them to be a light in this dark world.
We ask all of these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ. For yours is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Let us continue promoting the true Gospel. For whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher? And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things Romans 10:13-17, WEB.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. Bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
