A Call to Prayer

In the dark they dig through houses, which they had marked for themselves in the daytime: they know not the light. For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death.- Job 24:16-17

As I read through these verses this morning, my mind conjured up images of what is currently happening in the Middle East.  The talk of marking houses reminded me that the homes of Christians in Iraq are being marked for slaughter by ISIS.  Women are being enslaved.  Children are being beheaded.  Other Christians are being threatened.  All of this from a people who claim to be involved in a "religion of peace."  The terror.  The shadow death that plagues the land.  It both sickens and angers me.  My heart goes out to these people who are suffering so much for the name of Christ, and at the same time, I commend them for their faithfulness.

Today, rather than posting a devotion, I would like to issue a call to prayer for all those around the world who are suffering for the name of Christ.  I urge you to set aside a few moments today to pray for the needs and strength of those who are being persecuted for their faith.  Your words don't have to be eloquent, nor do they have to be many, but please make them sincere.  James 5:16 promises us that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  In other words, prayer works!

So today, may we get our eyes off our own trials and place our focus of prayer on those around the world who may not see tomorrow because they have taken a stand for Christ.  Every prayer makes a difference.  Imagine what a multitude of prayers can do!