Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. Acts 12:1-5

We shared last me that Persecution is neither new , nor unheard of. Persecution of God’s people is (a) as old as Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:4-8), and (b) should be expected by all who seek to be godly (2 Timothy 3:12)

We shared also that we must remember and pray for our persecuted brethren around the world—especially since we suffer so little if at all! Here are a two tips that help me to remember them and to pray for them.

First, set a daily alarm to remind you to think of and pray for them. Set it for a time when you are not likely to be too busy to stop and pray. The best time for me is when I am having my quiet time. Maybe put a reminder note on the front of your coffee pot. Then pray either as you wait for the coffee, or immediately when you sit down to drink it. Set up a daily email to yourself to pray before you check other emails. Some might pray just before bed —as long as you are not too tired!

Second, if you have a smart phone get the “Voice of the Martyrs” app (available wherever you get your apps). It is gives a brief daily update on persecution in a different country every day so you can pray specifically.

What if you don’t do this every day? Though every day is optimum, even if you do this as infrequently as weekly. Weekly prayer is better than no prayer at all!