DEVOTION / Pray for the People of China
Lord, kindle an awareness in us
Hark, the Voice of Jesus Crying reverberated through our church. I was once again struck by how that hymn encourages believers to use their specific gifts to share Jesus.
316NOW strives to reach our Chinese brothers and sisters. Over a billion souls are at stake, not only on mainland China, but around the world. It has become increasingly challenging to share the Gospel message there, but we know the Holy Spirit continues his work.
We can consciously add them to our prayers
Few of us can actually do this work in person because of current restrictions. Still, we can offer our monetary support to this crucial need. Today, I encourage you to pray for the people of China and those seeking to serve them.
Our Savior call us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We are assured that when it comes to the gift of salvation all things are possible (Matthew 19:26) . . . even when it might seem impossible to us. Consider the great need!
China – with its billion-plus population – is a rising world power. Its government is politically oppressive. Harsh laws and punishments are imposed on its citizens. Its human rights record is dismal, and its foreign policy seems increasingly war-like. Freedom of information is limited and under government control. Pollution is at crisis levels, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths, illnesses, and birth defects annually. Scandals, greed, and bribery are widespread in government and business.
Pray for God to change hearts and show mercy to those suffering in the current situation.
Pray for China’s leaders to make decisions that are beneficial for the health and future of the country and its people.
Religiously, China is officially atheist. Atheism and unquestioning allegiance to the Communist party and President Xi is part of the educational system. Buddhists number in the millions. Yet, Christians now number in the millions as well. Oppression of religious minorities and political dissidents is common.
Chinese people need God’s truth, his love and his forgiveness
Pray that God's truth expose hollow and deceptive philosophies.
Pray that Jesus – the Light of the World – be revealed to dispel the darkness.
Pray for those wrongly mistreated.
Social and health care needs are overwhelming. Millions suffer with tuberculosis, HIV, and diabetes. Drug-abuse is rapidly increasing. Over 350 million smoker smoke more than two trillion cigarettes annually (average of 16 a day). China has the highest suicide rate worldwide. Divorce rates are sky-rocketing. One-fifth of all the world's disabled people are Chinese.
Pray for Christians to share the love of Jesus with the sick, the suffering, and the dying.
Pray for hurting families to learn of the healing power of God's Word.
Pray for God to raise up caring workers to serve in these opportunities of great need.
Pray for the vulnerable, the helpless, and hopeless – the orphans, refugees, and those living in poverty.
Pray for justice and fair treatment for all being wrongfully mistreated and endangered.
So many needs. So many opportunities. Lord, lead us to pray without ceasing for your Word to save precious souls!
by Dave Payne