I Have A Sister In Iraq

This is the letter “N” in Arabic. I read that this symbol is being used to brand Christians in Iraq who are being persecuted and murdered by ISIS terrorists. They are using the letter “N” because it stands for Nazarene...remember, Jesus was from Nazareth.  I read about this today and it hit me pretty hard because I grew up going to Nazarene churches, participating in Nazarene youth events, and I even attended a Nazarene University.  I've had tons of t-shirts over the years that have said Nazarene on them...our youth group was even called CLUB NAZ....and a bunch of my girlfriends my freshman year of college had shirts made that said Olivet Nazarene University on the front and  "Not Your Average Damsel In Distress" on the back.  

I NEVER HAD TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT WEARING THAT TITLE.

BUT, I HAVE A SISTER IN IRAQ.  

Gracious Father,
you are our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
We ask that you would protect
our brothers and sisters around the world
suffering for the Name of Jesus.
Please be with Christians in Iraq
as they flee from persecution,
and face horror unimaginable.
Comfort them in their grief with your presence,
deliver them from evil.
Give wisdom to world leaders responding
to the Islamic State.
As you provided for your people
wandering in the wilderness,
provide Iraqi Christians with their needs.
Enable emergency relief to be received
swiftly and without hindrance.
Thank you for the forgiveness of sin found only in Jesus,
may all of your people know of this provision
and cling to the Cross of Christ.
Thank you that neither death nor life,
nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come,
nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate your people from
your love in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Give Iraqi Christians and all Christians,
by the work of your Holy Spirit,
the strength to endure to the end, looking to Jesus,
the founder and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is seated at your right hand.
We ask these things knowing that you can do
immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
Be at work for your glory and the good of your people.
In Jesus’ Name we pray,
Amen.

(This prayer was written by Dave Miers)