Blessed are the Persecuted

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 5:10

Father,

I do not like the idea of these children suffering persecution. However, I also realize that the only way to have any possibility of avoiding persecution is to never stand up for anything. For as sure as we stand up for any cause, persecution of one variety or another will happen.

So, as I have prayed that these children stand up for justice and against oppression, that they stand up for their faith in you, and that they seek to make a difference in their community and in their church, I realize that I am,  thereby, praying persecution into their lives. But I would have it no other way. I pray that their sphere of influence be greatly increased and that they, through your power working within them, choose to live an extraordinary life for causes that matter. I pray that you give them strength, patience and endurance to withstand the persecution that will come with the territory. I pray that you help them see that persecution and hardship is a natural cost of living a life of significance and that their only alternative is to waste the life you have given to them. The cost of leadership is high - higher yet is the cost of failing to lead, as I often say.

I then call on your promise that these children will inherit your Kingdom - inherit it both eternally, but that also they are able to fully participate in the Kingdom in this life. May the power of your kingdom sustain them.

Amen