The Prayer Of Martyrs

“I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.” [1]

In this case, the woman represents a type of bride of Satan. She is a metaphor for those who are filled with the devil’s hatred of Christ and His followers. She seeks to lure people into a life of immorality and then shift the blame for their misery on the followers of Christ.

The blood of martyrs is flowing in countries like North Korea where “Christians are considered hostile elements to be eradicated.” “Yet Open Doors estimates the number of Christians in North Korea to be 300,000 strong—believers who are defying the unjust regime and following Jesus.”

Afghanistan is an “Islamic state by constitution, the country does not permit any faith other than Islam to exist. To convert to a faith outside Islam is tantamount to treason because it’s seen as a betrayal of family, tribe and country. Very often, there is only one possible outcome for exposed and caught Christians: death. In Afghanistan converts are considered literally insane to leave Islam. As a result, some may end up in a psychiatric hospital and have their homes destroyed.”

In Somalia, “in many rural areas, Islamic militant groups like al-Shabab are de facto rulers who regard Christians with a Muslim background as high-value targets—often killed on the spot when discovered.”

Remember “the horrifying video of Egyptian workers martyred by ISIS militants on the coast of Libya. The level of violence against Christians in Libya is very high, and Christians in Libya are subjected to violent, inhumane and degrading treatment.”

In Pakistan, “an estimated 700 girls and women abducted each year are often raped and then forcefully married to Muslim men in the community. Occupations seen as low, dirty and derogatory are officially reserved for Christians.” [2]

Other countries where persecution against Christians is strong include Nigeria, Eritrea, Sudan, Iran, Yemen and some parts of India. Let us pray for them. We can pray the martyr’s prayer recorded in Revelation 6:10...

“How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”

“These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” [3]

The Lamb of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, wins the final battle. He has said to us His people, “He who touches you touch the apple of His eye.” [4] “The tyrant dies and his rule is over, the martyr dies and his rule begins.” [5]

[1] Revelation 17:6
[2] Opendoorsusa.org
[3] Revelation 17:14
[4] Zechariah 2:8
[5] Quote by Søren Kierkegaard