Editor’s note: Prayer metabolizes the gospel, enacts the gospel, and transforms and empowers gospel movements. Prayer is and must be the heartbeat of China Partnership’s work to serve, train, and resource Chinese house church leaders. As believers in China face increased pressure from a hostile world and an inhospitable government, we ask you to join with us and kneel before God in praise and petition for our brothers and sisters there.
John Piper is pastor emeritus of Bethlehem Baptist Church, an author of numerous books, and founder of DesiringGod.org. This prayer comes from China Partnership’s prayer event at The Gospel Coalition 2019 in Indianapolis.
As you read, we invite you to pray with us for the Chinese church as she navigates new and uncertain times.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change, the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam. The mountains tremble with each move. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; he will help her. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; you utter your voice and the earth melts. The God of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has wrought desolation in the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear and burns the chariots with fire. The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. “Be still and know that I am God. I am exalted in the earth, I’m exalted among the nations, I am exalted in China.” (Psalm 46)
Father, you have told us that you are our refuge, and that we should not suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a wrongdoer, or a meddler. But if any of us suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but glorify God by that name. For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. And if it begins with us, what will be the outcome of those who do not obey the gospel? And if the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?
Those who suffer according to God’s will—your will, Father—entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. God, I pray that, wherever in China any is suffering, that they would entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. Let none waver in unbelief. Let none turn away from the path of righteousness, the path of faith, the path of joy. Oh, grant strength of soul, God; grant hope, grant power, grant smiles across their faces before their tormentors. I pray you would grant confidence that you work everything together for the good of those who trust you.
God, I pray that you would push back the darkness, that you would put to naught the counsel of the wicked, that you would frustrate the plans of the peoples, that you would undo the design of the Party, and grant there to be a season of liberty and release. Cause your church to flourish, cause the Word of God to run and triumph, we pray.
In Jesus’s name, Amen.
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