Prayer is powerful not because of the words we pray or how fancy we speak. Prayer is powerful because of the One True Living God Christians humbly address during their times of need. Prayer is powerful because God is All Powerful and able to do anything He desires. This is why I pray, and why I think praying for the persecuted church is so important.

I remember sharing a few weeks ago that my husband distributes bibles with The Gideon's International and I can't imagine him being beaten for simply handing out the bible. Yet, we have another story that was in this weeks VOM's Canada's prayer alert about a pastor who was beaten for doing just that.

Reading the prayer alerts that I receive from VOM every week is one of the highlights of my week. I know, sounds crazy doesn't it...but it's not because reading about the persecution of saints is a constant reminder to me to remember those in chains and also to be thankful for my own religious freedom here in America.

"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus...Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Timothy 2:1, 8-10).

It's been a few days since we've highlighted some of the prayer requests that you can receive yourself, in your very own email box, just by signing up. These requests today are from the VOM Canada and VOM USA alerts. We've got a lot to pray for so let's do it gang! Please pass on this information to your friends, prayer meetings at church, etc.

The blessing of being able to talk to God anytime we want is miraculous! Have you ever really thought about that? Wow...the King of the Universe, the unconditional lover of our souls and the One we owe our very breath to...wow...amazing isn't it...

Burmese government killing Christians

Yesterday was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church and thousands all over the world prayed.

Religious freedom report indicates much prayer is needed

"And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.'" (Revelation 5:9-10)