Each Tuesday I pray and fast for nations where Christians suffer the worst persecution around the world. This week I am praying and fasting for:
India. 1.3 billion people with 59 million Christians.
The oppressive caste system is blocking social mobility. Economic wealth is unevenly distributed. A new Hindu government (in power since May 2014 and led by Hindu hardliner Narendra Modi) is radicalizing society. All traditions of Christianity are affected by persecution in India, but Christian converts from a Hindu background and non-traditional Protestant groups are suffering most. At the top level the influence of fundamentalist Hindus has increased. Hindu radicals have started monitoring Christian activity in much detail. Many of them have planted spies in churches. Reports on pastors and church members beaten because of allegations of conversion are frequent; sometimes Christians are even killed. (World Watch List)
Prayer Points for India:
- For Christian converts to stand strong against those who are trying to force a return to Hinduism
- That hatred against Christians instigated by radical political parties may end
- That the new government of Narendra Modi will give Christians the freedom to express their faith without violence in every part of India.
India is the world’s largest democracy and the second most populous country, behind China. It is a highly diverse country, with a multitude of languages, cultures and religions. The social and political structures in India are largely determined by religion, caste and language. Despite India’s increasing presence in the global economy, the vast majority of the rural population remains impoverished. India is the birthplace of Hinduism and has the second largest Muslim population in the world, after Indonesia, with at least 14 percent of its 1.2 billion people claiming that affiliation…(The Voice of the Martyrs)
The lyrics for the song, I Have Decided to Follow Jesus, are based on the last words by an Indian man who along with his family converted to Christianity. His children, his wife, and he were executed for refusing to renounce their beliefs in Jesus. If you have the time, listen to the above song and the narrator tell the history behind the song…awesome.
Today, I prayed:
Lord, I pray for all of the believers in India who have decided to follow You, although they may wonder about their beliefs from time to time and may not have anyone to walk with them, I pray they will never turn back from following You. (Based on the lyrics of I Have Decided to Follow Jesus by S. Sundar Singh)
Join with me on Fridays to fast and pray for prisoners, according to Hebrews 13:3.
Click on to see MyGFA site.
Larry Who 
I cried all the way through that, Mr. Larry. I knew the song, but not the story. Thank you so much! I prayed from Acts 4:29-30. “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” God bless you as you fast and pray and lead us to also each week.
Debbie,
I was so surprised to hear the history of the song and, like you, cried all the way through it. Your prayer works well for today. Thanks and God bless you.
Reblogged this on Deb's Blog and commented:
I just can’t get this out of my mind and heart, so wanted to share it with you today. Please give a listen!