Prayer Changes More Things

“Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting Me?" Acts 9:4

Saul was traveling to Damascus on a mission to arrest and drag anyone following the 'new way' to Jerusalem. In Acts 9:1, he is described as 'breathing murderous threats' against Jesus' disciples. He was stopped by a light in the sky, and a voice asking,"Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"

He converted to Christianity on his way from Jerusalem to Damascus. Syria became known as the Cradle of Christianity, a center of early Christianity, and Christians, some still speaking Aramaic, have lived there for 2,000 years. They are persecuted widely in the Arab and Muslim world by modern day Sauls who want to exterminate them. They are being driven away from their homes. Hundreds of thousands of Christians are being kidnapped, tortured, and even crucified and beheaded. Their churches are targeted and burned. 

There is not much we can do. But I know prayer changes more things than this world thinks it can. Let us pray that these modern day Sauls get converted if not by a light from the sky and a voice from heaven, then by other miracles. Nothing is impossible with God! And He is so creative! I believe that even now, saints are arising in the persecuted areas of the world! Let us cover those areas with prayer! Let us combat the jihad against Christians with an army of interceding warriors!

Are we persecuting anyone? Probably not. But sometimes we hurt people without even knowing it. We do not think of the words we say and how we say it. I admit I am not very conscious of how I put things. I can be judgmental and unkind. I can jump to conclusions and say negative things. Being sensitive to how others are feeling is a strength we should develop. We should practice treating others as if they were Jesus. The world will be a better place.