Pray for Myanmar
Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord predicted in Matthew that in the end days his followers would be afflicted, beaten and killed (Matthew 24:9). All of this is happening in Myanmar. I implore you to pray for your brothers and sisters believers who are being persecuted for Christ in Myanmar. Pray that they may endure these hard times to the end (Matthew 10:22). Pray that they will be filled with the love of Christ so they may love their enemies and stand firm in Christ full of courage and radiant faith (Matthew 5:44). Pray for the safety for the innocent people caught in a war zone. Christians already face oppression for their faith, sadly since February the country has been torn apart by fighting,
“Open doors have reported 100’s of people have died, been hurt, and arrested during the uprisings that have occurred since the military coup on February 1.” [1]
2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.”
Refugees Shelter in Churches
According to the Catholic Bishop, Myanmar is in turmoil with displaced people taking refuge in churches, as the fighting on May 26 escalated heavy shelling killed hit a church, and “four people, and wounded eight by violent acts.” [2] Pray that God will be their hiding place and shelter them from danger (Psalm 32:7).
“3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.”
Hebrews 13:3
Pray for the situation for Christians in Myanmar
Christians are harassed for their faith by Buddhists, but with the military coup, there is a fear that persecution will increase. Pray that our fellow believers will be blessed and will not fear the intimidation of the evil one and his followers (1 Peter 3:1-4). Seek out to God for their safety, that they will be strong and courageous in these perilous times (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Buddhism Only Religion
Buddhism is the biggest religion in Myanmar, what makes this coup hard for Christians is the military wants Buddhism to be the only religion practiced. [5] “Military rule could mean reinforced power for the dominant religion,” says Open Doors local partner, Brother Lwin*. “The military government of the past has always been protective of their Buddhist culture and tradition. This may have serious implications to the church.” [6]
1 Timothy 2:1
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all me.”
Christians Targeted
Pray that God will supply the needs of the Myanmar church because they are often barred from obtaining the necessities of life (Philippian 4:19).
Religious nationalism in Myanmar has a strong base in Buddhism as the only religion. This exclusion of other faiths is why Christians are targeted and excluded from supplies [3].
Christians Persecuted by Family and Community
We know God puts the lonely in families, and we pray for new friends for our brothers and sisters who, for the sake of Christ, are often left without family or friends when they convert from Buddhism to Christianity.
“Converts to the Christian faith often face persecution from their families and communities for leaving, or “betraying,” their families system of belief. Communities who aim to stay “Buddhist only” make life for Christian families impossible by not allowing them to use community resources such as water.” [4] We pray that the water of life our Savior will intervene and give them water to drink.
Ephesians 6:18
“18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
Free Speech has been censored in Myanmar
Pray for free speech to be restored to Myanmar. Danny Fenster, an American journalist who is “managing editor for Frontier Myanmar,” was arrested on May 24 and taken to jail for political prisoners [7]. When one person’s voice is silenced, all voices are affected because it narrows the corridor of freedom of speech for everyone. Silencing the freedom of the press is usually just a beginning move military governments make. Then comes the silencing of dissenters whose thoughts or ideas do not agree with the powers that be. These restrictions make it harder to worship God or attend church because Christian theology is against the government. Many churches are closed down, and those that are open fear retaliation from Buddhists. To live Christ brings oppression, beatings, ridicule, or even worse, being denied basic life necessities.
Elected Official Detained Since February
Pray for Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s leader, who was detained on February 1. Kyi was seen on May 24 for the first time since the military takeover and is going to court to answer charges. [8]
Romans 15:30
“Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.“
God bless you, my friends. Thank you for praying for the Myanmar church. Until next time may God keep you sheltered in the palm of His hand.
Armour Bearer
References:
1https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/stories/coup-4-million-christians-myanmar-brace-for-worst/
2https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/26/myanmar-cardinal-calls-for-end-to-violence-after-church-attack
3https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/myanmar/
4https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/myanmar/
6. https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/stories/myanmar-coup/
8. https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/24/asia/suu-kyi-myanmar-court-appearance-intl-hnk/index.html
Picture before editing:
https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/000_9AN44G.jpg?resize=770%2C513
Arsenal Of The King 
