Whereas, United States Senators (names) and United States Representatives (names) are advocates for those who have been imprisoned and otherwise persecuted for their faith world-wide; and
Whereas, these government leaders, and others who have joined them, have transcended partisanship and religious affiliation to join in solidarity on behalf of the persecuted; and
Whereas, our family members in the Body of Christ, along with believers of other faiths, suffer discrimination and injustice, beatings and torture, false imprisonment, enslavement, and death because of their faith in and unswerving commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ; therefore be it
Resolved, that we, gathered at (location), (date), in (city, state), do here express our grateful appreciation to these congressional leaders, and be it further
Resolved, that we commend those Members of Congress for whom the fight for the persecuted church has become not just an issue, but a passion; and for whom persecuted people of faith have become individuals with faces and voices, sisters and brothers; and be it further
Resolved, that we will challenge other representatives and senators to add their voices to this noble cause; and be it further
Resolved, that we hereby covenant to pray for these congressional advocates for the persecuted church, even as we pray for those whom they serve.
Prayer Dear God, whose blessed Son Jesus ever lives to make intercession for His people, purchased at a great price:
We ask your blessing upon these intercessors, these men and women in leadership who have become the Esthers of our day, using their positions of authority to be voices for the voiceless and advocates for those who suffer from injustice and persecution.
Use them as instruments for the release of captives, and for your glory. May your anointing and authority rest upon them, and may they find favor in the eyes of our government and the governments of foreign nations with whom they interact.
Protect them and their families in all aspects of their lives.
May those who see the results of the work bless and thank you, and give you the glory, and may they each come to know more fully your love for them.
In the powerful name of Jesus, the name on the lips of our suffering siblings, we pray. Amen
©Faith J. H. McDonnellDirector, Religious Liberty Program and Church Alliance for a New SudanThe Institute on Religion and Democracy, Washington, DCPermission to reproduce as desired