Pray with the global church

Lord of Hosts, we remember the faithfulness of Polycarp and others who stood firm under trial in ancient Rome, where their loyalty to Christ met fire. Establish Your church today in every place where it faces opposition, that it might shine as a city set on a hill. Strengthen believers facing tests of loyalty, and let them not grow weary or faint-hearted as they hold onto truth amidst worldly pressures. Silence the voices that seek to intimidate Your people. Turn the hearts of rulers and those who oppose You; let them see the light of the knowledge of Your glory in the face of Jesus. Guard Your church from fear, and let endurance root deeply in Your people through the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. May Your kingdom come in greater measure among us. For Your glory and by Your power we pray. Amen.