2026 July Prayer Corps

Last month, we wrote regarding the global rise of persecution against Christ-followers. This upward trend has existed for more than 2,000 years.

Historically, it was often church leadership who were the focal point of the worst persecution. Paul the apostle was one of them, and you can read about his intense suffering for the cause of Christ in many passages of the New Testament.

As much as he suffered, Paul was not a hapless victim. He knew that preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ was his singular purpose (1Cor 9:16), and was undeterred by the great personal cost. The Bible gives insights into Paul’s inner motivations (1Cor 9:22-26), and uses the backdrop of the Greek Olympic games to reveal some profound truths.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it (9:24). This verse captures a glimpse into the Holy Spirit’s work in and through Paul’s life.
     
What did Paul mean when he wrote about, “winning the race?” He explains that everyone will run the race of life. All will run, but not all will win. Some may win, but their success is in vain endeavors, empty pursuits or worldly goals.
     
For Paul, the race was not just about crossing the finish line first, but how the race is run: Run in such a way… (v 24). In other words, regardless of your perceived position, always run like you are reaching for the prize of Christ’s upward call (Phi 3:14).
     
The win for Paul was obedience to the Lord’s call, which for him was to bring as many across the finish line with him as possible who had received Christ’s salvation!
     
Paul had an uncompromising will that was fully committed to seek, to follow, to obey the Holy Spirit in winning the lost and to encourage other believers to do the same. Paul declared of himself: I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some (9:22).

Every believer has essentially the same call and mission: to preach, share, demonstrate, pray, serve, love and give in every situation we find ourselves in this race of life. This enables us to bring as many others to a saving relationship with Christ as we possibly can, and to help others do the same.                    

Here is some of what you can do:

• Pray for unsaved people you know, or whom you may encounter.
• Give much thought and prayer as to how you can share the Gospel with others, from simple acts of service to full conversations.
• Ask the Lord of the Harvest to arrange holy moments and divine appointments with those who need prayer or to hear the Gospel.
• Be extra sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to the needs of those around you. Ask for words of wisdom or knowledge about what they may genuinely need.
• Remember that you cannot save anyone, but that you are to be an available vessel for the Holy Spirit’s use in reaching others. Ask for signs and wonders to follow your sharing of the Gospel as you pray for others.

   
You and I have the only message that can save, heal, deliver, and bring lasting peace, hope, joy and transformation to the lost and broken of this world. You are a called and chosen messenger, so be faithful (Rev 17:14) to do all you can to gain the prize of Christ’s upward call!

This nation, once primarily Christian, has become a chess piece in the violence of the Middle East. Lebanon has become the home of Hezbollah, a terrorist proxy supported and directed by Iran for more than four decades. Christians are praying for a lasting peace that goes beyond a temporary cease fire while Hezbollah re-arms. Multiple surrounding nations are also becoming involved in the situation.

Please pray for:

• A permanent solution that brings true peace to Lebanon.
• A removal of Hezbollah from Lebanon, and the permanent dismantling of Iran’s proxy terrorist network.
• Protection for Christians who are being persecuted, as well as for the general population of Lebanon.
• A strong Gospel witness to continue to be shared among the people, especially Muslims – and for signs and wonders to accompany the preaching of the Gospel.

Anti-conversion laws continue to spread across India, allowing radical Hindus to attack, imprison and persecute Christians. In much of SE Asia, the strict laws and religious customs prohibit Christian evangelism and the growth of churches.

Please pray for:

• Boldness, wisdom and sustaining grace for Christians in these nations.
• Changes in the governments and laws that give freedom to share the Gospel.
• The binding and casting down of demonic strongholds and spirits seeking to quench the light and life of Christ.

Jesus is the Lord of the Harvest and we all are His chosen laborers. He will one day soon return for His own, so let us greet His appearing with a mighty, cheering crowd of all those we have brought across the finish line with us!

Until all have heard,
Dr. Frank and Wendy Parrish, World MAP Executive Directors