Day of Prayer for Persecuted Church
2027-11-07
The Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is an opportunity for individuals and churches across the Southern Baptist Convention to unite in prayer for our brothers and sisters around the world who are persecuted for their faith. When we pray for persecuted believers, God uses their witness to inspire gospel transformation among the lost.
Will you join us in praying?
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Orphans and Widows Sunday
2027-11-14
Orphan and Widow Sunday reminds us to align our hearts with the call to practice true religion (James 1:27), caring for orphans and widows. Here are three ways a believer can be mindful of them throughout the year.
Be Near to the Brokenhearted
Scripture tells us clearly that God is close to the brokenhearted (Ps. 34:18). So, those of us who choose to imitate Christ know that being Christlike means that we should be close to the brokenhearted as well, and this includes caring for orphans and widows in our communities. The local church has the profound opportunity to be near to the brokenhearted over a long period of time. Whereas it is hard for one individual to carry the weight of being near all the time, there is strength and stability when a group of people dedicate themselves to those who are suffering, whether to widows in our communities or children placed in foster care.
Make Service a Way of Life
When we look at Scripture, it is undeniable that serving those in need is a critical part of the believer’s life. And so, we don’t merely give lip service to orphans and widows this Sunday, we find ways to serve them throughout the year and practice the biblical call to a lifestyle of service.
Cover Them in Prayer
In addition, prayer should always undergird our care for the widow and orphan. Prayer is never an empty sentiment in the believer’s life. Instead, it’s a powerful tool to advance God’s Kingdom in our world, and so we pray big and audacious prayers over the orphaned and widowed. We pray boldly, “Thy Kingdom come,” with all its restoration and redemption, “on this earth as it is in heaven.”
A Prayer for Orphan and Widow Sunday
God, we thank You that You are a Father to the fatherless and near to the brokenhearted. Open our eyes to see the needs of orphans and widows around us, and teach us to love them not only with words, but through faithful action and prayer. Strengthen your Church to draw near with compassion and to reflect the hope of Christ in our communities and around the world, so that orphans and widows may experience your steadfast love through the care of Your people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Week of Prayer for International Missions and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
2027-11-28 - 2027-12-05
Week of Prayer for International Missions
Southern Baptists observe a Week of Prayer for International Missions each year before the annual Lottie Moon offering emphasis. Will you join your heart with others to pray for missionaries around the world who are faithfully sharing the gospel?
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®
Every year, Southern Baptist churches collect an offering to send and support missionaries to be steadfastly present among those who have never heard the gospel. 100% of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® enables gospel transformation among the unreached.
In 1873, Lottie Moon was appointed as a missionary to China. She spent nearly 40 years sharing the gospel with love, courage, and unwavering faith.
Her letters home inspired churches to pray and give, leading to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. Today, this offering supports missionaries and helps take the life-transforming message of Jesus to the nations.
Let’s honor her legacy by praying and giving so others can hear the hope of the gospel.
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Photo courtesy of IMB.
