2026 July Prayer Corps

July 1st, 2026
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.

Compelled by the Gospel

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.

Running the Race to Win

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).

The Christ-followers Call

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!

PRAYER THIS MONTH

What follows is a list of nations where believers are facing intensifying persecution. Many more nations could be listed, but these are critical in this moment. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you as you pray. Give time to wait upon Him, that He may pray through you according to His best and highest desire.

1. Colombia, South America

Trafficking of every sort is becoming rampant, not just by cartels but by the general population as well; some have said the situation has regressed to the similar broken conditions of 20 years ago; violent factions are seeking control, and the government is becoming overwhelmed.

2. Sudan and Nations of North Africa, Northern Nigeria

Greatly increased jihadist violence that seeks to establish an Islamist empire (caliphate) ruled by strict Sharia law; if Christians do not convert to Islam, they will be tortured, raped, beaten and executed; those who can, are fleeing the country.

3. China, North Korea

Increased suppression of religion, especially Christianity; “Sinicization” of all religions (changing them to reflect Chinese culture and communism); rewriting the Bible to include communist principles and history, deny the deity of Jesus, with entire chapters being eliminated; it’s illegal to teach authentic Christianity or Bible truth to children and teenagers.

4. India

Rampant child slavery for ages 5-17, with 2-3 million children affected; several ministries are working to change this, and some are experiencing fruitfulness.

World MAP

  • Foundational Videos: Pray for the fruitful and swift conclusion to the latest video series on The Holy Spirit. It is many hours of Bible teaching about the Holy Spirit, His Person and Work, and includes the questions, abuses and common misunderstandings about the ministry of the Holy Spirit. We need your prayers for this timely and important series!

  • Shepherd’s Staffs: The large order for Africa is in the printing stages; rekeying multiple languages is still in process; possible new language versions in Arabic and Farsi are being explored; new countries being considered for printing this important volume.

Conclusion

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