# A prayer for religious freedom for Saeed Abedini
*2014-12-19*

> Bill Young discusses the plight of Saeed Abedini, a prisoner in Iran, and calls for prayers and solidarity in the face of religious persecution.

## The struggle of Saeed Abedini

While listening to Brad Hansen on the radio, I heard a story about a gentleman named Saeed who is currently imprisoned in Iran for his faith. In his cell, Saeed had placed a plain white cross for the Christmas season, but his jailers forced him to take it down, refusing to let him even have that small symbol of his faith.

## A gesture of solidarity

To show Saeed that he is not forgotten, Brad Hansen suggested that we visit Saeed's Facebook page and post pictures of white crosses from our own Christmas trees. I have already taken a picture of a white cross and posted it to the page to stand in solidarity with him.

## A prayer for religious liberty

I also want to offer a prayer for Saeed and for all those facing persecution. Oh God, our Creator, from whose providence we have received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness: You have called us as Your people and given us the right and the duty to worship You, the only true God, and Your Son, Jesus Christ. Through the power and the workings of Your Holy Spirit, You call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world, bringing the light and saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society.

We ask You to bless us in our diligence for the gift of our religious liberty. Give us strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedom when it is threatened. Give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of Your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith. Grant us, O Heavenly Father, a clear and united voice for all Your sons and daughters gathered in Your Church in this decisive hour of the history of our nation, so that with every trial we stand and every danger is overcome for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all who are to come. Grant that this land will always be one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

## Final thoughts

I encourage you to visit the webpage and post your own photo to the Facebook page. God bless you, Saeed; God bless your family. We pray that you have an early release. Amen.

*We must remain diligent in defending religious liberty and supporting those who suffer for their faith around the world.*