One of the great truths God continues to impress on us is just how much prayer matters. Scripture makes it clear that prayer is not optional; it is the lifeblood of our faith and the strength of the church. It matters when we pray, and it matters when we don’t.

The Bible reminds us that neglecting prayer carries consequences. James wrote, “You do not have because you do not ask God” (James 4:2). When we don’t pray, needs go unmet, spiritual strength fades, and others are left without the covering of intercession. Samuel even called prayerlessness a sin against the Lord (1 Samuel 12:23). To ignore prayer is never neutral, it always costs something.

But isn’t it great to know that the opposite is true as well? When we do pray, God moves.

Two dozen men were arrested in a very closed country, just for being Christian, and sentenced to be executed. We sent out a prayer alert asking our people to pray for their release, and within a very short time, all 24 men were released. God answers prayers!

We also heard from a brother who was imprisoned in the Middle East for leading underground Bible studies. Later, he told us, “During my darkest nights, I felt a peace I cannot explain. I knew the church was praying for me; that was my strength.”

These stories remind us why prayer is at the very heart of Living Stones’ mission. When you pray, God provides. When you pray, He strengthens His children. When you pray, revival spreads - even in the darkest places.

This fall, we have a special opportunity to stand together for the persecuted church during the International Day of Prayer (IDoP) on November 2, 2025. We are asking churches to set aside time that Sunday to pray specifically for our brothers and sisters in hostile regions. To help, Living Stones has produced a short 3-minute video you can show in your church or small group. (go to our website to download it) Imagine the encouragement believers in the Middle East and North Africa will feel, knowing thousands of congregations are lifting them up on the same day!

Your prayers matter. They matter when you offer them, and they matter when they are absent. How will you matter?

Thank you for standing with us in this mission and for standing with those who suffer for the name of Christ.

Praying with you,

Brother Dave
A Servant to the Body of Christ