[Prayer] Let Them Hope for the Unseen Kingdom of God

According to Daily NK, lectures with themes such as "Young people must never rely on the power of others" and "Do not be deceived by the dazzling lights or capitalist scenes across the Yalu River in China" were recently held for members of the youth shock brigade who have been mobilized to construct large-scale greenhouse farms in the Sinuiju and Uiju areas of North Pyongan Province. These messages seem to reflect concern that young workers stationed at the border might become ideologically swayed or disillusioned and attempt to defect after seeing the prosperity on the other side.

“As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

2 Corinthians 4:18–5:1

We lift up in prayer the youth of North Korea, especially those conscripted into the shock brigades, through this Scripture. Lord, let the Good News of Jesus Christ reach those whose hearts are captivated by the glittering world they see across the river. Grant that they may not set their eyes on what is visible, but long for the invisible Kingdom of God. Help them to yearn for a better homeland and to hope in the glorious resurrection body that comes through Jesus Christ.

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.