Persecuted Christians 5
- Praying Scripture
- Aug 30, 2023
- 13 min read
Updated: Jan 10
Receive Holy Spirit Guidance
Let Your Holy Spirit help us to pray because Your Word says that we do not know how to pray as we ought but that the Holy Spirit helps in our weaknesses and makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26)
Let the Holy Spirit make intercession through and for us according to the will of God (Romans 8:27)
Let the Holy Spirit guide us into all the truth and declare to us the things that are to come (John 16:13)
Let the Holy Spirit baptize us fully as with the apostles, let tongues of Holy Spirit fire rest upon each of us and let us receive Your Holy Spirit power so that we are led by the Holy Spirit in everything pertaining to this life (Acts 1:5-8 & Acts 2:1-4)
General Prayer for The Persecuted
Lord, Your Word says that all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12), but we take hope that blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:10) and we pray that the Kingdom of Heaven would come upon all these persecuted Christians. May The Holy Spirit teach them in that very hour what they ought to say when they are brought before authorities (Luke 12:12).
We pray You'd give them the strength to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44 | Romans 12:14), and to rejoice in sharing Christ's sufferings (1 Peter 4:12-14). May they endure to the end and be saved (Matthew 10:22).
We pray that all those who have left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for Your sake and for the gospel, will receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life (Mark 10:29-30).
May those who suffer according to Your will entrust their souls to You, their faithful Creator while doing good (1 Peter 4:19). We pray that they would be faithful unto death, so that You will give them the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
We pray they would fear no evil and that Your rod and Your staff would comfort them (Psalm 23:4). We pray You'd rescue them from the hands of their enemies and their persecutors (Psalm 31:15).
We pray that the things which happen to them would actually turn out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it will become evident to prison guards and all persecutors, and to all the rest, that their chains are in Christ. Let the brethren in the Lord become confident by their chains, that they will be much more bold to speak the word without fear (Philippians 1:12-14).
Lord, let Your vengeance against the persecutors of Christians be their salvation. As they beat, kill, torture, and persecute Your Church, let them wonder who this Jesus is that is worth the lives of those they persecute. Let them wonder why these people think this Jesus is worth torture and pain. Let them look for answers as to why this Jesus is worth persecution and suffering, and in doing so, let them find You. Let them, in the midst of persecuting Christians, meet the Damascus roads that Paul met. Let the zeal with which they persecute Christians become the zeal with which they turn around, follow and preach Jesus Christ.
We thank You Lord, for Your grace and mercy that allows us to freely be Christians. May we never forget to continue praying for and supporting our brothers and sisters who don't have this freedom.
Links, prayers and references compiled from Open Doors International
Qatar [opendoors link to overview]
Opendoors Prayer Points
Thank God that so many migrant Christians in Qatar can worship Him in freedom.
Pray that native Qataris will be permitted to convert from Islam without repercussion.
Pray for native converts in Qatar, many of whom are secret Christians. Ask God to protect their faith and help them find other believers.
Open Doors' support of the body of Christ on the Arabian Peninsula by organising prayer, distributing Scripture resources and training believers and pastors.
Opendoors Suggested Prayer
Father God, thank You that the Qatari authorities exhibit some tolerance towards Christians. We pray they may allow their own people the same freedom to choose their own beliefs and practise them peacefully. Strengthen the faith of Your followers in Muslim families, especially those who feel isolated. We also pray for fair treatment and justice for exploited migrant workers, Amen.
Person to Pray For - Nadia
"The risks are very real not just for the individual but also the extended family who are shamed by association. It’s very challenging to find a church and other believers. There’s a lot of fear and mistrust. You could be talking to someone who’s not a believer but is just pretending."
Comoros [opendoors link to overview]
Opendoors Prayer Points
Please pray for Christians who find Jesus out of Islam: life can be extremely difficult for them. Pray for these believers, especially those rejected by their families and communities.
Pray that increasingly Christians will be able to worship openly, even though Islam is the state religion.
Ask God to change hearts and laws so that people in the Comoros islands will be able to follow Jesus legally even if they were previously Muslim.
Opendoors Suggested Prayer
Heavenly Father, please protect Your people in the Comoros islands. We especially pray for those who have followed Jesus out of Islam. Please help them find community that strengthens them and helps their faith mature. We ask You to change the hearts of those who would oppose Your Kingdom, and pray that You will encourage and strengthen our brothers and sisters there. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Person to Pray For - Nura
"I found Christ from a young age, so I have known and understood Jesus Christ and never allowed for anything to take me away from Him – no matter the challenges.."
Cameroon [opendoors link to overview]
Opendoors Prayer Points
Pray for Christians who have endured unspeakable violence—one incident after the other. Ask God to heal their wounds.
In the Far North region of Cameroon, many Christians have experienced repeated attacks. Pray that God will be with these hurting believers in a powerful way.
Despite the ongoing attacks on mostly Christian communities, people are coming to faith in Jesus. Pray for their faith to grow strong and that they will be well discipled
Opendoors Suggested Prayer
Heavenly Father, we pray for our sisters and brothers in Cameroon. They endure so much: violence, instability, government corruption and constant threats. Yet we trust You are with them. Will You please show Your face to your children in Cameroon in a powerful way, and grow their faith? We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Person to Pray For - Fadi Zara
"There is peace. But we have some problems. Like farming—we don’t have farms to work in. Even my husband, it’s very difficult for him. Even finding food is very difficult for me." - Fadi Zara, a believer from northern Cameroon who has endured multiple attacks from Boko Haram
People to Pray For - Pastors Mahmoud & Faida & Pastor Hamza
"I go back to my village because there are Christians there who have nowhere else to go."
People to Pray For - Rukayyatu & Community
Pray for God's sustaining grace for Rukayyatu and her family.
Pray for improved security measures in the Far North to protect vulnerable communities.
Pray that Rukayyatu’s Bible will become a daily source of nourishment to her, her family and her community: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4).
Pray for Christians in the Far North of Cameroon, that this crisis will strengthen their faith, not diminish it.
Pray that God's Spirit will make them resilient and that believers like Rukkayyatu will be salt and light in their communities.
"Nothing is more precious than the Bible among all we have received." - Rukayyatu
People to Pray For - Auristine & Husband, Women in Garoua
Join us in thanking the Lord for Auristine and her group. Today, these women— she says 90% (around 500) of the women in her congregation—find joy in these activities.
Let's pray that the Lord will keep these women growing and prepared for persecution if and when it does come.
Pray for continuous growth for their economic projects.
Pray for more wisdom for the group's leaders as they continue to extend and reach other areas.
"I thank you very much for the training, the follow-ups, the support, and I pray that the Lord will repay you a hundredfold." - Auristine
Vietnam [opendoors link to overview]
Opendoors Prayer Points
Ask God to comfort Vietnamese Christians who are oppressed, abused and attacked because of their faith.
Pray for blessing on the work of Open Doors partners as they help with Bible distribution, leadership training and more.
Pray that the believers who gather in unregistered churches will be able to follow Jesus without impediment.
Opendoors Suggested Prayer
Father God, thank You for the courage and determination of Vietnam's Christian leaders, who give everything to train and encourage their brothers and sisters in the most remote places. Please meet their needs every day, and give them joy when they see the fruit of their labours. We pray You will keep the local authorities from noticing church meetings, and make the villages places of peace. In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen.
Person to Pray For - Pastor Vahn
"The villagers and the local authorities came and beat us... one of the officials tasered me. But because God loves me, then I will love others. I do not hate the ones who persecute me; I pray for them, and I love them so."
People to Pray For - Xiong, Vang & Community
"Local church members see this cow bank as a way to reach out to their communities, share the gospel and lead others to Christ." - Xiong
"It was a miracle and a blessing from God. My family's economic situation has improved a lot. Now, my dream of serving my people has been fulfilled. I can now serve God through this project." - Vang
Person to Pray For - Mai & Rural Vietnam Bible School
"I wanted to serve the Lord, but to do that, I needed to understand the Bible clearly," she says. "Hence, I opted for this course. I am so happy that I graduate this year in December."
Pray for Open Doors' partners conducting programs like this satellite Bible school so that more leaders are equipped to lead their churches well.
Pray for the students attending this course, that they will be able to understand what is being taught and will be able to use what they've learned in their ministry.
Türkiye [opendoors link to overview]
Opendoors Prayer Points
There are some in Türkiye who seek to tie Turkish identity to Islam. Pray that there would be an openness to accepting people of all faiths as true Turks.
Ask God to draw close to converts from Islam, particularly those who are rejected by their families.
Pray that recent mass expulsions of peaceful Christians would cease.
Praise God that many believers in Türkiye can worship Jesus openly and without fear.
Opendoors Suggested Prayer
Father, we ask for true freedom of religion in Türkiye, with Christians seen as real Turks with an equal place in society. We pray against religious laws being enforced on Turkish citizens. Please protect people who find You amid in a Muslim context—give their families open hearts to hear their testimonies. Comfort and strengthen those who face fear and rejection for their faith. Amen.
Colombia [opendoors link to overview]
Opendoors Prayer Points
The peace between guerrilla groups and the Colombian government remains tenuous at best.
Pray that God would work on the hearts of warring parties and that Christians would be peacemakers.
Praise God for the faith of believers who come to faith in indigenous contexts—even if it means they will experience persecution from their communities who view faith in Jesus as a betrayal.
Pray for Christians living in areas controlled by cartels. Pray for their protection and and wisdom as they seek to follow Christ.
Opendoors Suggested Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we pray for Christians who risk so much to follow You in Colombia—especially those who live in areas controlled by rebel groups or cartels. We ask You to give them courage but also wisdom; that they would know when and how to speak, and how they can best serve You. Please, work through Your people! In Jesus' name, Amen.
Person to Pray For - David
"I'm not close to my brother, nor to my sister, and I'm estranged from my brother-in-law. Because you preach the gospel, you are no longer considered part of the family. And because you preach, you also lose the right to work in the community. I no longer have the right to work because, as a Christian, I have lost their trust." - David, an indigenous believer
Kyrgyzstan [opendoors link to overview]
Opendoors Prayer Points
Pray for all persecuted Christians in Kyrgyzstan. Some have had to flee from their villages and homes.
Pray for their safety and that they will continue to grow in their relationships with Jesus.
Ask God to change the hearts of the Kyrgyz people toward Christians. Pray they will be accepted by their friends, families, neighbours and government officials.
In some places, Christians – especially converts from Islam – are unable to bury their loved ones in local cemeteries, as they are forbidden by the local Muslim leaders. Pray that this practice will cease, and believers can mourn properly.
Opendoors Suggested Prayer
Dear God, we pray for our brothers and sisters in Kyrgyzstan. We're heartbroken to see how much more pressure Christians are under in the country this year. Please be with Your people and remind them that You are there. We pray for those under pressure, that they would know Your hope and peace. We ask these things in the name of Christ, Amen.
Person to Pray For - Pastor Pavel Shreider
Pavel Shreider, 65, served as the pastor of True and Free Reform Adventist Church in the capital city, Bishek. On July 10, the pastor was sentenced to three years in a labor camp, immediately followed by deportation to Russia. [Link]
"I was given blows on my head, chest, and given kicks in my spine from behind by five officers,” he wrote. They “hit me with an iron pipe to force me to confess that I committed crimes."
People to Pray For - Jane & Relinda
"Sisters in Christ Jena and her sister Relinda are believers in a small village in Kyrgyzstan. Since people found out that they believe in Jesus, persecution has begun and does not end in any way ... fellow villagers are forbidden to communicate with them. [The villagers] threaten to burn down their house."
Brunei [opendoors link to overview]
Opendoors Prayer Points
Pray for believers who have limited access to Bibles. Pray they would be able to read and study God’s Word freely.
Thank God that some churches are able to gather for worship, even though they exist in a murky legal reality. Pray they would continue to be able to stay open and disciple Christians in Brunei.
Pray the monarchy in Brunei would be open to the truth of Jesus.
Opendoors Suggested Prayer
Lord, please be with Your people in Brunei. Comfort them as they deal with the daily stress and pressure of following You in an environment where they experience pressure and hostility. Help them to show Your kindness and hope to everyone around them, and to protect them as they live for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Person to Pray For - Sara & Women's Ministry
Sara has lived in Brunei for 27 years, continuously serving the people in her church. Despite the tragic ending to her own marriage, she feels called to minister to married women.
“I realised there are many women who are struggling in their marriages, and I believe that God has placed me here to help women build strong marriages and strong relationships with their loved ones.”
Person to Pray For - Lina
"[At my university], all women must wear a hijab, regardless of one’s religion. Even though my roommates know I’m a Christian. I’m forced to dress like them, too."
Chad [opendoors link to overview]
Opendoors Prayer Points
Ask God to protect Christians who live in areas where they are vulnerable to attacks from Boko Haram or other Islamist militant groups.
Pray that God's presence will encourage Christians in Chad, particularly converts from Islam.
Pray that believers in Chad will be safe as they meet, and will be strengthened to live out their faith.
As Chad faces displacement crises both internally and externally, ask God to help refugees and to equip His people to serve the displaced and the poor, particularly those who are followers of Jesus.
Opendoors Suggested Prayer
Heavenly Father, we mourn as Chad has become an even harder place for Your people to thrive. We ask that You will bring healing and hope to Your suffering church in Chad, that You will bring peace to this part of Africa, and that You will help Your people be salt and light as they courageously follow You. In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen.
Person to Pray For - Malloum
"[My uncle] gathered my clothes and threw them in the garbage, and he asked me to leave his house. I had nowhere else to go. I begged to stay, but he took a big stick and chased me out of his compound." - Malloum, an convert from Islam
Jordan [opendoors link to overview]
Opendoors Prayer Points
Thank God that many Christians in Jordan are free to worship. Ask the Lord to make their worship a sign of light and hope for the whole region.
Pray for converts from Islam in Jordan. Their faith in Jesus can make them a target for abuse and even attack.
Ask God to bless the monarchy of Jordan and help them to see the hope of Jesus in the lives of Jordanian believers.
Opendoors Suggested Prayer
Heavenly Father, we pray for our family in Jordan. We thank You that many Christians in this nation are free to worship. May their worship and praise shine as a beacon of light and hope for the entire region. And we pray for converts from Islam, asking for Your protection over them as they face abuse and attacks from family and authorities. Strengthen their resilience and faith as they trust in You. Please bless the monarchy of Jordan—may they see the hope of Jesus in the lives of believers. Place people in these leaders' paths who will show them Your heart and purpose for their lives. In Your name, we pray, Amen.
Person to Pray For - Tareq
"I used to be a bully, a troublemaker. I am a new creation now in Jesus Christ. I look more and more like Him."
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