Prayer for Syria - #6 on the World Watch List for persecution

https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/syria/

Lord, today our thoughts and prayers turn toward our brothers and sisters in Syria. Almost the whole world is well aware of the civil war in Syria. We are grieved over the death and destruction that have plagued this land for years. Today we pray specifically for believers in Syria. So many have already been killed. So many have been chased from their homes or felt the need to flee. Lord, be with those who are scattered abroad now, many still seeking places to settle. Meet their needs, give them peace, help them feel hope each day. Now, Lord, we pray for those Christ-followers who remain in Syria. Heavenly Father, we know their concentration in strategic areas makes them vulnerable to attack. Please protect them. Lord, give them courage as they live in a war-torn country. May they band together to support, encourage, and provide for each other. And, Lord, in the midst of the constant trials of current life in Syria, may they shine brightly for you, bringing peace in the midst of war, hope in the midst of destruction, Christlikeness toward neighbors while others seek only self-preservation. Please make your work and character evident in this shattered land. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer about the murder of Miriam Rodriguez

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/05/12/activist-who-identified-daughters-attackers-was-killed-on-mexican-mothers-day.html

Lord, today we pray about the murder of Miriam Rodriguez, killed in her own San Fernando home on Mexican Mother's Day. Lord, we admire how Rodriguez stood up to the Mexican drug cartel and tirelessly investigated her daughter's murder until she found her body in an unmarked grave two years later. Heavenly Father, the terroristic tactics of the drug cartels are frustrating beyond words. We pray that this silencing of Rodriguez will not intimidate others into remaining quiet when they need to speak out. We pray Rodriguez's organization, Citizen Community in Search of the Disappeared, will continue its good work. We pray for healing and peace for Rodriguez's loved ones. May they be proud of her legacy and continue to work for truth, justice and security in their communities and beyond. We seek your mercy as we pray. Amen.

Prayer for Sudan - #5 on the World Watch List for persecution

https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/sudan/
PHOTO: REUTERS/MOHAMED NURELDIN ABDALLAH

Lord, today we pray for Sudan, where the systemic persecution of Christians is reminiscent of ethnic cleansing. Lord, we pray for Sudanese leaders, that they would recognize the value of freedom of speech, religion and more. May they look out for the true good of their people. We pray against the arrests, attacks and murders that Christian communities have been unable to avoid. We pray for unity in Sudan, that its people might recognize the value of looking out for each other, rather than pitting Muslim against Christian and Arab against ethnic African. Lord, we pray especially fervently for your bold followers who are risking everything to share you with others. Keep your hand of protection on them, and may they see fruit in their labors. May people choose to follow you as the result of their testimony. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer for Pakistan - #4 on the World Watch List for persecution

https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/pakistan/

Lord, today we pray against persecution in Pakistan. Lord, we are thankful for those historical Christian communities that are allowed to exist. We pray that they would thrive and grow, rather than languish under the added rules and monitoring they experience. We pray for those Protestant Christian communities that experience regular attacks, that you would protect and strengthen them, and that people would grow weary of viewing your followers with suspicion. Lord, we pray for women in Pakistan, especially the Christian women who are targeted for forced marriage, rape and/or abduction. Lord, we pray for the elevation of women in that country--that Pakistanis would realize the precious value of both women and men, so they would not desire to mistreat those made in your image. We pray for helpful resources and provision for women who have already been victimized. We specifically ask your blessing on Open Doors as they provide trauma counseling and do women's ministry. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Prayer for Afghanistan - #3 on the World Watch List for persecution

https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/afghanistan/

Lord, today we turn our thoughts and prayers toward Afghanistan, where society agrees that no one can convert from Islam. Lord, it is absolutely heartbreaking to know that people are murdered, declared insane, or--at minimum--all their worldly possessions are confiscated upon the slightest hint of conversion to Christianity. Lord, be with your children in Afghanistan, who are so afraid to speak of you. Help them find fellowship, as well as resources to grow. Lord, we pray for miracles to happen in Jesus' name in Afghanistan, so people cannot deny your power. We pray that some of those miracles would include saving your children from harm. We pray for those who die for their beliefs to die with courage and faith, and for their testimony to draw people to you. We pray for those left behind--that you would provide for them spiritually, emotionally and physically. Again, we ask for miracles in Afghanistan, so this culture may turn from hating Christianity to considering it. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Prayer for Somalia - #2 on the World Watch List for persecution

Google images for "Christians in Somalia" and the first images that come up are some of the most disturbing you've ever seen.  https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/somalia/

Lord, today we pray for Somalia, which Open Doors deems the second-worst place in the world to be a Christian. Lord, this is a land where we need miracles. With absolutely no legal rights, your children are completely dependent upon you as their sword and shield. Lord, please do not disappoint these secret Christ-followers. Give them your peace that passes understanding, even though the most important part of their identity needs to remain secret at the very real risk of life and livelihood. We pray for your disciples to have great wisdom as they seek to share you with the hopeless around them. Help them to know when to speak and when to remain silent. Woo Somalis, and give them courage to ask questions of those they suspect as your followers, so that they may find answers. We pray for Somalis to find access to Scripture, for the purposes of both coming to know you and growing closer to you. We pray against the work of Al-Shabaab and other Islamic militant groups in this land, that participants would recognize the emptiness in violence and long for Someone who truly satisfies. Lord, we pray for this land, simultaneously beautiful and barren. Work in Somalia today, Lord. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Prayer for North Korea - #1 on the World Watch List for persecution

Today I begin a series of prayers for those nations on the 2017 World Watch List for persecution. You may find a copy of the list here: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/stories/announcing-2017-world-watch-list/. Let us fervently and faithfully pray for our suffering brothers and sisters around the world!

https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/north-korea/

Lord, today we pray for the nation ranked as the absolute worst in the world for your followers: North Korea. Heavenly Father, for those of us who worship in ease, it is hard to comprehend needing to pray with our eyes open so no one will suspect we worship the One True God. It is overwhelming to consider that friend, neighbor, stranger, government official or even a spouse or child could betray us to the dictatorial government, which would arrest, imprison, torture and possibly kill us for choosing Jesus, the Hope of the World. Lord, today we lift up our Christian brothers and sisters who are languishing in North Korean prisoners. Give them the strong sense that they are not alone, nor forgotten. May your Spirit comfort them in deep, burning ways, so they are strengthened within their cores to trust you in all circumstances. Give your North Korean children peace and hope in stark contrast to their daily oppression. And may their testimonies draw more people to you each day, even though the earthly cost of following you is so high. We pray for covert believers who are “free” from prison but shackled by secrecy. Lead them to opportunities to grow and experience fellowship. May they know when to speak and when to remain silent. And, Lord, we pray for the North Korean government to realize the truth found in your Word, so North Koreans may live freely and abundantly in you if they so choose. We plead in Jesus’ name, amen.