Get Involved Church Resources How to pray for persecuted Christians - Prayer Guide Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 At the start of November, Christians are gathering for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). Here’s how you can join them… Around the world, an estimated 380 million Christians live under significant persecution for their faith1. This persecution can come in many forms – from government restrictions and oppression to cultural ostracisation, as well as threats and violence from believers’ own communities or families. At Feba, we use radio and other audio media to share the gospel in hard-to-reach places where being a follower of Jesus often brings marginalisation, violence and even death. Our local partners daily take up their crosses to follow Christ and share His good news, seeing listeners coming to faith and the Kingdom growing in amazing ways. However, for those who respond to our partner’s broadcasts, the cost can be high, as Mahmoud’s* story below demonstrates. Forced to flee: Mahmoud’s story Mahmoud* lives in Iraq, where the primary religion is Islam. He began listening to radio broadcasts by Feba’s partner, Iraq FM, and started to learn about the Bible. Through the programmes and the work of the Holy Spirit, Mahmoud’s heart began to change. As he heard more about God’s love and salvation, he decided to put his faith in Jesus. One day, the Iraq FM team received a phone call from Mahmoud, and he began to share his story with them. He spoke about how his sister had been very sick, but when he heard on their broadcasts that Jesus Christ can heal, he prayed for her. Mahmoud’s prayer was answered in an amazing way - two days later his sister was healed! In Iraq, new believers often face extreme pressure and persecution from their communities and families. When Mahmoud’s older brother found out that he was a Christian, he threatened to kill him. Mahmoud had no choice but to flee to another city, where he now lives with a friend. However, despite the cost, he stands in faith. He shared with the Iraq FM team I want to know Jesus and attend a church, because Jesus changed my life. Pray for the persecuted church Mahmoud’s story is just one example of how Christians worldwide are suffering for their faith. In Ephesians 6:18 the Bible tells us to "Be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people". On 2nd and 9th November we have the chance to put these words into action as we mark IDOP. It can be hard to know where to start with praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters. We have created a short and simple guide to help you, and your church, to engage with IDOP. Below you will find some practical prayer points, as well as different ideas to help you structure your prayers for the persecuted church. Pray with Feba Ask God to fill the Iraq FM team, and Feba’s partners around the world, with strength and courage as they share the gospel in hard-to-reach places, despite facing opposition and persecution. Pray for Mahmoud, that the Lord would bring him comfort and protection as he adjusts to life away from his home. Ask that God would draw close to him, and that his faith would continue to grow. Lift up those who persecute Christians around the world. Ask that God would soften their hearts and open their eyes to the truth of who He is. Pray for Mahmoud’s brother, that the Lord would meet him and bring reconciliation to their family. Pray through scripture Scripture is wonderful place to inspire and draw our prayers from. Take some time to slowly read Deuteronomy 31:6, or another one you feel is relevant (see Psalm 91:1-2, 2 Corinthians 12:9 for inspiration). As you read your chosen passage, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you through it. Note any words or phrases that stand out and ask God what He wants to say to you through them. Now pause and read the verse again, but this time, either in your heart or out loud, let it become a prayer for those who are persecuted. You may also want to shape your prayers around what God has highlighted to you in the verse. Ask that God would also speak to those who are persecuted for their faith and bring them comfort through His life-giving word. Pray with a map Find a map of the world, either online or a printed copy. Using the World Watch List, pick a country where Christians face extreme persecution. As you look at your map place a hand on the nation you have chosen to pray for. Spend some time praying for the churches, Christians and other organisations like Feba’s partners who are living for Jesus in this nation. Ask God to speak to you about the country, taking time to listen to His voice and to let Him guide your prayers. Other prayer resources For more ways to pray and get involved with IDOP go to https://idop.org/web/ Prayer is at the heart of all that Feba does. We would love to invite you to join us as we seek to make God’s kingdom known in hard-to-reach places. Visit www.feba.org.uk/pray to find out how you can plug into prayer and be part of Feba’s ministry. 1 https://idop.org/web/idop-2021/ *Name changed for security reasons Manage Cookie Preferences