As we begin the new year, it is important to include daily prayer in our New Year plans and goals. We think the persecuted church should be included in everyone’s prayers, and we want to take time to especially focus on the persecuted church in Islamic countries.
Of the 50 countries that are ranked the highest for Christian persecution, 34 are Islamic-majority countries¹. Every day, there are believers who are persecuted and risking their lives by following Christ. This is especially true for Muslim-background believers, whose families abandon, abuse, or even kill them for accepting Christ as their Savior.
Here are prayer-centered Bible verses that you can go through to pray over the persecuted Church, especially Muslim-background believers who are keeping their faith hidden in Islamic countries for their safety.
One way we recommend praying for the persecuted church is praying through these Bible verses to rely on God’s promises and who God is. Jesus told us that the world would hate His followers, but He also gives us the strength, peace, and joy to persevere.
Psalm 46:1 - A psalm for persecuted Christians in times of trouble
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.”
A prayer of strength for the persecuted church:
Dear Lord, please help Christians in Islamic countries who are experiencing persecution right now. Help them rely on you and lean into your strength.
Isaiah 43:1-2 - A reminder of God’s love and protection for the persecuted church
“But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.’”
Dear Lord, thank you for your redemption that has taken us from death into life. Please shield Muslim-background believers from doubting their new identity in Christ. Give them security and peace in knowing you are with them always. Amen.
Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus’ invitation to give rest to the weary
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Dear Lord, thank you for taking our burdens on your shoulders. Please comfort persecuted believers whose burdens are unbearable right now. Give them rest for their souls, so they can continue to grow and trust in you. Amen.
Continue to keep our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ who are keeping their faith a secret or are being actively persecuted by their family and community. They have lost everything for Christ, but are dedicated to Christ.
Specific prayer requests from believers in our secure online Arabic church:
Many believers are disowned by their Muslim parents and forced to live isolated from all their friends and family. Please pray for them to have peace, and also to one day be able to share the gospel with their loved ones.
Oftentimes, Muslim businesses will refuse to hire Christian converts, and so many households in this church do not have a stable income. Please pray for the Lord to bless them with safe and secure jobs.
In times of crisis, like civil wars, Christians, especially refugee Christians, are the last ones to receive help from local agencies. Please pray for their safety, security, and for them to remain strong in the faith.
If you want to learn more about this special online Arabic church, you can do so here.
