Prayer Tips

Westerners have been evacuated from the northern region of Burkina Faso after a warning was issued regarding a possible terrorist threat. In July, intelligence agencies had reason to believe al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) was about to conduct a kidnapping. Humanitarian workers were among those evacuated from the area. AQIM is known to be active in northern Burkina Faso and is currently holding expatriate hostages. Pray for these demonic actions and schemes to be defeated. Ask the Lord to give the government and military of Burkina Faso wisdom, along with the resources they need to fight terrorism. Plead for the hearts and minds of militants and extremists to be set free from the lies of Islam. Pray for their salvation. Pray for multitudes in Burkina Faso to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Most of the news coming out of Iran is ominous: reports of the construction of weapons of mass destruction, violence against all who dare oppose the party in power, persecution of Christians…. But God is moving in Iran, performing great and marvelous deeds. In June 2010, an Iranian evangelist reported that "a spiritual awakening of unprecedented magnitude is occurring in this nation. The churches are growing so fast, despite persecution, that they have difficulty coping with all the new converts." Praise the Lord for this incredible report. Thank Him for hearing our prayers and answering in a way that is beyond all we could hope for or imagine. Ask Him for an even greater harvest – for every man, woman, and child to hear the Gospel and for multitudes to respond, putting their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in power to Iran.

Dozens were killed in clashes between government forces and civilian protesters in January 2011. Demonstrators took to the streets around universities to call for the creation of more jobs in Tunisia, where unemployment among young people has skyrocketed. The president shut down all schools and called in military troops to reinforce crowd control efforts before he fled the country. Pray for peace and justice in this nation. Ask the Lord to intervene, restoring and maintaining order. Invite the Holy Spirit to move in Tunisia, softening hearts and drawing Muslims into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Pray for a great harvest of souls in Tunisia.

Riots broke out in January 2011 in Algeria over the rising cost of food. Protesters threw rocks at police and also broke into government buildings and banks, and ransacked stores. Pray for the Lord to give the government of Algeria wisdom in dealing with this growing unrest and the continuing problem of poverty and hunger in their nation. Ask the Lord to use this need as an opportunity for Christian humanitarian organizations to preach and demonstrate the Gospel to the population. Pray for the light of Christ to shine into the darkness of Algeria. Pray for a great spiritual awakening in which multitudes of Algerians put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

The government of Qatar formally condemned the terrorist attacks against a church in Egypt and a mosque in Iran that were committed in December 2010. They also signed an agreement with a Western nation, stating it will serve "as a warning to those threatening to commit terrorism around the world." Pray for these actions to prove effective in fighting al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, and other extremist groups operating in the region. Intercede for the hearts of government leaders, members of terrorist organizations, and the people of Qatar. Plead with the Lord for a great harvest of souls in this nation. Pray for the stronghold to be torn down and for the Light of Christ to shine into the darkness. Pray for God's Kingdom to come in Qatar as it is in heaven.

After the deadly bombing of a church in Egypt in December 2010, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. "All nations which support freedom stand as a united front in the war on terror," he said. Pray for the Lord to protect Israel from terrorist attacks and for greater cooperation between nations in the Middle East. Ask the Lord to use this common threat to bring peace between Arabs and Jews. Give thanks for Israel's concern about their neighbors. Pray for the salvation of both of these groups. Ask the Lord to pour out His Spirit on the Middle East, revealing Jesus as Messiah to the people of Israel. Pray for a great harvest of souls as God's Kingdom comes in power.

Seven house churches were forcibly closed down by Muslim extremists in December 2010. According to Voice of the Martyrs, members of the Islam Protector Front, Moslem Forum and Islamic Reformation Movement accused the churches of being illegal. Pray for the Christian Believers in these churches to be encouraged and stand strong in the Lord. Ask Him to be present with them and empower them to love and forgive their enemies. Pray for their witness to draw many Muslims into relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray for the Church in Indonesia to grow. Proclaim the coming of God's Kingdom in Indonesia.

A new and affordable vaccine to prevent meningitis was made available in Burkina Faso in December 2010. "The vaccine is targeted towards children and young people between the ages of one and twenty-nine, providing up to ten years of protection from the disease." Give Thanks to the Lord for this development and pray for it to be a blessing to the people of Burkina Faso. Pray for the Lord to be glorified in this and to use Christian humanitarian agencies to distribute the vaccine. Ask the Lord to make this an opportunity for the Gospel to be shared and His love demonstrated in this nation. Pray for a great harvest of souls in Burkina Faso.

The United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), a radical political group, threatened Christians in multiple churches in December 2010 and kept them from celebrating Christmas. Members of the UPDF told Christians they couldn't play instruments or even worship silently. Their goal is for Christians to return or convert to Buddhism. Pray for the evil stronghold of Buddhism to be torn down in Bangladesh and throughout South Asia. Ask the Lord to open the eyes of these people to see the Light of Christ. Pray for those Christians who are facing persecution to be comforted and strengthened, and to respond to their enemies in love. Petition the Lord for many in Bangladesh to turn from their sins and seek Him. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to this nation.

Six members of a terrorist network were arrested by Moroccan authorities in late December 2010. It is believed they were experts in creating bombs and were preparing to launch a series of attacks. Give thanks to the Lord that this group was stopped before they could destroy lives and property. Pray for the government of Morocco to remain vigilant, seeking out, arresting, and prosecuting those involved in terrorism. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to the people of this nation, leading them out from the darkness of Islam into the Light of Christ. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Morocco with great power, signs, wonders, dreams and visions.

The government of Japan issued a new defense policy in December 2010. The National Defense Program Guidelines took into account the rise of China's military power, North Korea's threats of using nuclear weapons, and global terrorism. The new policy is expected to improve the nation's ability to respond to security challenges. Thank the Lord for this effort to protect the citizens of Japan and pray for its success. Ask for the Holy Spirit to be poured out on this nation and for people to look to the Lord for their security. Pray for a great spiritual awakening in Japan. Plead with the Lord for a tremendous harvest of souls.

Seventy-nine members of the right-wing "Yellow Shirt" movement (the People's Alliance for Democracy) were sentenced to prison in December 2010 for their involvement in 2008 protests. The Yellow Shirts took control of a television station, two airports, and a government compound in their attempt to depose Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Pray for the government of Thailand to judge fairly as they attempt to restore and maintain order. Ask the Lord to give them wisdom. Pray for peace between Yellow Shirts and Red Shirts (supporters of Thaksin). Petition the Lord to bring lasting spiritual peace to the people of Thailand through His only Son, Jesus Christ. Pray for their hearts to be soft and ready to hear the Gospel. Invite the Lord to bring a great harvest of souls in Thailand.

According to a statement issued in December 2010, Azerbaijan is going to partner with Turkey and Iran in a joint effort to fight terrorism. Part of the cooperative venture will involve combating trafficking in persons and weapons. Praise the Lord for this goal and pray that it will be more than just words. Ask the Lord to impress upon leaders in Azerbaijan the need to protect the nation's borders and citizens from the growing threat of terrorism. Pray for the trafficking of persons and weapons to be stopped. Plead for the hearts and minds of the people of this nation to be set free. Ask for a great harvest of souls in Azerbaijan.

A lack of jobs is believed to be aggravating what officials are calling Mali's "twin ills": drug trafficking and Islamic radicalism. The northern region is especially vulnerable and is considered lawless. But the government is launching a new surge to eradicate al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and restore order. There are an estimated 300 members of AQIM operating in Mali. Pray for the Lord to combat these "twin ills," bringing an end to the demand for drugs and exposing terrorist groups. Pray for funding to be cut off and for leaders in these illegal and demonic groups to hear the Gospel and put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Invite the Kingdom of God to come to Mali as it is in heaven.

Mongolia joined India in military exercises during December 2010. The cooperative drills were intended to develop counter-terrorism skills and plans. Pray for the success of these efforts. Ask the Lord to bless the cooperation between these nations and keep this region free from terrorism. Pray for the people of Mongolia to be set free from the ultimate terrorist — the evil one who is behind all terrorism. Plead with the Lord for their liberation from darkness and ask Him to lead them into the Light of Christ. Ask for a great harvest of souls in Mongolia as the Kingdom of God comes to this nation in power.

The government of Syria "strongly condemned" terrorist attacks in Iran in December 2010. Authorities said they support Iran in their fight against terrorism and fully condemn acts of violence that take innocent lives. Pray for this state sponsor of terrorism to make good on its word. Ask the Lord to capture the hearts of leaders and draw them into relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. Pray for the Gospel to be preached and demonstrated throughout Syria. Ask for a great harvest of souls in Syria.

Although the government of North Korea was warned by the international community to stop their aggressive actions against South Korea, they have continued to threaten nuclear war. North Korea promised to attack if South Korea engaged in drills with western forces. However, the attack never came. Praise the Lord that this situation, though volatile, has not gotten out of hand. Ask Him to continue restraining the North, keeping them from making impulsive and evil choices. Pray for the Light of Christ to penetrate this dark, spiritually blind nation. Plead with the Lord for the salvation of Kim Jong-Il, Kim Jong-un, and other key leaders. Ask the Lord to strengthen and encourage Christian Believers as they endure intense persecution. Pray for a great harvest of souls in North Korea.

Turkey hosted an international conference on anti-terrorism in December 2010. The main focus was on the need for international cooperation and the use of prevention tools. Praise the Lord for this conference and for Turkey's leadership in fighting terrorism. Pray for it to be more than show or an attempt to gain entry into the European Union. Ask the Lord to give the government of Turkey and the other nations in the region new ideas and strategies for accomplishing their ambitious goals. Pray for a great spiritual awakening in this nation in which every people group hears and responds to the Gospel. Ask the Lord to rule and reign in Turkey.

In December 2010, Kazakhstan hosted a summit to discuss the issues of terrorism and the drug trade. Western leaders, along with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Afghan President Hamid Karzai were among those in attendance. Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev called on the nations represented to work together to achieve stability and security in Central Asia. Give thanks to the Lord for this summit and pray for these efforts and cooperation to be effective in combating terrorism and the drug trade. Pray for Kazakhstan and the other nations to be diligent in seeking ways to keep their people safe. Ask the Lord to enable them to be faithful to their promises and to provide them with the resources they need to do the job. Pray for a great harvest of souls in Kazakhstan. Ask the Lord to pour out His Holy Spirit on this nation and to draw the people into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Despite its location and the fact that it is a Muslim nation, Oman is considered "peaceful and pro-Western, without the spread of fundamentalism and terrorism." Give thanks to the Lord for this and pray for Oman to be an example to the other nations of the Arabian Peninsula. Pray for the government of Oman to remain steadfast in the fight against terrorism and continue to stand against extremism. Ask the Lord to strengthen the expatriate Christian Believers and use them to spread the Gospel throughout the nation. Pray for a great harvest of souls and for the Lord to rule and reign in Oman.

Military forces in Myanmar continue to oppress, abuse and kill villagers in their attempts to silence pro-democratic forces. Hundreds have fled their homes, many have been wounded and some killed in the violence. Pray for peace in this dangerous situation. Ask the Lord to raise up leaders who will restore order, respect the citizens, and serve rather than try to control the people. Pray for the stronghold of Buddhism to be torn down and for minds to be set free from the lies of this false religion. Pray for the Gospel to be presented clearly and for multitudes to receive it, putting their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Although Ethiopia is supposedly a Christian-majority nation, the persecution of Christian Believers is on the rise. A team showing the JESUS Film was recently assaulted by men with guns. Two policemen stepped in and one of them was shot and killed. In another incident, a Christian man was arrested on charges of "defacing the Qur'an." He spent three months in jail before being sentenced to three years in prison. Christians in the area claim the accusations are false. Pray for this troubled nation. Ask the Lord to send revival to the Church and use His people to share the Gospel with Muslims. Pray for the Holy Spirit to be present with Christian Believers as they face opposition. Petition the Lord to come in power, bringing the Kingdom of God to Ethiopia.

International leaders recently called Turkmenistan an "important member of the Central Asian Republics," saying it plays a critical role in the stability of the region. Pray for the government of Turkmenistan to realize their strategic position in the fight against terrorism in Central Asia. Ask the Lord to give them wisdom and provide them with the resources they need to keep their nation safe. Pray for the Good News of Jesus Christ to be broadcast throughout Turkmenistan - by Christian Believers, satellite television, radio, the internet, dreams and visions.  Invite the Kingdom of God to come to Turkmenistan, as it is in heaven.

In December 2010, Qatar was listed as one of the world's leading terrorism-financing sources. Pray for the Lord to bring an immediate end to this situation.  Ask Him to expose those businesses that are fronts for funding al-Qaeda and other extremist groups. Pray for the trail of money to be severed and for terrorist groups to wither and die. Ask the Lord to pour out His Holy Spirit on Qatar. Pray for expatriate Christians to be bold in witnessing and for the Gospel to be preached throughout this Muslim nation. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in great power and glory in Qatar.

If the situation in Lebanon escalates, an al-Qaeda leader recently said, al-Qaeda will promptly have a stronghold in it. "Al-Qaeda cannot settle in a politically stable country," he explained. "In fact, al-Qaeda wouldn't have been able to exist and operate anywhere if it weren't for the availability of fertile ground for training under tribal and sectarian protection." Pray for Lebanon to remain stable and for the government to defend against the influence of al-Qaeda. Ask the Lord to bring an end to support of groups such as Hezbullah. Pray for the people of Lebanon to turn away from extremist and have the opportunity to hear the Truth of Jesus Christ. Plead with the Lord for a great harvest of souls in this nation.

Strong winds that knocked out power and damaged property in Brunei Darussalam in December were considered "a trial from Allah." Officials urged residents to say their prayers and look on the events as a test of patience affecting those who have sinned. Pray for the Lord of Hosts to arise and show Himself powerful in Brunei, dethroning any false gods that are trying to steal His glory. Pray for the eyes of the people of Brunei to be opened and for them to see and receive the Light of Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord for a tremendous harvest of souls in this nation.

Two Christian evangelists were recently sentenced to six years and four years in prison for "undermining national unity." Both Christian Believers were detained in custody for 10 months without being charged. Pray for the Lord to give our Brothers and Sisters in Vietnam strength, courage, and joy as they face these violent and intimidating obstacles. Ask the Lord to move in the hearts of the security forces, prison guards and governmental leaders. Pray for the people of Vietnam to have the opportunity to hear the Gospel and put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Invite God's Kingdom to come to Vietnam in power.

A top Yemeni official recently stated that "Yemen alone can fight and root out terrorism on its soil without foreign intervention." Although Western nations have repeatedly requested to join the fight against al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the Yemeni government has turned them down. Ask the Lord to open the eyes of the leaders of Yemen to see the threat they are facing and also realize the need for international cooperation. Pray for terrorist elements to be driven out of this nation and for it to no longer be a haven for terrorists. Pray for a great harvest of souls as Muslims hear and receive the Gospel, putting their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

"Although Djibouti is a nation of less than 900,000 people," reports one news source, "it sits in a location critical to potential terrorist training. The region is pretty unstable since it's right across the Red Sea from Yemen." Pray for this strategic nation to be used of the Lord to fight the threat of terrorism. Ask the Lord to give leaders in Djibouti the wisdom and insight they need to protect their people and effectively counter attempts by extremist groups to operate in the region. Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout East Africa and for many Muslims to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

In December 2010, the government of China decided to "strengthen communication and coordination" of their anti-terrorism efforts with Pakistan. The two nations "reaffirmed their resolve to cooperate... to fight terrorism, separatism and extremism." Give the Lord thanks for this partnership. Pray for it to be a powerful deterrent to terrorism in East and Central Asia. Pray for both governments to do more than just talk about these important issues — pray for swift and strategic action. Ask the Lord to give Believers in China courage and strength as they face great persecution. Pray for the Gospel to spread throughout this nation and for the harvest that has already begun to become even greater and more far-reaching. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in China as it is in heaven.

The government of Tajikistan is very concerned about the decision to withdraw coalition forces from Afghanistan. When troop levels are reduced, President Emomali Rahmon says, "the Tajik government will have to increase spending to strengthen the border with Afghanistan." Rahmon added, "All of Central Asia should be worried about the decision as it also concerns security from terrorism, extremism, illegal drugs and weapons trafficking." Pray for the nations involved in Afghanistan to use wisdom and caution in their work in that nation. Ask the Lord to protect Tajikistan and other Central Asia countries from the growing threat of terrorism. Pray for the Lord to provide Tajikistan with the resources they need to secure their borders and stop the trafficking of illegal drugs, weapons, and humans. Invite the Lord to move in Tajikistan, drawing the people into relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord.