Prayer Tips

A Christian bookstore owner is facing blasphemy charges due to the allegations of a local Muslim, his former business partner, in Punjab province, Pakistan. Ten years ago, Gulzar Masih opened a bookstore in Sialkot along with a Muslim associate, Abdul Rauf. In 2009, the men parted ways and each currently run separate bookstores. On May 1, within the precincts of the local police station, Rauf started shouting in front of a crowd that Gulzar and his son had burned the Qur'an and thrown it on the road. A group of Muslims then gathered to attack Gulzar's son. He was able to flee, however, and warn his father. The Muslims went to Gulzar's bookstore and attempted to burn it down, but police intervened and dispersed the crowd. Police allegedly tried to initiate a case against Gulzar, but local Christian elders and moderate Muslims intervened and found the story to be without basis. At last report, Gulzar and his family members were hiding out at an undisclosed locati...

The nation of Kazakhstan is part of the terrorism watch list because of its possible link to terrorist activities. The government has objected to being on this list, citing a history free of terrorism. But experts are concerned that might be changing. Pray for the government of Kazakhstan to do everything they can to prevent terrorism and keep their nation safe from terrorist group activity. Pray for Muslims in Kazakhstan to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel. Pray for Christians to continue to faithfully pray for their nation and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Petition the Lord for a great harvest of souls in Kazakhstan. (Psalm 71:3)

Omanis protested in July 2011, demanding political reforms, better jobs and wages. The government responded by dispatching security forces who fired tear gas to disperse the crowds and made a large number of arrests. Pray for the Lord's plans and purposes to be accomplished in Oman. Pray for this time of unrest to be an open door for the Gospel. Petition the Lord to reveal Himself in this nation. Pray for men, women, and children to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Invite the Kingdom of God to come to Oman with signs, wonders, dreams, and visions. (I Corinthians 4:20)

Although the government of Malaysia states that members of all religions are treated equally, Islam is the official religion and it is "culturally and politically dominant." Persecution against Christians is common and the nation is reportedly becoming more "Islamified." Pray for Christians in this nation to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Pray for the strongholds in Malaysia to be torn down. Petition the Lord to set this people free from the Bondages. Ask Him to pour out His Holy Spirit on Malaysia and bring forth a great harvest of souls. Pray for men, women, and children to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Ephesians 6:10)

Persecution in this former Soviet republic continues. Christian bookstores are "facing unspecified measures" if they lack state licenses. According to Forum 18, "Only very few can get such licenses." Pray for the Christians in Azerbaijan to stand firm in the Lord and not be intimidated by government oppression. Pray for them to be bold in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to protect them and use them to display His love. Pray for the tearing down the bondages of this nation and ask the Lord to touch the people. Pray for their eyes to be opened and for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Ephesians 6:19)

The government of Mali will be meeting with representatives from Algeria, Mauritania and Niger in September 2011 to discuss security in the Sahel region. They will specifically be strategizing about how to fight against and defeat al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Pray for this collaboration to succeed. Ask the Lord to give these governments wisdom, discernment and new ideas for protecting their people and counteracting AQIM. Pray for the people of Mali to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel. Pray for many men, women and children to be set free from the bondage and drawn into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Proverbs 1:7)

A mutiny in April that forced President Blaise Compaore to leave the capital city of Burkina Faso, has led to further chaos. Soldiers are continuing to protest low pay by firing weapons and looting stores. Shopkeepers have been demonstrating in response to this criminal behavior. Pray for the restoration of peace in this nation. Ask the Lord to pour out His Holy Spirit and turn the hearts of the people away from violence and toward His Son, Jesus Christ. Pray for the Gospel to be preached in this nation and for the Lord to bring forth a great harvest of souls. (Psalm 140:1)

According to one news source, "Evidence is growing that Iran is helping the Syrian regime of President Bashar Assad… to suppress a 10-week-old pro-democracy insurrection." Experts say Syria is of vital importance to Iran, especially because it is a "gateway" for their plans to influence the Arab world. Pray for the Iranian government to fail in its efforts to influence other nations and peoples. Pray for the salvation of key leaders – especially President Ahmadinejad and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to the people of Iran. Pray for a great harvest of souls in this nation. (I Timothy 2:1-4)

Two Algerian Christians have been charged with proselytizing and blasphemy, according to International Christian Concern. If they are found guilty, they will face five years in prison. Christians in this nation are now concerned that a 2006 law requiring government permits for churches, may be invoked. Pray for Christians in Algeria not to be intimidated or fearful. Ask the Lord to strengthen them and make them bold and courageous. Pray for them to have opportunities to share the Gospel. Ask the Lord to pour His Holy Spirit out on Algeria, set free all those who are in bondage of this nation, and draw them into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Matthew 5:11,12)

President Idriss Deby is expected to win the upcoming election in Chad. The three most prominent opposition leaders pulled out of the voting claiming the election would be rigged. President Deby seized power in a military coup over 20 years ago and made changes to the constitution so that he could remain in office. Pray for the Lord to raise up leaders in Chad who will govern with integrity and righteousness. Pray for Christians to be called upon to serve in the government. Ask the Lord to expose corruption and manipulation. Pray for the Gospel to reach every people group, tribe and language in Chad. Petition the Lord for a great harvest of souls. (Proverbs 10:9)

The nation of Myanmar is at the bottom of the list of nations in term of human trafficking. Observers say it fails to meet even the minimum standards in terms of laws and prevention. Pray for this situation to change. Ask the Lord to intervene on behalf of the victims of sexual exploitation and forced labor. Pray for their freedom and for the salvation of those operating human trafficking rings in Myanmar. Ask the Lord to move in this nation, making the Gospel known and drawing multitudes into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Invite God's Kingdom to come to Myanmar. (Psalm 61:3)

Despite pleas from human rights groups, the government of Ethiopia is charging more than 100 prisoners with terrorism. Officials say the 121 suspects were members of an outlawed rebel group. But Human Rights Watch says the arrests were simply part of a government crackdown on opposition. Pray for leaders in Ethiopia to continue fighting terrorism, but not manipulate laws in order to control. Ask the Lord to encourage Christians in this nation and to open doors for them to share the Gospel. Petition the Lord to reveal Himself in Ethiopia and bring forth a great harvest of souls. (Romans 1:16)

The government of Malaysia signed a security and intelligence-sharing agreement with Saudi Arabia in an effort to stop terrorism. Drug traffickers from Iran and a terrorist plot by al-Qaeda operatives motivated officials in Malaysia to take action. Give thanks for this new plan to fight terrorism and drug smuggling. Pray for the Lord to give leaders wisdom in combating these problems. Pray for extremist groups to be driven out of Malaysia. Ask the Lord to protect young people from recruiting efforts by terrorist organizations. Pray for the Gospel to be shared with people of all ages. Ask the Lord for a great harvest of souls in Malaysia. (Proverbs 2:6)

The civil war in Libya continues with Muammar al-Qadhafi's troops battling rebel forces. Many civilians are still attempting to flee the nation. Pray for the restoration of peace in Libya. Pray for Christians to reach those who have been displaced with the Gospel. Ask the Lord to accomplish His plans and purposes in this nation. Pray for the salvation of Muammar al-Qadhafi. Ask the Lord to protect those who are in battle zones – especially women and children. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Libya as it is in heaven. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Despite signing a new pact to fight money laundering, Cambodia and Thailand seem to be on the brink of all-out war. Border clashes between the two nations have continued and though sporadic, are intensifying. Pray for the Lord to intervene, keeping Cambodia and Thailand from going to war against each other. Pray for the protection of those living along the border. Ask the Lord to strengthen and encourage Christians in Cambodia and give them opportunities to proclaim the Gospel. Petition the Lord for a great harvest of souls. (Isaiah 9:6)

Nearly 500 people were arrested during another large street protest in Tunisia on Sunday, May 1, 2011. Soldiers and tanks reportedly entered Deraa. Human rights groups claim more than 550 people have been killed during this time of unrest. Pray for the Lord's plans and purposes for this nation to be fulfilled. Pray for the government to stop attacking its own people. Ask the Lord to restore order and bring spiritual transformation to Tunisia. Plead for the souls of this nation. Pray for Christians to be protected from the violence and be bold in sharing the Gospel. Invite God's Kingdom to come, His will be done in Tunisia. (Psalm 37:37)

The government of Kazakhstan is cooperating with Iran in an effort to cut down on drug trafficking and terrorism. This comes after the nation entered into a joint effort with Uzbekistan. Pray for these efforts to ensure the stability and safety of this region to be successful. Petition the Lord to continue drawing attention to these critical issues. Pray for the people of Kazakhstan to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Pray for the Holy Spirit to be poured out and prepare their hearts. Ask the Lord to tear down the strongholds of this nation and draw multitudes of men, women and children into relationship with Christ as Savior and Lord. (Mark 4:20)

Oman has not seen the same "youthquake" protests that have risen throughout much of the rest of the Arab world. The demonstrations that have been staged were peaceful and the crowds reportedly "chanted praise for their sultan, Qaboos bin Said." Give thanks to the Lord for what He is doing in Oman. Pray for a smooth transition to full democracy and for a great spiritual awakening. Ask the Lord to tear down the strongholds of this country and lead the people out of darkness. Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout this nation and for many to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Psalm 118:1)

Anti-government protests have continued in Mauritania. In April, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of the capital city of Nouakchott. The reform movement began in January 2011 when disgruntled youth began using Facebook (a social networking website) to organize protests. Pray for the Lord to move powerfully among the young people and the government of this Islamic nation. Ask Him to use this time of unrest and dissatisfaction to draw people into relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. Pray for this nation and to be exposed and for the truth of the Gospel to be made known throughout Mauritania. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to this nation with great power. (I Corinthians 4:20)

Hindu "holy man" Sathya Sai Baba died in April 2011. He was considered a "god" by his followers, who numbered in the millions. They believe he healed himself and was reborn in 1993. They are now praying for his resurrection. Ask the Lord to speak to the hearts of all those in India who have put their hope in men and false gods. Pray for their blind eyes to be opened to the truth of Jesus Christ. Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout India. Petition the Lord to tear down the strongholds of Hinduism and set free those held captive by this religion. Plead with the Lord for a great harvest of souls in this nation. (Isaiah 42:6,7)

Nearly 500 Taliban fighters escaped from a high-security prison in Afghanistan in April 2011. The government called it a "disaster" as the jailbreak took place just as the summer fighting season is about to heat up. Pray for these men to be recaptured. Ask the Lord to expose their hiding places. Pray for the Taliban's efforts to inflict terror on the people of Afghanistan to come to an end. Petition the Lord to move powerfully in this nation, making the Gospel known and drawing multitudes into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Mark 4:22)

South Sudan will be seceding from North Sudan in July 2011. While this is good news for the people of the South, it also presents several great challenges. The new nation needs leaders, an educational system, and access to northern seaports. There must also be a fair division of Sudan's natural resources and a decision on where the border between North and South should be. Pray for the Lord to raise up men and women of integrity to govern South Sudan. Pray for these leaders to seek the Lord for wisdom. Pray for a peaceful separation of the two nations. Ask the Lord to provide the South with ideas and resources to establish schools and hospitals. Pray for the salvation of Omar al-Bashir (N. Sudan). Petition the Lord to maintain peace in the South and give Christians courage and boldness to be His witnesses. Pray for this separation to be an opportunity for the Kingdom of God to come to both North and South Sudan. (Proverbs 1:7)

The government of Indonesia has launched a nationwide crackdown on the Indonesian Islamic State (NII) – an outlawed radical group. NII wants to turn Indonesia into an Islamic state, is linked to terrorism, and has managed to indoctrinate and recruit youth on university campuses. Pray for the Lord to give the government wisdom and strategies to defeat this organization. Pray for recruiting attempts by the NII to fail. Ask the Lord to reach young people in Indonesia with the Gospel. Pray for Christians in this nation to be bold in sharing their faith. Petition the Lord for a great harvest of souls in Indonesia. (Proverbs 1:7)

The government of Benin is working to reduce poverty and to empower women in the nation. Encouraging signs of progress include the "continuing upward trend in the political participation of African women, who now hold 18.5 percent of parliamentary positions." Give thanks to the Lord for this trend and the efforts of the government. Pray for the Lord to give leaders wisdom in combating poverty and inequality. Pray for the tearing down of the strongholds of voodoo. Ask the Lord to set the people of Benin free from the lies of the enemy and lead them into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Invite God's Kingdom to come to this nation. (II Corinthians 4:4)

Persecution in this former Soviet republic continues. Christian bookstores are "facing unspecified measures" if they lack state licenses. According to Forum 18, "Only very few can get such licenses." Pray for the Christians in Azerbaijan to stand firm in the Lord and not be intimidated by government oppression. Pray for them to be bold in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to protect them and use them to display His love. Pray for the tearing down of Islamic strongholds and ask the Lord to release the people from the lies and bondage of this country. Pray for their eyes to be opened and for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Ephesians 6:19)

In the chaos that has been part of the revolution currently taking place in Libya, Muammar al-Qadhafi's armament has been raided and pillaged. It is believed that al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), which operates in Mali, is in possession of a large supply of these weapons. "This is a great danger to see AQIM becoming the strongest armies in the Sahel." Pray for the defeat of this terrorist organization. Ask the Lord to expose them, disarm them, and bring them to justice. Pray for the government to take action against AQIM. Petition the Lord to make the Gospel known throughout Mali – to every tribe, tongue and people. Plead for the souls of the men, women and children of this nation. Pray for God's Kingdom to come in great power and glory. (Revelation 5:9)

After two years, a Chinese Christian has finally been released from prison. Yang Caizhen, along with her husband and four other Linfen-Fushan church leaders from Shanxi Province, were sentenced to criminal detention from two years up to several years on November 25, 2009. The church leaders were arrested for organizing a prayer rally on September 14, 2009--the day after 400 military police raided the church's grounds, seriously wounding 30 believers and destroying 17 church buildings. The leaders were accused of "gathering people to disturb the public order" for organizing the prayer. Pray that Yang Caizhen has been released from prison. Pray that Yang would heal physically and emotionally. Pray that the Lord would continue to speak through all of these Christ followers, in or out of prison

Christians in Pakistan remained concerned on Monday, May 23th, over the situation of Pastor Paul Ashraf and his family after a report that they narrowly survived a drive-by-shooting by suspected Islamic militants in Punjab province, seriously injuring their eldest son. "Pastor Ashraf was in a van with his wife, Rubina Ashraf, and eldest son Sarfraz Ashraf, on April 27th when two unidentified men on a motorbike opened fire" on their car, said the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), an advocacy group closely following the case. "Miraculously, he survived the shot to the face and was released from MAYO Hospital after just one day," Pastor Ashraf leads two large congregations in the towns of Kashmore and Sadiq Abad, CLAAS explained. Additionally, he is a noted Christian writer and poet who, with his wife, runs a flourishing free high school for children of Christian families in Lahore city, Christians said. CLAAS said that Pakistani Chr...

Hawa Abdalla Muhammad Saleh was arrested on May 9 in the Abu Shouk camp for Internally Displaced Persons in Al-Fashir. Authorities have accused her of possessing and distributing Bibles to others in the camp. Sources said she could also be tried for apostasy, which carries the death sentence in Sudan. Abdalla has been transferred to an unknown location in Khartoum, sources said, adding that they fear she could be tortured as she was detained and tortured for six days in 2009. Please pray for Abdalla's release. Ask the Lord to give her the strength and grace she needs to withstand this current trial. Pray the Lord will protect and preserve her. Pray the Lord will use Abdalla's witness and testimony to strengthen the faith of other believers and act as a witness to Muslims.

Several Christians were targeted by authorities in the town of Sumgait, Azerbaijan, in recent weeks. On May 15, police raided the Sunday morning service of Praise Church, taking place at a local restaurant. The officials wrote down the names of all believers present and took them to the police station. Three days later, two church members were each fined about two weeks' average local wages. That same day, police went to the home of another local pastor and questioned him about his Christian activity. On May 17, approximately 20 police and officials of the State Committee raided the private home of a South Korean citizen, where members of another church had gathered. Some 60 Bibles and other Christian books were confiscated and those present were taken to the police station, where they were questioned and forced to write statements. At last report, the books had not been returned. Thank the Lord for the faithfulness of the believers and their desire to worship Him amid...

A church in Cairo, Egypt, was recently prevented from re-opening due to pressure from authorities and local Muslims. Three years ago, in November 2008, Egypt's State Security Intelligence service closed down the Church of the Virgin Mary and St. Abraam in Ain Shams, a poor section of the city, after a group of protesting Muslims blocked the entrance. On May 19, the day the church was scheduled to re-open, hundreds of Muslims gathered outside to protest. They surrounded the building, preventing anyone from getting into it and trapping priests who were inside. They also threw rocks and threatened to kill the lead priest. Several people were injured, including a Christian bystander who was beaten by Muslims when he tried to record the attack on a cell phone. As a result of the protest, the provisional military authority has backed away from its promise to the church to re-open. At last report, it was unknown if any of the Muslim protestors have been arrested. Pray for hea...

A Christian bookstore owner is facing blasphemy charges due to the allegations of a local Muslim, his former business partner, in Punjab province, Pakistan. Ten years ago, Gulzar Masih opened a bookstore in Sialkot along with a Muslim associate, Abdul Rauf. In 2009, the men parted ways and each currently run separate bookstores. On May 1, within the precincts of the local police station, Rauf started shouting in front of a crowd that Gulzar and his son had burned the Qur'an and thrown it on the road. A group of Muslims then gathered to attack Gulzar's son. He was able to flee, however, and warn his father. The Muslims went to Gulzar's bookstore and attempted to burn it down, but police intervened and dispersed the crowd. Police allegedly tried to initiate a case against Gulzar, but local Christian elders and moderate Muslims intervened and found the story to be without basis. At last report, Gulzar and his family members were hiding out at an undisclosed locati...