Prayer Tips

A series of deadly attacks was launched in Iraq in June 2011 as the deadline for government reforms approached. In February, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki challenged his cabinet ministers to take action against corruption or be fired. At least 25 people were killed in the attacks, most of them members of the security forces. Pray for the protection of the Iraqi people from the work of terrorists. Pray for extremist groups to be defeated. Ask the Lord to bring His Kingdom to this nation. Pray for an end to the violence and for the Iraqi People to hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. ( Psalm 1:6)

The government of Sri Lanka claims that in order to fight the spread of terrorism, international laws of war must be revised. The laws were developed to deal with war between nations, officials say, not violence waged by extremist groups. Pray for cooperation between governments in order to end to terrorism. Pray for terrorists operating in Sri Lanka to be captured and defeated. Ask the Lord to reveal their hiding places and bring them to justice. Pray for the people of Sri Lanka to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel. Petition the Lord for a great harvest of souls in this nation. (Psalm 92:11)

Anti-government protests continued in June 2011 in Morocco. However, instead of trying to crush the demonstrations with military force, the government chose to allow them to go on. "The king appears to be taking a softer stand against the demonstrators than in recent weeks," one news source observed. Give thanks to God for the government's response. Pray for these protests to continue to be peaceful. Ask the Lord to move in Morocco, accomplishing His will and bringing forth His purposes for this nation. Pray for the Holy Spirit to soften hearts and open blind spiritual eyes. Pray for the people of Morocco to be set free from the lies and bondage. Ask the Lord to draw multitudes into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Although Islam is the dominant religion in Albania, observers say "radical forms of Islam have not succeeded in taking root among the population." The government of Albania has stated they are committed to fighting all forms of violent extremism. Pray for the moderate Muslims of Albania to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Petition the Lord to tear down the strongholds of this nation and open the eyes and hearts of the people to the Truth of Jesus Christ. Pray for Him to pour out the Holy Spirit and bring forth a great harvest of souls. Invite God's Kingdom to come to Albania. (II Corinthians 4:4)

The government of the UAE has begun using iris scanners at airports and border crossings in order to better identify terrorists. The technology has already been used on 40 million people, catching 600,000 who were attempting to enter the country illegally. Pray for this tool to be effective in keeping terrorists out of the United Arab Emirates. Pray for extremists and all those who are plotting violence to be exposed and arrested. Ask the Lord to move powerfully in the UAE, setting people free from the bondage and drawing them into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Isaiah 61:1)

Sex trafficking continues to be a major problem in Nepal. Girls are "forced to service as many as 35 men a day," a news source reports. "Girls as young as 13 were living with full-blown AIDS. Those who resisted were tortured and punished." Pray for an immediate end to this destructive, criminal industry. Pray for the freedom of the girls who are being exploited. Ask the Lord to minister healing and salvation to them. Pray for the Gospel to penetrate every corner of Nepal. Pray for a great harvest of souls in Nepal. (Luke 19:10)

Special forces troops captured the commander of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan terrorist group in May 2011. The group is affiliated with al-Qaeda and was involved in a deadly attack that same month. Pray for the arrest of this leader to lead to more arrests and for the downfall of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. Ask the Lord to expose this group, stop all of its plans to do damage and harm, and bring it to complete defeat. Pray for the Gospel to be preached in Uzbekistan and for men, women and children to hear and respond to the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. Invite the Kingdom of God to come to this nation as it is in heaven. ( Romans 10:14,15)

The military government in Egypt is having trouble maintaining control. The youth who started the protests and were instrumental in the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak say they will not be satisfied until a constitution is in place. Pray for the Lord's plans and purposes for Egypt to be fulfilled. Ask Him to send His Holy Spirit to this nation to speak to the hearts of the people. Pray for the protection of the Christians in Egypt. Ask the Lord to give them boldness to witness and help them to stand firm in their faith. Pray for the Lord to choose the new leaders and for groups like the Muslim Brotherhood to be kept from gaining power. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Egypt. (Ephesians 6:19)

Drug trafficking is on the increase in Guinea-Bissau. Observers believe this could "further destabilize a region notorious for coups and rebellions." Pray for those trafficking drugs to be exposed and defeated. Pray for the Lord to protect the young people of Guinea-Bissau. Ask Him to send laborers into this harvest field. Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout the nation and for men, women, and children to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Psalm 146:7)

The government of Japan is seeking to partner with India in the fight against terrorism and piracy. This strategic alliance is expected to "further build an edifice for peace and stability in Asia." Pray for this partnership to be successful. Ask the Lord to protect Japan from terrorism and expose any groups who are plotting violence. Pray for a great spiritual awakening in this nation. Pray for the Christians laboring in this harvest field and for more workers to be sent. Petition the Lord for a great harvest of souls in Japan. (Luke 10:2)

Population: 8,303,512 Chief of State: President Ilham Aliyev Head of Government: Prime Minister Artur Rasizade Christians: 3.3% Evangelical Christians: 0.1% Dominant Religion: Shia Islam Persecution Ranking: 24th The government of Azerbaijan has passed several laws intended to restrict religious freedom. Voice of the Martyr reports, “The government and state-controlled media encourage people to return to Islam, their ‘ancestral faith.’” This is a very poor nation. According to “Operation World,” it is also spiritually poor – with most of the cities and towns having never been evangelized. PRAISE: Although the government requires churches to register in order to be legal (and often turns down registration applications), the Body of Christ in Azerbaijan continues to grow. In 1991 there were an estimated 40 Christians. Today, “Operation World” puts the number at between 3,000 and 6,000. PRAYER: Pray for the great freedom of religion in this former Soviet republic. Pray for restrict...

Population: 13,796,354 Chief of State: President Amadou Toumani Toure Head of Government: Prime Minister Modibo Sidibe Christians: 2.6% Evangelical Christians: 0.7% Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam Persecution Ranking: Not Ranked Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), a terrorist group affiliated with al-Qaeda, is active in Mali. Experts say the government needs to team up with other nations, such as Niger, in order to defend against AQIM. Sunni Islam has been the majority religion in Mali since the 11th century. Only a very small percentage of the population has trusted Christ as their Savior. PRAISE: “The Church is taking root in a number of the cultures and peoples of Mali as believers persevere and second-generation Christians emerge,” notes Jason Mandryk, in “Operation World.” PRAYER: Pray AQIM to be defeated. Pray for their plans of violence to fail, along with their recruiting efforts. Pray for members of AQIM to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel. (Psa...

The Church in Mauritania is still in the early stages of development due to civil unrest. There is a desperate need for Christians to be discipled. Most of the expatriate Christians have left the country. Pray for God to raise up workers to train the Church in strategic level prayer, discipleship, leadership development, evangelism, and church growth. (Matthew 28:19)

Transparency International reports that more than 75% of the people in India have paid a bribe in order to get things done in public office. “Nearly a fourth of the 540 Indian Parliament members faced criminal charges, ‘including human trafficking, immigration rackets, embezzlement, rape and even murder.’” Pray for the government to be free from corruption. Pray for a change in the mindset and behavior of the people regarding bribes and payoffs. Ask the Lord to pour out His Holy Spirit on this nation. Pray for a great harvest of souls in India as God’s Kingdom comes in power. (Psalm 14:3)

According to a new report, the Afghan army and police are "rife with corruption, drug abuse and desertion. Rampant corruption at all levels of the Afghan government remains a huge problem." Pray for an end to corruption in Afghanistan. Pray for the government of Afghanistan to take action against bribery, embezzlement, and extortion. Ask the Lord to rid the security forces of drug abuse and give leaders wisdom in training their troops. Pray for the Taliban and al-Qaeda to be defeated. Petition the Lord to make the Gospel known throughout Afghanistan. Pray for every people group to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord for a great harvest of souls. (Psalm 67:3)

As of June, the governments of South Sudan and Sudan had "yet to work out all the details" of their July 9 division into two separate nations. Pray for leaders to work diligently to ensure a smooth, peaceful transition for both nations. Ask the Lord to give President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his administration great wisdom, discernment, and strategies for leading this new nation forward. Pray for Christians in South Sudan to stand firm. Ask the Lord to bring unity to the Body of Christ and enable them to love and pray for their enemies. Pray for the Lord's plans and purposes to be fulfilled in South Sudan. Invite the Kingdom of God to come in power. (Jeremiah 29:11)

In July 2011, the Mauritanian military successfully defended an army base when it was attack by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). The battle took place near the border with Mali. The attack was thought to be in revenge for the killing of 15 AQIM members in June. Praise the Lord for the defeat of this assault. Pray for an end to AQIM. Pray for their attempts to cause fear in North Africa to fail. Ask the Lord to send workers to Mauritania to proclaim the Gospel. Pray for Christians in this nation to boldly share their faith with Muslims. Petition the Lord for a great harvest of souls in Mauritania. (I Peter 3:15)

According to a top commander in India, the government is upgrading the security of its military bases in order to "pre-empt any terror attack from within or outside the country." The attack on a Pakistani naval base in May 2011 was considered a "wake-up call." Pray for these efforts to be successful in defending against terrorist organizations operating in India. Pray for these groups to be defeated before they can carry out their violent plans. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself in India. Pray for the Gospel to be preached throughout this nation, to every people group, tribe, and tongue. Invite the Kingdom of God to come to India with great signs and wonders. (Mark 13:10)

The Lankan Minister of Power and Energy made a religious offering at a sacred sight in Anuradhapura in hopes of obtaining the blessing of the gods and maintaining uninterrupted electrical power. Ask the Lord to open their blind minds to the Truth of Jesus Christ. Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in this nation. Petition the Lord for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Sri Lanka. (II Corinthians 4:4)

Iran is reportedly providing "sophisticated and powerful" weapons to terrorist groups in Iraq. Pray for these weapons to be intercepted and for the support to end. Ask the Lord to expose terrorists and extremists operating in Iraq. Pray for peace to be restored and for the people of this nation to have the opportunity to hear the Gospel. Petition the Lord to be present with Christians in Iraq as they face persecution. Pray for their safety and for the Lord to give them boldness to witness for Him. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Iraq as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)

Anti-government activists are calling for a boycott of the constitutional referendum that has been proposed by King Mohammed VI. They are demanding "dignity, democracy and social justice by peaceful means." Pray for this movement to remain peaceful. Pray for the government to respond to the desires of the people. Petition the Lord for the salvation of King Mohammed VI and other leaders in Morocco. Ask Him to pour His Holy Spirit out on this nation, opening the minds and hearts of these people to know the Love of Jesus Christ. Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed in Morocco and for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (II Corinthians 4:4)

Albania's bid to join the European Union has stalled because of accusations that recent elections were rigged. As one Albanian official stated, "Albania is stuck because it does not have free and fair elections." Pray for an end to corruption in Albania. Ask the Lord to raise up men and women of integrity who will govern in the fear of the Lord. Pray for laborers to be sent to this harvest field to proclaim the Gospel. Petition the Lord to soften hearts and set Albanians free from the Bondages of their beliefs. Invite the Kingdom of God to come to Albania with great power. (Matthew 13:23)

A regional meeting on terrorism determined that al-Qaeda has sleeper cells (groups on standby, waiting to be called into action) in Senegal. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) is also believed to be active in drug trafficking in West Africa. Pray for an immediate end to AQIM. Pray for the salvation of leaders and members of this terrorist organization. Ask the Lord protect the people of Senegal from attacks and recruitment efforts. Pray for the drug routes to be discovered and for trafficking to be stopped. Petition the Lord to pour His Holy Spirit out on this nation and draw the Senegalese into relationship with Jesus Christ. (Psalm 18:2)

Palestinian activists found "new energy" in the Arab Spring (the protests taking place across North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East). On May 15, 2011, they launched a protest movement of their own, demonstrating and even attempting to cross the border into Israel. Pray for the restoration of peace in Jordan. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to Palestinians and Jordanians. Pray for the Gospel to be communicated to them in a way they can understand and respond to. Pray for Christians in Jordan to be bold witnesses and demonstrate God's love to their families, neighbors and friends. Petition the Lord to draw multitudes of Palestinians and Jordanians into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Ephesians 6:19)

The Islamic Foundation of the Maldives is concerned about the "increase in sinister crimes." They are calling for harsher penalties. The reason crime is on the rise, the foundation says, is because Shari'a Law has not been implemented. Pray for the people of this closed,Islamic nation to have the opportunity to hear the Gospel. Pray for this country to be set free from bondage and know the Truth of Jesus Christ. Plead with the Lord for a great harvest of souls in the Maldives. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come with great power, signs, wonders, miracles, dreams and visions. (Daniel 4:3)

Post-election violence claimed more than 800 lives in Nigeria in April 2011. Rioting mobs burned 157 churches, 46 mosques, 1,435 houses and more than 600 vehicles. Pray for reconciliation between political parties, people groups, and between Muslims and Christians. Ask the Lord to give His people strength to stand firm against persecution and boldness to share the Gospel. Pray for the Lord to establish His Kingdom in Nigeria with righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Plead for a great harvest of souls in this nation. (John 8:44)

According to human rights groups, the Mongolian government is guilty of a number of serious violations, including abuse of prisoners, arbitrary arrests, poor detention center conditions, and refusing to register Christian churches. Pray for the Lord to work in the hearts of the leaders of this nation. Pray for the salvation of President Elbegdorj Tsakhia and other members of the government. Ask the Lord to be present with Christians in Mongolia, reminding them of His love and using them to proclaim the Gospel. Pray for the harvest that is already underway to continue with many men, women and children putting their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Jude 1:21)

After three months of unrest, President al-Assad and his government continue to use violence in their attempts to put down protests. According to democracy activists, troops are beginning to defect from the military. As Reuters reports, "Fears that Syria may slide into civil war are growing." Pray for the Lord to accomplish His plans and purposes for this nation. Pray for the salvation of President al-Assad. Ask the Lord to protect the people from the oppressive and murderous assaults of al-Assad and his military forces. Pray for this to be an opportunity for them to hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Syria. (Acts 3:19)

Officials in the United Arab Emirates report that drug abuse is on the rise. The age at which young Emiratis begin experimenting with drugs in the UAE has dropped from 17 to just 11. Pray for the Lord to give leaders wisdom in combating this growing problem. Pray for young people to be set free from drug addiction. Ask the Lord to move powerfully in this nation. Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed and for many men, women, and children to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Isaiah 61:1)

The government of Nepal is working on a law that will forbid converting from one religion to another. It also outlaws proselytizing. Christians in Nepal are planning a special time of prayer from September 5 to 7. Pray for this new law to be turned down by the parliament. Ask the Lord to give Christians in Nepal strength and courage to stand firm and proclaim the Gospel boldly. Pray for strongholds of this country to be torn down. Petition the Lord to pour out His Holy Spirit and draw multitudes of Nepalese into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Invite the Kingdom of God to come to this nation in great power. (Luke 19:10)

The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) and the Islamic Jihad Union (IJU) are militant groups made up of Uzbeks. Their geographical range is reportedly increasing as they affiliate themselves with al-Qaeda and the Haqqani Network. Pray for all these terrorist organizations to be defeated. Ask the Lord to cut off their funding and cause their recruiting efforts to fail. Pray for the salvation of key leaders. Petition the Lord to reach the people of Uzbekistan with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray for multitudes of Uzbeks to be set free from the Bondages of this country and put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (II Corinthians 4:4)

Protests in Egypt forced President Hosni Mubarak out of office. Yet, as the Christian Science Monitor points out, "The promises of the Arab Spring are far from fulfilled. …Egypt is struggling." Pray for the Lord to guide this nation as it moves forward, out of dictatorship and into democracy. Ask the Lord to raise up leaders who will rule with integrity. Pray for radical groups like the Muslim Brotherhood to be kept from gaining control. Pray for Christians in Egypt to be bold in sharing the Gospel during this time of uncertainty. Ask the Lord to pour out His Holy Spirit in this nation and draw multitudes into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Daniel 2:21)

The latest round of UN peace talks between the government of Morocco and the Polisario (Western Sahara separatist rebels) ended in June without any progress. Morocco continues to refuse to consider an independent Western Sahara. Pray for the Lord to work mightily in this conflict. Plead for the freedom of the Saharawi people. Pray for the Lord to bring conviction to the Moroccan government and for the leaders of that nation to end their oppressive occupation of Western Sahara. Pray for the salvation of the Saharawi. Ask the Lord to send laborers into this harvest field to share the Gospel, plant churches, and disciple new Believers. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Western Sahara. (Luke 10:2)

Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong stated in May 2011 that his government is strongly committed to eradicating drugs in Laos. Addiction to methamphetamines – known in Laos as yaba (crazy medicine) – is epidemic. Pray for an end to this destructive industry and behavior. Pray for the freedom of the Laotians who are caught in the grip of drugs. Ask the Lord to make the Gospel known throughout this nation, to every people group. Pray for a great harvest of souls in Laos. Ask the Lord to visit this nation, bringing His Kingdom with miracles, signs, and wonder. (Psalm 103:6)