Prayer Tips

Population: ........138,283,240 Political Leader: President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua Religions: .........Christianity 52.6%, Islam 41%, Traditional 6%, Other 0.4% Persecution Ranking: 32 (North) Number of Terrorist Groups: 5 Acts of Terrorism: 38; Casualties: 13 Percent of Corruption: 78% % of People in Poverty: 70% Location: Nigeria, officially named the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa and the most populous country in Africa. Nigeria shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in the north. Its coast lies on the Gulf of Guinea, part of the Atlantic Ocean, in the south. Since 1991, its capital has been the centrally located city of Abuja; previously, the Nigerian government was headquartered in the coastal city, Lagos. Terrorism: The apprehensions and trials of extremists by the Nigerian government seemed to indicate not just recognition of potential threats to itself and its citizens, but a responsiveness...

The summer season has been filled with high profile assassinations in Afghanistan including Pres. Karzai’s half-brother, his senior aide, and former president and the chairman of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council, Mr. Burhanuddin Rabbani. This offsets the momentum towards peace and reconciliation amongst the locals. Please pray for the workers laying the Kingdom foundation in that country – courage and joy over these brethren and that God’s love would saturate the hearts of those inflicting the violence on others. (Joshua 1:9)

Now that independence has been achieved, South Sudan must deal with the aftermath of years of war and violence. “Child soldiers, now grown up,” writes Standard Media, “have only known the gun and defence as their first line towards livelihood. If demobilized they need first to go to school, to be given skills to begin a new life.” Pray for the Lord to give the government of this new nation wisdom in dealing with this and other problems facing South Sudan. Ask Him to raise up leaders who fear Him and will lead the nation in integrity. (Daniel 2:21)

According to a New York Times, Sudan continues to be filled with conflict. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, associated with the new government in South Sudan, warned that Sudan’s National Congress Party will answer for the severe aggression against civilians in the Blue Nile State. “All summer long, the Sudanese military has been relentlessly bombing the Nuba Mounains, driving villagers to seek shelter in mountaintop caves.” Please pray for the government of Sudan to cease their attack on civilians. Pray that the fear of God will fall on Sudan’s leadership. Pray for the people to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. Pray that the Spirit of Adoption will fill the land. (Luke 19:10)

Reuters reports that "more than two years have passed since Sri Lanka's 25-year-old conflict ended. Mental health experts say thousands of survivors are living in torment… haunted by memories of the final months of fighting between the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and government forces." According to a Western aid worker, "The horrific, abrupt end to the war saw people witnessing their family die, but most could do nothing but run, forced to abandon the bodies of their loved ones… haunted by flashbacks, hallucinations, nightmares, suicidal thoughts and anti-social behaviour." Pray that Sri Lanka will truly experience healing and that the Body of Christ there will reach out with the Good News to those who are suffering. (Luke 4:18)

The Associated Press reported on August 2 that a car bomb exploded outside a church in Northern Iraq wounding 23. Security Forces disabled vehicles packed with explosives outside two other churches. A new report says only between 400,000 to 600,000 Christians are left in Iraq – down from a prewar level of 1.4 million. A leader of one of the targeted churches stated, "The terrorists want to make us flee Iraq, but they will fail." Pray that the victims of these attacks will be healed. Pray that many more believers in Iraq will obtain the same courage and faith as this leader. (Matthew 16:15-19)

In mid September over 3,000 demonstrators in Casablanca tried re-igniting the dissatisfaction and protests Morocco witnessed during the spring of 2011. While earlier protests in this primarily Islamic monarchy gained unprecedented promises from King Mohammed VI to limit his power and reform the government, opposition parties say these efforts are not enough and ineffective. Pray for the dissatisfaction of Moroccans to spread to their spiritual lives. Ask the Lord to ignite a fire of desire for Jesus Christ in the hearts of the Moroccan population. Pray that many souls will be stirred in a new wave of transformation in Morocco – this time a spiritual transformation and thirst for righteousness. Pray for God's Kingdom to come and His will to be done in Morocco. (Matthew 5:6)

A recent study of 65 nations ranked Albania in the top three for nations whose teenagers read most outside of school requirements. Over 90 per cent of Albanian youth enjoy reading for pleasure. Pray the Lord turns the hearts of these youths to reading His words in so that they may know Jesus Christ who is the only Truth and called the Word. Ask the Lord for the young people of Albania as our inheritance in Christ. Pray for the Christian Church to bring the Gospel to the children and young adults in Albania, refuting the lies of false religions such as Islam and atheism. Ask the Lord to send His Holy Spirit as a fire in the existing Christian Church in Albania to ignite a fresh passion and love for Jesus Christ. Pray they will reach their nation and the region for Jesus Christ. (John 1:1, 14:5; Psalm 2:8)

Elections took place on 24 September for the second time in the nation's history, an act inspired by the protests Middle Eastern countries have witnessed during the spring and summer. A little over a fourth of the 129,000 voters chosen by the United Arab Emirates selected one woman and 19 men to fill 20 of the 40 seats of the Federal National Council, an advisory council which holds no legislative powers. Pray that these new members will draft laws that agree with the wisdom and truth of God in Christ Jesus. Ask the Lord to send dreams and visions to these new legislators and for the ruling families in this nation to listen to their advice. Pray for the government in the UAE to govern with righteousness and justice. Pray these new officials will influence this nation toward religious freedom so that the Christians may worship and evangelize openly, and for many people to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. (Luke 3:6)

Although Uzbekistan completed a two-year initiative begun in 2008 to combat human trafficking, women and children sold for labor and sexual exploitation has still increased during that time. Many Uzbek victims are forced to work in cotton fields in Uzbekistan and others are sexually exploited both in Uzbekistan and in surrounding countries. Ask the Lord to arise and defeat this debase, immoral, and perverted industry in Uzbekistan. Pray for the Lord to change the nation of Uzbekistan to be a nation of freedom for all its citizens. Ask God to crush the corruption of human trafficking in this nation. Pray that every person entrapped in the modern-day slave trade will be freed both physically and spiritually. Ask for a great harvest of souls in Uzbekistan to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 42:6-8)

A series of three earthquakes, the most severe with a magnitude of 6.9, shook Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and the Indian state of Sikkim on 18 September. Monsoon rains have made rescue efforts difficult. Initial estimates of 50-80 people dead have jumped as more reports from the remote Himalayan regions have trickled in. Pray for comfort for the families of those who have lost family and friends in Nepal. Pray for the Nepalese Christians to rise up and offer the hope found in Jesus Christ to their hurting neighbors. Ask the Lord to use for good what satan meant for evil. Pray for many people to come into the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ in the midst of this difficult time. (II Corinthians 1:3-4; Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28)

Following the Arab Spring protests and demonstrations earlier this year, Egypt has undertaken trying several of its former leaders for illegal actions taken while still in power. Anas al-Fekky, previously information minister, has been sentenced to seven years in prison while former president Hosni Mubarak has been charged for murders of demonstrators during the protests that swept the nation. Pray for this nation to surrender to the Lord's plans and purposes during the upcoming 28 November elections. Pray for a spirit of righteousness and truth to fall heavily on Egypt. Pray for a complete end to corruption. Ask the Lord to establish His Kingdom in Egypt. Pray for the Christian Church to boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel of J esus Christ. Pray for a tremendous multitude to come into the Kingdom of God in Egypt. (Ephesians 6:19)

The Nigeria Labour Congress has launched an advocacy and awareness campaign for the freedom of Western Sahara. Their goal is to "sensitize Nigerians on the need" for Saharawi freedom, ultimately creating a movement which will pressure the Nigerian government, the UN, and finally the Moroccan government to decolonize the Western Sahara. Pray for these efforts and others like them to bring peaceful independence to the Saharawis. Ask the Lord to turn the ears, hearts, and minds of leaders in this region to the plight of Saharawis both in Western Sahara and the refugee camps of Algeria. Ask the Lord to call missionaries to the Western Sahara and for both their physical and spiritual needs to be met in Jesus Christ. Pray for the entire Saharawi people group to hear and accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ, forsaking all other religions. (Matthew 9:38)

The nation of Laos is part of what is known as "the Golden Triangle" – a center for drug production and trafficking. According to a United Nations report, the production and use of synthetic drugs like amphetamines is widespread and growing in this region. Pray for the Lord to bring an end to this illegal industry. Pray for Him to set free all those who are addicted to drugs and minster healing to them. Pray for their salvation. Ask the Lord to make the Gospel known throughout Laos and bring forth a great harvest of souls. Invite the Kingdom of God to come to this nation. (Psalm 142:7)

Although Indonesia is the largest Muslim nation in the world, there are villages and even entire cities that are mostly Christian. Persecution is an ever present threat. Pray for Christians in Indonesia to be strong and courageous. Pray for the Lord to protect them and give them strength to endure and overcome. Ask Him to use them powerfully to proclaim the Gospel throughout Indonesia. Pray for the hearts of Muslims to be soft, fertile ground for the Word. Plead with the Lord for multitudes of men, women, and children to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Matthew 13:33)

Piracy off the coast of Benin is on the rise. In October 2011, for instance, pirates hijacked a fuel tanker and its crew. The government of Benin is now joining with the government of Nigeria to begin joint patrols in the region. Pray for an immediate end to the piracy taking place in the waters off of West Africa. Pray for the success of government strategies to defend against these threats. Ask the Lord to set the people of Benin free from corruption and false religions. Petition Him to bring a great harvest of souls in this nation. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in great power and glory. (Psalm 9:16)

International observers stated recently that the terror threat in Azerbaijan is high. Officials in Azerbaijan claim this is unsubstantiated and say their nation is stable and secure. Pray for leaders to take action to ensure that Azerbaijan truly is stable and secure. Pray for the plots of terrorist groups to fail and for these groups to be exposed and defeated. Ask the Lord to make the Gospel known throughout Azerbaijan. Pray for Muslims to hear and respond to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Plead for a great harvest of souls in Azerbaijan. Pray for God's Kingdom to come in great power and glory. (Psalm 12:7)

Mali's partnership with Mauritania in the fight against terrorism is proving to be effective. In July 2011, a joint military operation killed at least 15 members of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) near the border between the two nations. Thank the Lord for this cooperation and pray for it to be successful in bringing an end to AQIM and every other terrorist group operating in this area. Ask the Lord to bring defeat to AQIM. Pray for their funding to be cut off and for their recruitment efforts to fail. Petition the Lord to send laborers to this harvest field to boldly and faithfully proclaim the Gospel. Pray for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Psalm 10:15)

Burkina Faso has become a major transit for cocaine trafficking. This nation, along with several of its neighbors, is now being referred to as part of the "Cocaine Coast" rather than the Ivory Coast. Pray for an immediate end to this illegal and destructive practice. Pray for the government to take action to stop the flow of cocaine through Burkina Faso. Ask the Lord to send Christians to share the Gospel with the people of this nation – especially the youth who are caught up in drugs. Pray for a great harvest of souls in Burkina Faso. Invite the Kingdom of God to come in power. (Isaiah 42:6,7)

World leaders now believe "time is short" before Iran obtains nuclear weapons. When this happens, experts say, Israel and the entire Middle East will be at risk of attack. Pray for the Lord to restrain the leaders of Iran from using weapons of mass destruction. Pray for the salvation of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the ayatollahs. Ask the Lord to continue to pour out His Holy Spirit on this nation. Petition Him to protect Christians from the intense persecution in Iran. Pray for them to be strong and courageous, faithfully sharing the Gospel. Invite the Kingdom of God to rule and reign in Iran. (Psalm 7:9)

The repressive government of this former Soviet republic continues to persecute Christians. Open Doors ranks Kyrgyzstan at number 46 on the World Watch List 2011 of the worst persecutors of Christians. Pray for new restrictions on Christian literature currently being considered by the government to be turned down. Pray for Christians to stand strong in the Lord and continue to share the Gospel with boldness. Invite the Kingdom of God to come to Kyrgyzstan as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)

The nation of Niger is facing many problems, the most pressing being the fact that most residents have been deceived by the Bondages. Many people groups remain unreached. Pray that the plan to reach seven unreached districts around Mayayi town, targeting one district every two weeks, will be possible and lead to churches being planted. Ask God to bless the preaching of the Gospel to the Hausa community through two radio stations. Ask God to provide the missionaries working with prisoners in Niger with finances to meet the physical needs of the prison inmates they are reaching. Pray that God will grant spiritual vitality and strength to missionaries in Niger who often go through spiritual attacks that weaken their strength. (Psalm 146:7)

This year's monsoon season in Thailand has killed more than 200 people and affected at least 2 million. The country's dams and water systems are now at a dangerous capacity, threatening villages and valuable farm land. The conditions are the worst they have been in over 50 years. The Prime Minister has ordered an increase in relief operations. Please pray for those currently affected. Pray that Christian relief operations will have an open door to bring assistance. Pray that Christians in Thailand will find opportunities for outreach and be able to bring true hope to the Thai people. Pray for the government to grant more favor to Christian workers in their country. (I Timothy 2:1-4)

The nation of Guinea has been experiencing political upheaval and violence since independence in 1958. It is also home to 29 unreached people groups. Pray for political stability in Guinea and wisdom for the head of state in ruling the country. Pray that doors that are opening to the Gospel in the villages will remain open and evangelism efforts will yield fruitful results. Pray for local workers to be trained for the work in Guinea. (Romans 10:15)

“While the facade of Islam looks in control [in Saudi Arabia],” says one Middle Eastern source, “the god of Materialism reigns in the people and their culture.” Pray for Saudis to find Christ and be set free from materialism. Pray for King Abdullah to put his faith in Christ and lead his people into relationship with the Lord. Ask the Lord to strengthen Saudi Christians and for the Gospel to flow to their families. Pray for their homes to become centers for worshipping the true and living God. Ask the Lord to provide Christians with fellowship and find mates for single Christians. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Saudi Arabia with great power. ( Philippians 4:13)

Indigenous Christians are taking up their place in the Great Commission and taking the Gospel to the people of this Buddhist nation. Pray for God to continue to raise up and protect brave evangelists who will take the Gospel to people in the plains and the highest mountains of Bhutan. ( Romans 10:15, Galatians 6:2)

It was reported that $92 million was transferred into the accounts of two members of Parliament. The National Bank of Kuwait and the Kuwait Finance House alerted the public prosecutor, who decided to open an investigation into the suspicious deposits. Pray against the polluting effects of bribery, kickbacks, lust for power and mammon on those who are placed in positions of trust. ( I Chronicles 29:17; Nehemiah 7:2)

Christian rights activist William Nicholas Gomes, who fled his native Bangladesh after serious threats from Islamic extremists and police harassment, now lives in Hong Kong. According to an article in Worthy News, Gomes is a former Muslim who converted to Christ and was tortured for his new Christian faith. He refused to be quiet and “sings the songs of David.” Gomes goes on to say, “I was naked but Jesus Christ clothed me with His love.” His family still lives in Bangladesh and a recent court decision has ordered the police to stop harassing his family. Please pray for William and his family. Pray for their protection. Pray that all believers in Bangladesh will be granted more favor to present the Gospel. Pray for the government to enforce its rulings to protect families from harassment. ( Colossians 1:9-12)

According to the United Nations, in recent years Guinea-Bissau has become a hub and transit point for smuggling illegal drugs. Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Junior has called for international cooperation to fight drug trafficking in his nation. Pray for the government of Guinea-Bissau to be successful in bringing an end to this destructive and deadly industry. Ask Him to set free those bound by drug addiction. Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout Guinea-Bissau. Petition the Lord for a great harvest of souls in this nation. Pray for God’s Kingdom to come as it is in heaven. ( Matthew 6:10)

The whole world watched as Japan was hit with a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and the 10-meter tsunami. Those two natural disasters set off nuclear reactor explosions. In addition, there have been aftershocks that are traumatizing survivors. Pray that the people will be released from fear, and they will trust in God. Continue to pray for the rebuilding of homes and lives in northeast Japan, where the earthquake and tsunami hit. Continue to pray for the people in areas like Tokyo, Sendai, and Fukushima. Many are still without shelter. Ask the Lord to have mercy on Japan. ( Psalm 27:7)

Population: 31,627,428 Chief of State: King Mohammed VI Head of Government: Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi Christians: 0.1% Evangelical Christians: 0.0% Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam Persecution Ranking: 31st Morocco is one of the least-reached nations in the 10/40 Window. Islamic since the 7th century, many of the people have never even heard the Gospel. The handful of Christian believers living in Morocco face great opposition. Proselytizing is illegal and expatriates found distributing evangelical materials or sharing their faith are expelled. PRAISE Despite government restrictions, Christian missionaries are at work in Morocco. Working quietly but steadily, they are faithfully proclaiming Jesus Christ. PRAYER Pray for every people group in Morocco to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 24:14) Pray the Light of Christ to shine into the darkness that has blanketed this nation. Pray for the strongholds of this country to be torn down...

Population: 2,986,952 Chief of State: President Bamir Topi Head of Government: Prime Minister Sali Berisha Christians: 46.4% Evangelical Christians: 0.7% Dominant Religion: Christianity (Orthodox) Persecution Ranking: Not Ranked Some sources say Islam is the largest religion in Albania. Others say Orthodox Christianity. However, both of these are practiced “culturally” - without much understanding or commitment. Folk Islam is also prevalent, along with atheism. According to “Operation World,” many of the cities, towns, and villages of Albania are “without an evangelical presence.” PRAISE Although still small, the Church in Albania is growing. “The number of evangelicals has grown in just a few years,” reports Jason Mandryk, “from nearly zero to several thousand.” PRAYER Pray for the strongholds of all being practiced in Albania to be torn down. Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout this nation. (Mark 16:15) Pray for the Muslims and atheists to put their faith in Jesus ...