Prayer Tips

The government of Pakistan has pledged cooperation with China in sharing intelligence on terrorist activities – specifically those of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). According to one news source, "The ETIM is said to be working for the separation of Xinjiang, an autonomous region." One of the goals of ETIM is the conversion to Islam of all the people in Xinjiang. Pray for true cooperation between China and Pakistan, and for ETIM and all other terrorist organizations operating in China to be discovered and defeated. Pray for the salvation of key members of the Chinese government. Ask the Lord to strengthen and encourage Christians in this nation, giving them boldness to share the Gospel. Pray for a great harvest of souls in China. (Colossians 2:2)

A new United Nations report "slammed Turkmenistan for its widespread human rights violations, including the use of torture against detainees." The report from the Committee Against Torture called for immediate reforms to be made by the government of Turkmenistan. Pray for this report to be taken seriously by the leaders of this nation. Plead with the Lord to bring an immediate end to human rights abuses in Turkmenistan. Pray for the salvation of key members of the government. Ask the Lord to strengthen and encourage Christians in this nation and use them mightily to share the Gospel with the Muslim population. Pray for a great harvest of souls in Turkmenistan. (Psalm 103:6)

A recent report says that Qatar has a record of repression, torture and other human rights abuses. "There are not adequate systems in place, in practice, to ensure prompt, independent investigation of allegations of torture or ill treatment," one human rights group notes. Pray for the government of Qatar to take action against these abuses. Pray for the salvation of key leaders in this nation. Ask the Lord to pour His Holy Spirit out on Qatar and bring forth a tremendous harvest of souls. Pray for those who are in bondage to be set free and put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Invite God's Kingdom to come to Qatar as it is in heaven. (I Timothy 2:1-4)

Thousands of Syrians have now crossed the border into Lebanon to flee the violence in their own country. In response to this, Mohammed Kabbara, a member of the Lebanese parliament promised: "We are not neutral. We are with the Syrian people." Praise God for this statement and for the attitude of the Lebanese government. Pray for the refugees from Syria to have the opportunity to hear the Gospel in Lebanon. Ask the Lord to use His Church in Lebanon to bless and care for these refugees. Pray for the love of God to be demonstrated in this nation. Petition the Lord for a great harvest of souls during this time of change. Invite the Kingdom of God to come to Lebanon in great power. (I John 4:8)

Brunei was among the ten nations that met in May to discuss how to combat drug trafficking, terrorism, arms smuggling and human trafficking in Southeast Asia. Pray for the success of these plans and for increased cooperation between governments. Ask the Lord to bring defeat to all terrorist groups operating in Brunei. Pray for an end to human trafficking and smuggling in this region. Petition the Lord to strengthen His Church in this nation and give Christians opportunities to share the Gospel. Pray for the people of Brunei to be open to the message of Jesus Christ and respond by putting their faith in Him as Savior and Lord.

More than 900,000 people have fled Libya since the outbreak of civil war and many of them have crossed into Chad for refuge. According to the International Organization for Migration, the situation there now is "very, very difficult and desperate." Pray for Christians and Christian organizations to demonstrate God's love to these refugees. Pray for the People of Chad to see the kindness of the Lord in these actions. Ask the Lord to move powerfully in this nation, drawing immigrants and Chadians into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in power to Chad, with signs, wonders, dreams and visions. (Acts 2:17)

Each year, hundreds of women from Myanmar are tricked into going to China. They are promised jobs but when they cross the border, they are forced to marry men who cannot afford China's required dowry. Pray for the government to take action to end this practice immediately. Ask the Lord to convict the hearts of those who are profiting from this activity. Pray for the freedom of the women and girls being kidnapped and forced into these marriages. Petition the Lord to make the Gospel known throughout Myanmar. Pray for many in this nation to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Mark 16:15)

The rapid rise in Islamic extremism, especially the al-Qaeda affiliated group, al-Shabaab in Somalia has also affected Ethiopia. There is a large Somali population in Ethiopia and it now poses a threat to the security of the nation. Pray for al-Shabaab and every other terrorist group operating in Ethiopia to be exposed and defeated. Ask the Lord to give the government wisdom in combating these organizations. Pray for the people of Ethiopia to be kept safe. Petition the Lord to display His goodness and love in this nation. Pray for unity in the Church and for Christians to boldly share the Gospel. Petition the Lord for the salvation of multitudes of Ethiopians. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in glory to this nation. (Ephesians 4:3)

A finance company opened a special Islamic fund in Kazakhstan in June 2011 to help Muslims invest and save money to travel to Mecca on Hajj (pilgrimage). A recent survey shows that almost 50% of the nation's 15.5 million people are Muslim. Pray for the salvation of the people of Kazakhstan. Ask the Lord to send workers who will faithfully preach the Gospel in this region. Pray for Kazakh Christians to intercede for their nation and be bold in witnessing. Petition the Lord to move powerfully, pouring out His Holy Spirit and drawing multitudes into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Psalm 13:5)

Sultan Qaboos has been ruling Oman for 41 years. CBS News calls him one of the world's most enduring dictators. Despite initially avoiding the "Arab Spring" protests, Oman is now experiencing demonstrations that have led to at least two deaths. Pray for the Lord to accomplish His plans and purposes for this nation. Petition Him for the salvation of Sultan Qaboos and other members of the Omani government. Ask the Lord to tear down the strongholds of Oman and lead the people into the freedom found only in Jesus Christ. Pray for a great harvest of souls in this nation. (II Corinthians 10:4)

In June 2011, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak stated, "Malaysia has and will continue to play its role as a responsible global citizen." Najib said that Malaysia will continue to act as a peacemaker in the region and will be "an active player" in the fight against terrorism. Pray for these promises to be kept. Ask the Lord to give the government of Malaysia strategies and resources to fulfill these goals. Pray for the salvation of Prime Minister Najib. Ask the Lord to pour His Holy Spirit out on Malaysia and work in the hearts of the people. Pray for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Malaysia as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)

Muammar al-Qadhafi continues to order heavy assaults on rebel forces and rebel-held cities. NATO airstrikes have yet to have an effect on al-Qadhafi's regime and his war on Libyan civilians. Pray for a swift end to this escalating conflict. Ask the Lord to restore peace to Libya. Pray for this time of violence and instability to be an open door for the Gospel to be preached and demonstrated to the people of this closed nation. Pray for their hearts to be soft, fertile soil for the seed of the Word. Ask the Lord for a great harvest of souls in Libya. (Matthew 13:23)

Algeria has been supporting Muammar al-Qadhafi's fight to maintain control of Libya. They also sent troops to fight against rebel forces. Pray for the conflict in Libya to be concluded peacefully and quickly. Pray for it not to spread to surrounding nations like Algeria. Ask the Lord to give the government of Algeria wisdom in their foreign relations policies. Pray for the salvation of leaders in this nation. Petition the Lord to make the Gospel known throughout Algeria. Pray for Muslims to be set free and drawn into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (I Timothy 2:1-4)

According to the African Centre of Terrorism Research (part of the African Union), al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) is active across all of West Africa. Sleeper cells (groups on standby, ready for action) are already present in Guinea-Bissau, the group said. Representatives of AQIM are reportedly operating "in silence, recruiting and doing field work." Pray for these sleeper cells to be exposed and for their plans to fail. Pray for AQIM to be defeated throughout West Africa. Ask the Lord to protect the people – especially the youth – of Guinea-Bissau from terrorist recruiting efforts. Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed and for the Lord to bring a great harvest of souls in this nation. (John 4:35)

According to western sources, the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies are supporting Islamic terrorist networks. The government of Pakistan reportedly has strong ties with the Haqqani Network, which operates in North Wazirisitan and "shelters Taliban and al-Qaeda militants traveling between safe havens in Pakistan and the war front in Afghanistan." Pray for the Haqqani Network, the Taliban and al-Qaeda to be wiped out. Pray for the Pakistani government to stop supporting them. Ask the Lord to move powerfully in Pakistan, tearing down the strongholds that have bound and blinded the people. Pray for Muslims to be set free and to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (II Corinthians 4:4)

The yakuza crime network has positioned itself to take advantage of Japan's recovery plan. Yakuza was one of the first sources of help after the disaster, but observers believe they were attempting to win the favor of local governments in order to gain construction contracts – which help fund their illegal activities. Pray for this crime syndicate to be exposed and for their efforts to steal relief funds to fail. Ask the Lord to protect the people of Japan from those who would take advantage of their situation. Pray for this time of rebuilding and recovery to also be a time of heightened spiritual hunger. Petition the Lord to pour His Holy Spirit out on Japan and draw multitudes of men, women, and children into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. ( John 6:65)

After months of disagreement, President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Speaker of Parliament Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden agreed to hold elections by August 2012. The accord also calls for Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed to resign in the next 30 days. Pray for the Lord to bring an end to the lawlessness in Somalia and restore order. Ask Him to raise up men and women of integrity, who fear the Lord, to serve in government. Pray for the protection of the people of Somalia – especially Christians who are risking their lives to follow Christ. Pray for a great spiritual awakening in this nation and for Muslims to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (I Peter 4:13)

According to one western leader, North Korea poses a "growing and direct threat." He specifically referred to North Korea's missiles and nuclear program. Pray for the Lord to continue restraining the leaders of this nation and keep t hem from using weapons of mass destruction. Pray for Christians in North Korea who are facing severe persecution. Ask the Lord to give them courage and strength to endure. Pray for them to be bold witnesses. Pray for the Light of Christ to penetrate the spiritual darkness of North Korea. Ask the Lord for a great harvest of souls in this nation. (Joshua 1:7)

Close to 2,000 Syrians have fled to Turkey in an effort to escape the escalating violence in their nation. Turkey is not only providing a refuge for these displaced people, but the government is refusing to support Syrian President Assad. "Erdogan is consistently not on Assad's side anymore," one analyst notes. "Turkey is slowly taking distance from Assad." Pray for the Lord to continue to guide the government of Turkey. Give thanks for their willingness to accept Syrian refugees. Pray for Muslims in Turkey to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel. Pray for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Invite the Kingdom of God to come to Turkey. (II Peter 3:8)

According to human rights groups, more Tibetan monks have been arrested for holding peaceful demonstrations in protest of Chinese rule. Two monks were also reportedly "beaten with metallic rods by police and arrested" for distributing pamphlets and posters. Pray for the people of Tibet to be set free from Chinese rule and, more importantly, set free from the rule of Buddhism. Pray for their release from the bondage and deception of this false religion. Ask the Lord to pour out His Holy Spirit upon Tibet. Pray for the Gospel to be preached throughout this region and for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (I John 4:6)

Christians in Eritrea face great persecution. As many as 2000 are being detained in horrible conditions. "As well as facing religious rights abuses," notes a report by an international agency, "Eritrean Christians are also caught up in another human rights scandal – the trafficking of people trying to flee Eritrea." Pray for our Christian Brothers and Sisters in this nation as they endure suffering, imprisonment and attempt to flee the country. Ask the Lord to be their shield and refuge. Pray for the salvation of Eritrea's leaders. Petition the Lord to move powerfully in this nation, bringing forth a great harvest of souls. Invite God's Kingdom to come and His will to be done in Eritrea. (Psalm 119:114)

President Yahya Jammeh has been accused of involvement in arms and drug trafficking in the Gambia. Members of his government who have supposedly been assigned to deal with these issues are believed to be part of an organized crime network. The Freedom Newspaper says this "goes to confirm that The Gambia is a drug hub nation." Pray for an end to the corruption that now riddles this government. Pray for those involved in smuggling drugs and arms to be discovered and arrested. Ask the Lord to send workers to the Gambia to share the Gospel. Pray for the salvation of President Jammeh. Petition the Lord to empower His Church to be a light in the darkness and a city set on a hill. Pray for a great harvest of souls in the Gambia. (Matthew 5:14)

East Timor has applied to become a member of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations). But several issues are standing in the way of approval, including human trafficking, money laundering, and child prostitution. Pray for the government of East Timor to examine these issues and deal with them. Pray for human trafficking, money laundering and child prostitution to be eradicated. Ask the Lord to root out corruption, lawlessness and terrorism in East Timor. Pray for this nation to experience revival. Petition the Lord to strengthen the Church in East Timor and give Christians boldness to reach their nation and all of Southeast Asia with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 3:14-19)

Women in Saudi Arabia are revolting against the ban on female driving in what some are calling a miniature Arab Spring protest. "It is not the issue of women's driving itself," one analyst said, "it is the challenge to authority." Pray for an end to Shari'a law in Saudi Arabia. Pray for the salvation of leaders in the government of this nation. Ask the Lord to defend the women from the abuses and oppression of this nation. Pray for the freedom of all those who are in bondage to this country. Plead for the souls of the men, women, and children of Saudi Arabia. Ask the Lord to lead them into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Psalm 119:134)

"Happiness is about one's outlook on life," says Bhutan's secretary of Gross National Happiness, "and Buddhist values help people appreciate and focus on what they have instead of what they do not have." Pray for the people of Bhutan to have the opportunity to hear about the source of true satisfaction and joy:Jesus Christ. Pray for the lies of Buddhism to be exposed. Ask the Lord to pierce the spiritual darkness of Bhutan with the Light of Christ. Petition the Lord to soften the hearts of the Bhutanese people and make them fertile soil to receive the Word. Pray for God's Kingdom to come and His will be done in Bhutan. (Psalm 19:8)

Human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Thailand are considered "huge" problems. Prostitution reportedly brings in $5 billion each year. In the city of Bangkok along there are an estimated 400,000 prostitutes. Pray for the Lord to visit this nation and do battle on behalf of the women who are being abused and exploited. Ask the Lord to bring an end to the poverty that often motivates women to enter this industry. Pray for the strongholds of greed and lust to be torn down. Petition the Lord to bring revival to this nation. Ask for a great harvest of souls as His Kingdom comes to Thailand. (Psalm 9:9)

United Nations officials believe drug factories are widespread in Guinea. It has become a hub for the production of heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy. Pray for those involved in this illegal industry to be discovered and arrested. Ask the Lord to protect the children and youth of Guinea from the influence of drugs. Pray for the Gospel to be preached in this nation. Petition the Lord to move powerfully in Guinea, setting people free from false religions and leading them into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Isaiah 61:1)

The government of Kyrgyzstan signed a UN accord to "promote cooperation in fighting drug trafficking, human trafficking and international terrorism" in June 2011. A representative from the UN noted, "It is impossible to consider responses to the threats posed by drugs, organized crime and terrorism in isolation." Pray for the leaders of Kyrgyzstan to be successful in keeping their nation and region safe from these threats. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to the people of Kyrgyzstan. Pray for them to be set free from the lies and deception of this country's Bondage. Petition the Lord to draw them into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Pray for a great harvest of souls in Kyrgyzstan. (John 8:44)

Concerned that regional instability might give al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) an opportunity to gain control, Niger and other West African governments are working together to increase security. According to reports, AQIM may have accessed weapons from Libya. Pray for the complete defeat of AQIM. Ask the Lord to bless and guide the cooperation between Niger and the other nations of West Africa. Pray for their efforts to combat terrorism to succeed. Petition the Lord to pour His Holy Spirit out on Niger. Pray for a great harvest of souls and for God's Kingdom to come in glory. (Matthew 6:10)

"Turkmenistan plays an important role in enhancing security in Central Asia," says the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). "Given Turkmenistan's geographic position" (north of Afghanistan and Iran) "the task of ensuring border security is of special importance." Pray for the government to take their location and role in the security of Central Asia seriously. Pray for the Lord to give leaders ideas and resources to combat terrorism. Ask the Lord to strengthen Christians in Turkmenistan and give them boldness to share the Gospel in this mostly Muslim nation. Pray for multitudes to hear and receive the Good News, putting their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Psalm 18:2)

According to a recent report, "Many oil-rich Gulf states… have a policy of turning a blind eye to terror planning and financing activities." Qatar is considered one of the worst. Pray for the leaders of this nation to take a strong stand against terrorism. Ask the Lord to reveal the plans and financing schemes of extremist groups. Pray for these to be cut off before they can be carried out. Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout Qatar and for many men, women, and children to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Mark 4:22)

According to TrustLaw (a charitable arm of Reuters news service), "The Myanmar military is using sexual violence extensively in their offensive against ethnic Kachin separatists in the north of the country." In a single week in June, soldiers reportedly gang-raped more than 18 women and girls. Five of the victims died. Pray for an immediate end to these abuses. Ask the Lord to arise and do battle on behalf of these women. Pray for international pressure to help put a stop to the use of rape as a weapon of war. Plead with the Lord for the hearts of the people of Myanmar. Pray for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Psalm 146:8)

Twenty-one of the activists involved in the uprising in Bahrain have been convicted of conspiracy by a military court. Eight of them were sentenced to life in prison. Human rights groups say the convictions were "purely political." Pray for the Lord to accomplish His plans and purposes in this nation. Pray for corruption to be rooted out and for the Lord to raise up leaders who will govern with integrity. Petition the Lord to move powerfully in Bahrain, pouring out His Holy Spirit and setting Shias and Sunnis free from the bondage. Ask Him to draw them into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Psalm 119:134)

The government of Ethiopia recently added al-Qaeda and al-Shabaab to its official list of terrorist groups. The list is intended to "help Ethiopia under-cut terror threats on its soil and also to the region." Pray for this recognition to be effective in targeting terrorist groups in East Africa. Ask the Lord to give leaders in Ethiopia wisdom and strategies in dealing with extremist organizations. Pray for Christians in this nation to be bold witnesses. Petition the Lord for a great harvest of souls in Ethiopia. Invite God's Kingdom to come as it is in heaven. (Ephesians 6:19)

There are currently almost 12,000 Buddhist or Taoist temples in Taiwan, but only 3,000 churches. "Taoism and Buddhism are popular in southern Taiwan, and Protestantism and Catholicism are popular in northern and eastern Taiwan." Pray for the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to penetrate every part of this nation. Ask the Lord to tear down the strongholds of Taoism, Buddhism, and every other religions. Pray for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Plead with the Lord for a great harvest of souls in Taiwan. (Romans 2:4)

Lebanon has a new government. Led by Prime Minster Najib Makati, it won a vote of confidence in July 2011. It is the "first to be dominated by the Hezbollah-led March 8 coalition." Pray for the Lord to guide and direct the leaders of this nation. Pray for their salvation. Ask for the Lord to empower Christians in Lebanon to be united in prayer for their nation. Pray for them to be bold in sharing the Gospel. Ask the Lord to draw Muslims into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Pray for multitudes to put their faith in Christ. Invite the Kingdom of God to come in power to Lebanon. (Romans 10:17)