Prayer Tips

Illegal migration is such a problem in the Gambia that the minister of Interior has described it as a "social menace." Many people, especially youths, set out for "greener pastures at the expense of their lives," he said. Pray for the people of Gambia to seek their satisfaction in the Lord. Pray for their journeys to lead them to people who love Jesus Christ and can share the Gospel with them. Ask the Lord to set Muslims free from the lies of false religion. Pray for a great harvest of souls in the Gambia as people put their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Invite God's Kingdom to come and to be established in all of West Africa. (Acts 8:4)

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono stated recently that "the sources of conflicts around the world were no longer confined to ideological differences, territorial and border disputes or fighting off secessionist rebellions." Because of this, the president said, partnerships and mutual cooperation are essential. Pray for these partnerships to be effective in defending East Timor and other nations in southeast Asia from the threat of terrorism. Ask the Lord to give President Yudhoyono wisdom and discernment in defending his country and its people. Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in East Timor. Petition the Lord to display His love and mercy in this nation and to establish His Kingdom. Pray for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Psalm 6:9)

Egypt was added to the list of the worst violators of religious freedoms by a western government in April 2011. "The Egyptian government engaged in and tolerated religious freedom violations before and after President Hosni Mubarak stepped down," the report said. Pray for the revolution that took place in this nation to bring about greater religious freedom. Ask the Lord to restore peace and to protect Christians from persecution. Pray for them to be strong and courageous in their faith, boldly sharing the Gospel. Pray for a great spiritual awakening in Egypt and for the Holy Spirit to draw multitudes into relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray for God's Kingdom to come to Egypt as it is in heaven. (Isaiah 9:6)

Christians in Uzbekistan continue to face the threat of persecution. Churches are routinely raided and Christians are often arrested, fined and even beaten. One man was recently assaulted by police for the "crime" of giving a coworker a children's Bible. Pray for the Lord to be present with these courageous Christian Brother and Sisters. Pray for them to rejoice as they participate in the sufferings of Christ. Ask the Lord to move in the hearts of persecutors, drawing them into relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout Uzbekistan and for the lost to be reached with the love of the Lord. Plead for a tremendous harvest of souls. Pray for God's Kingdom to come to this nation. (I Peter 4:13)

Western Sahara has been illegally annexed by Morocco since 1975. Despite international pressure, Morocco will not allow Western Sahara to be independent. France is one of the few nations that supports Morocco's position. "The main reason is the economic interest," writes one journalist, "in plundering the territory's rich resources." Pray for this abuse to end immediately. Plead for the Sahrawis to be set free from this oppression. Pray for them to be set free from the bondages of this country. Ask the Lord to move in hearts and draw many into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Invite the Kingdom of God to come to Western Sahara with signs, wonders, dreams and visions. (Colossians 1:13)

Drug trafficking is an escalating problem in Laos. Heroin is being smuggled across the border into Vietnam at an alarming rate. "Border guards say that drug traders employ every way to traffic drugs. They often use plain-clothed and under-educated ethnic minority people to transport drugs from Laos to Vietnam." Pray for an immediate end to this illegal and destructive activity. Pray for the government of Laos to take action to prevent drug smuggling. Ask the Lord to bring His Kingdom to this nation, pouring out the Holy Spirit and drawing men, women and children into relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray for Christians to be strong and courageous as they face persecution and continue to share their faith. (Joshua 1:7)

According to the government of Morocco, a bombing in Marrakesh in April 2011 that killed 15 people was the work of terrorists. No group has claimed responsibility, but officials are concerned this may signal another rise in violence. A series of attacks in 2003 (including 12 suicide bombings) left 45 people dead. Pray for Islamic terrorists in Morocco to be arrested and prosecuted. Ask the Lord to give the government wisdom in dealing with these violent extremist groups and the threat they pose to the security of the nation. Pray for the people of Morocco to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel. Petition the Lord to set free those held captive by the bondage of this country and lead them into relationship with Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 2:12)

President Bamir Topi called for self-restraint in the upcoming elections. Violence has been intensifying and the president hopes to keep the unrest and discord from becoming deadly. Pray for peace for Albania. Pray for the Prince of Peace to make Himself known in this nation. Ask the Lord to pour out His Holy Spirit on Albania and set people free from the lies of Islam and atheism. Pray for multitudes of Albanians to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to this nation. (Isaiah 9:6)

The United Arab Emirates is one of several Middle East nations pursuing nuclear power plants. They are doing so despite the nuclear disaster in Japan that resulted from a huge earthquake. Scientists say the Middle East is "a region prone to Japan-like risks like earthquakes as well as war and terrorism…." Pray for the government of the UAE to proceed with caution concerning the development of nuclear materials. Pray for peace in this region and for terrorists to be exposed and dealt with swiftly. Ask the Lord to tear down the strongholds of this country and throughout the Arabian Peninsula. Pray for the people to be set free from the bondages and to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Petition the Lord for a great harvest of souls. (Romans 10:9)

Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal recently made a pledge to fight terrorist activities in Nepal. He also said he was concerned about money laundering counterfeiting, and security issues regarding the border with India. Thank God for this pledge and pray for the prime minister to keep it. Ask the Lord to give the government of Nepal the resources and strategies they need to combat terrorism, money laundering, and to keep their people safe. Petition the Lord to pour His Holy Spirit out on this nation, setting people free from Hinduism and drawing them into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Nepal with great power and glory. (Isaiah 42:7)

Drug smuggling in Sri Lanka has decreased in the last year thanks to a government anti-drug program. Officials pointed out, "The country is still to be guarded against the possibility of becoming a major transit hub of drug traffickers." Pray for this program to continue to be effective and for those involved in smuggling drugs to be arrested and brought to justice. Ask the Lord to deliver the people of this nation from the lies of Buddhism. Pray for the Gospel to be preached in Sri Lanka and for the Holy Spirit to draw multitudes into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Pray for a great harvest of souls as the Kingdom comes in power. (Psalm 11:7)

After eight months of relative calm, a terrorist set off a bomb at a large Shiite mosque in Iraq. Twelve people were killed and dozens more were injured. "Although violence has significantly decreased in Iraq over the past two years," one news source reports, "it has spiked in recent weeks." Pray for the Lord to establish and maintain peace in this war-torn nation. Pray for the blinded minds of the people to be opened to the Light of Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to draw them, giving them hearts that are hungry for God's Truth. Pray for the Gospel to be preached to every segment of the Iraqi society. Invite the Kingdom of God to come to Iraq in power, with great signs and wonders. (II Corinthians 4:6)

This nation is considered strategic in combating terrorism. Approximately 5,000 western troops are based in Djibouti and it is a critical ally in the war against terrorism. Pray for Djibouti's role in fighting extremist groups in this region to continue. Pray for Christian expatriates to have opportunities to witness to the people of this Muslim nation. Ask the Lord to speak to the men, women and children of Djibouti through dreams and visions. Pray for many to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Acts 2:17)

China's links with Iran are a concern to the international community. It has been reported that China is involved in supplying Iran with equipment and technology for its chemical weapons program. China has also formed a "strategic partnership" with Pakistan. Pray for the government of China to be wise in the partnerships they engage in. Pray for the Lord to expose terrorism and other wicked schemes in China. Ask Him to continue pouring His Holy Spirit out on this nation and its people. Pray for a tremendous harvest of souls in China. Invite the Kingdom of God to come in great power. (Mark 4:22)

A terrorist group known as the Mujahideen of Tajikistan has issued new threats against the government of this nation. Officials claim the threat is low, but also emphasize that the stability of Tajikistan is at risk as long as the border with Afghanistan is "wide-open." Pray for an immediate end to the Mujahideen of Tajikistan. Pray for their plans and their efforts to recruit to fail. Ask the Lord to give leaders wisdom in dealing with this and other extremist organizations operating in the region. Pray for the people of this nation to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel. Petition the Lord for a great harvest of souls in Tajikistan. (Psalm 35:1)

When Fatah and Hamas (terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank) announced they were joining forces in April 2011, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called the development "outrageous." He and other leaders in Israel are convinced that if this agreement is upheld, it will be a "great setback to peace." Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for the Lord to arise on behalf of Israel, defending them from their enemies. Ask the Lord to give Prime Minister Netanyahu and the other leaders in this nation wisdom in protecting their people from terrorists. Pray for their spiritual eyes to be opened to Jesus. Ask the Lord to continue moving, bringing men, women and children into relationship with Messiah. Pray for the Kingdom

Shiites who participated in demonstrations against the government were given death sentences in April 2011. This led to more protests as thousands condemned the ruling. Pray for the Lord to accomplish His plans and purposes in this nation. Pray for Christian expatriates to be bold in sharing the Gospel. Ask the Lord to pour out His Holy Spirit, softening hearts and preparing them for the seed of the Word. Pray for God's Kingdom to come in Bahrain in power with signs, wonders and miracles. (Matthew 13:23)

In a new pact, Taiwan has agreed to work with Cambodia to combat money laundering and terrorism funding. This is the 18th nation Taiwan has agreed to cooperate with. Thank God for this diligence and pray for these efforts to be successful. Pray for an end to terrorism in East Asia. Pray for young people to hear the Gospel and put their faith in Jesus Christ instead of being seduced by extremist groups. Pray for the Church in Taiwan to be strong in the Lord and witness boldly. Pray for many men, women and children to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Ephesians 6:10)

While the Hmong of Vietnam have faced ongoing human rights violations by the government, Hmong Christians face even worse treatment. In April 2011, four Christian women were confronted by soldiers. After confiscating their only Bible, the men "brutally and repeatedly raped at least two of the younger women before shooting them at point blank range with automatic weapons in head and torso." Pray for the Lord to give His angels charge over the Hmong Christians. Pray for them to be strengthened and encouraged in the Holy Spirit. Ask the Lord to move in the hearts of those who persecute Christians. Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed in Vietnam. Plead with the Lord for a great harvest of souls in this nation. (Psalm 91:11,12)

Thousands of people continue to demonstrate in Yemen – some protesting the government and others calling for an end to the unrest – despite a promise from President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down. Pray for the turmoil in this Muslim nation to be used to turn hearts to Jesus Christ. Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed and for multitudes to put their faith in Christ. Ask the Lord to protect the Christians in Yemen and use them powerfully to testify to the Truth. Invite God's Kingdom to this nation and pray for a great harvest of souls. (Luke 4:18)

According to one source, the nation of Kyrgyzstan is "finding drug gangs more of a threat than corrupt politicians and Islamic radicals." Pray for this illegal industry to be exposed and brought to an immediate end. Pray for this source of terrorist funding to be cut off. Ask the Lord to strengthen and encourage Christians in Kyrgyzstan. Pray for them to be bold witnesses and for the Gospel to be preached throughout the nation. Petition the Lord for a great harvest of souls. (Ephesians 6:19)

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) continues to be active in Niger. Experts say this region is becoming "a breeding ground for AQIM terror." Pray for this demonically-inspired organization to be defeated. Ask the Lord to cut off their funding. Pray for the Gospel to be preached in Niger. Ask the Lord to set free all those who have been taken captive by the nation. Pray for them to be drawn into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Psalm 11:5)

The floods that hit Thailand in October 2011 "caught many people unprepared, leaving hundreds dead and tens of thousands homeless," one news source says. Pray for this nation as it struggles to recover from this devastating natural disaster. Ask the Lord to provide for those who have lost homes and comfort those who have lost loved ones. Pray for this time of tragedy to be used to turn hearts and minds toward the need for a Savior. Ask the Lord to draw many into relationship with Jesus Christ. (II Corinthians 1:3,4)

According to a new report, drug smuggling is on the rise in Guinea and other West African nations. The region has become a "major transit point" for South American narcotics. Pray for the Lord to expose those who are trafficking in drugs. Pray for the networks being used to transport and sell drugs to be broken and for those involved to be prosecuted. Ask the Lord to send workers to Guinea to proclaim the Gospel to every people group. Pray for the Church in this nation to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Invite the Kingdom of God to come to Guinea. (Ephesians 6:10)

Saudi Arabia has no minimum age for marriage. "It is perfectly legal to marry even an hour-old child." According to one news source, "Saudi Arabia has probably the highest number of child marriages in the Middle East and yet there has been almost no international outrage." Pray for an immediate end to this practice. Ask the Lord to set girls free from this bondage and protect those who are not yet married. Pray for parents to refuse to allow their daughters to take part in this. Pray for the tearing down of the strongholds. Ask the Lord to draw Muslims out from the lies of this false religion, into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (II Corinthians 10:4)

Gospel tracts are now being made available in local languages for the first time. Pray for the Christians involved in this ministry. Ask the Lord to protect them and supply them with the resources they need to accomplish this project. Pray for the tracts to be effective in communicating the Good News of Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to prepare the hearts of the people in Bhutan to hear and receive the Gospel. Pray for a great harvest of souls in this nation. Invite the Kingdom of God to come to Bhutan with power, signs, wonders, and miracles. (Matthew 13:23)

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) is now operating in Guinea-Bissau. This terrorist group is reportedly using the nation to transport South American drugs to the Mediterranean Sea. The sale of these drugs is being used to fund their violent activities. Pray for AQIM to be defeated. Pray for their drug smuggling network to be exposed and cut off. Ask the Lord to make the Gospel known throughout Guinea-Bissau. Pray for the Lord to draw men, women, and children into relationship with His only Son, Jesus Christ. (Psalm 37:38)

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 ask the Lord to send more workers. Petition the Lord for a great harvest of souls in Japan. (Luke 10:2)

Drug sales and trafficking along the Bangladesh border with India is rampant, officials say. The profits from this growing trade are being used to fund terrorism. Pray for the Lord to expose those involved in this illegal activity. Pray for the networks to be cut off and the members arrested. Ask the Lord to bring an end to terrorists groups in this region. Pray for them to be defeated and for their efforts to launch deadly attacks to be stopped. Pray for the Gospel to reach every people group in Bangladesh. Ask the Lord for a great harvest of souls in this nation. (Psalm 10:2)

In November 2012, the threat level in Kuwait was raised. "There is a general threat from terrorism in Kuwait," one agency announced. "Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region." Pray for the safety of the Kuwaiti people. Ask the Lord to move powerfully in this Muslim nation, liberating the people from the bondage. Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed to every people group. Pray for multitudes of men, women, and children to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Romans 10:13)

President Hamid Karzai is calling on neighboring nations to join Afghanistan in the fight against terror. There is no hope for peace, he says, if the countries of South Asia do not work together. Pray for terrorist groups in Afghanistan to be defeated. Pray for their funding to be cut off and for recruiting efforts to fail. Ask the Lord to open the blind minds of the people and draw them into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Pray for a great harvest of souls in Afghanistan. (II Corinthians 4:4)

According to the International Monetary Fund, "South Sudan's oil revenue will begin declining in the next decade." Oil accounts for over 95% of South Sudan's revenue. Pray for the Lord to provide for this new nation. Ask Him to give the leaders wisdom and direction in guiding South Sudan forward. Pray for Christians to be encouraged and to be strong in the Lord. Pray for South Sudan to be a powerful example of the Lord's goodness and faithfulness. (Ephesians 6:10)

North Sudan is charging South Sudan "exorbitant transport fees" to ship oil across its border. President Oman al-Bashir has also accused South Sudan of "provocations" and said he is "ready to go back to war." Pray for peace between these nations. Pray for the salvation of President Omar al-Bashir. Ask the Lord to set the people of North Sudan free from the deception of the country. Pray for the Gospel to be made known throughout this nation. Ask the Lord for a great harvest of souls in Sudan. (John 8:44)

The government of Mauritania has created a special anti-terror unit. But observers say al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the main terrorist group in the region, is "getting stronger by the day." Pray for AQIM to be defeated. Ask the Lord to cut off their funding and pray for the salvation of key leaders and members of this group. Petition the Lord to tear down the strongholds in Mauritania. Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout this nation. Invite the Kingdom of God to come as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)

Population: 682,321 Political Leader: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Religions: Buddhism 72%, Hinduism 23%, Islam 4%, Christianity 0.5%, Other 0.5% Persecution Ranking: 5 Number of Terrorist Groups: 4 Acts of Terrorism: 2; Casualties: 0 Percent of Corruption: 40% % of People in Poverty: 31.7% Location: The mountain nation of Bhutan is a country nestled in the eastern Himalayas. It has been called the last place on the "Roof of the World." Bhutan is one of the most isolated and least developed nations in the world. Foreign influences and tourism are heavily regulated by the government to preserve the country's traditional culture and national identity. In 1865, Bhutan signed an agreement with Britain agreeing to receive an annual subsidy in exchange for some land bordering British India, and by 1907 a monarchy was established in Bhutan under British influence. In 1910 a treaty was signed where Britain agreed not to interfere in the internal affairs of Bhutan, and the ...

In an ongoing effort to partner with other nations in the fight against terrorism, India signed an anti-terror pact with the Maldives in November. Pray for this to be effective in deterring and defeating terrorists. Ask the Lord to continue pouring His Holy Spirit out on this nation. Pray for every people group to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel. Petition Him for a great harvest of souls in India. (John 4:35)

Population: 8,532,547 Political Leader: President Yayi Boni Religions: Traditional 47.7%, Christianity 31.8%, Islam 20%, Other 0.5% Persecution Ranking: Not Ranked Number of Terrorist Groups: None Listed Acts of Terrorism: 1; Casualties: 0 Percent of Corruption: 75% % of People in Poverty: 37.4% Location: Benin, officially the Republic of Benin, is a country in Western Africa, formerly known as Dahomey (until 1975). Stretched between the Niger River in the northeast and the Bight of Benin in the south, Benin's elevation is about the same for the entire country. Most of the population lives in the southern coastal plains, where Benin's largest cities are also located, including Porto Novo and Cotonou. The north of the country consists mostly of savanna and semi-arid highlands. Running southernly, down the middle of the country is the Oueme River. The climate in Benin is hot and humid with relatively little rain compared to other West African countries, although there are two rai...