If you read our stories, you may ask yourself: How can I help persecuted Christians? After all, these stories urge us to action because they are real and dire.
Donating to minister to persecuted Christians is obviously one response, but it’s not the only one. As believers, prayer is a means to remember these stories, cultivate compassion, and ask for God’s mercy.
However, even formulating these prayers can feel daunting—especially when we’re praying for people we’ve never met, in foreign countries we’ve never visited, and in circumstances we’ve never endured!
As we reflect on how we can pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ, let’s consider some concrete ways to ask God to help these brave believers—especially those in Afghanistan right now.
The Reality of Faith in Afghanistan
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 5:10
Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, Afghanistan has become one of the world’s most dangerous places to follow Jesus. Converting to Christianity is illegal and is a crime punishable by death.
Thousands of practicing Afghan Christians must worship in utmost secrecy. Every prayer is a risk. Singing a hymn is a risk. Owning a Bible is a risk. Every profession of their faith is a chance someone might find out and report them to unforgiving Islamic authorities.
Persecution comes not just from the Islamic government, but also from their own communities and families. There are no church buildings or official pastors. They huddle in secret rooms and whisper blessings to one another. They hide Christ in their minds and cling to his word. Simply believing in Him in Afghanistan is an act of defiance and bravery.
When we pray for persecuted believers in Afghanistan, we join them in the trenches of their faith. We demonstrate that they’re not alone. We remember how blessed we are to worship openly. This is a commitment we can’t take lightly.
5 Ways to Pray for Afghan Christians
1. Pray for Protection
The most immediate need for prayer is the most practical—physical safety.
In Taliban-run Afghanistan, neighbors can become informants. Every conversation is a potential threat. And when discovery can mean death, protection is paramount.
We can pray for God’s protection over every Afghan Christian. Ask Him to provide them with shelter from those who would harm them. Pray for wisdom and discernment as they navigate impossible decisions, like when to speak, when to stay silent, whom to trust.
This is even more imperative for those whose faith has already been discovered. Pray they can reach safety before coming to physical harm. Pray for any family members they may leave behind. Pray that if they escape persecution in Afghanistan, they find refuge in a new home.
2. Pray for Endurance
Sustaining faith in this harsh environment is no small feat; it requires unbelievable courage and persistence.
We can pray for their endurance to remain faithful amid constant threats and dangers. Christians in Afghanistan have slim hope that their circumstances will change. There is almost no chance that a Taliban-run government would suddenly permit other faiths in the country.
Many Christians have lived their entire lives under these conditions. They understand what it’s like to live in constant vigilance. However, newer Afghan Christians are still learning the sacrifices required to follow Jesus in a hostile place. We can take hope knowing that they continue to worship regardless.
To support them, we can pray for sustaining grace and perseverance. Ask God to renew their strength when they feel like giving up. When they feel hopeless or overwhelmed, may they feel Christ’s presence and remember why they believe. Pray for courage and strength.
3. Pray for Provision
Christian or not, most of Afghanistan’s population of 50 million face serious struggles. The recent political and military upheavals have left the nation in an uncertain economic position. Many of their people have been pushed into extreme poverty.
This means food is scarce, jobs aren’t guaranteed, and infrastructure is crumbling. Therefore, we should pray for basic necessities—food, shelter, and work—for every Afghan, not just Christians living there.
For Christians cut off from family or community support, this need is felt more keenly. Their survival hangs in the balance. Providing these basic essentials is one reason why Help The Persecuted exists. Pray for our Field Ministers who deliver life-sustaining food, medicine, and money to believers. Ask God to multiply resources so we can reach more of those in need.
Believers in Afghanistan truly understand what it means to depend on God for everything.
4. Pray for Isolation and Loneliness
We all feel lonely at times, but imagine how isolating it must feel to be a Christian in Afghanistan.
Because of their persecution, they need space to share their burdens more than anyone. Yet, the comfort of fellowship and community is the exact thing that’s being denied.
Afghan Christians are often disowned by their families and shunned by their communities. Even those whose secret hasn’t been discovered cannot worship openly or share their struggles. Their isolation is often self-inflicted out of fear of discovery.
Pray for their comfort in the silence. Ask that God’s presence would fill those empty spaces. When we pray this, we join a larger community lifting up persecuted Christians. May those believers know we’re with them and realize they’re not entirely alone.
We can also pray that these believers find one another. May they carefully come together and support one another. That’s what the early Church was all about!
5. Guided Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
We lift up our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan who risk their lives to follow you.
Protect them. Hide them from harm and give them wisdom to discern danger.
Sustain them. Give them endurance when times are tough. Provide the strength to continue believing.
Provide for them. You know their needs and share your provision with them.
Comfort them. Let them know they are not alone. Help them to be brave and feel your presence.
Lord, we know this is a broken world that’s difficult to navigate and understand. Help your gospel to continue spreading, even in the places that are hostile to your Word.
Let Afghanistan be a place where your church grows against all odds. Amen.
Will you pray for Christians in Afghanistan with us?
Prayer is not passive. It is active participation in the lives of believers who are risking everything to follow Jesus. Sometimes, it’s the best action we can take to help others, e specially when that prayer is part of a larger movement and convicts our hearts to continue taking action.
We invite you to include Christians in Afghanistan in your prayer life. Remember the challenges these believers endure. Allow it to create gratitude for everything God has given to you.
You can join our Prayer Network to receive real-time prayer needs from the Help The Persecuted team. We share names, situations, and stories to strengthen your faith.
Despite how it may seem, those who bravely follow Jesus in Afghanistan are not alone. When we pray for them, we stand together. We lift one another up in Jesus’ name. As the body of Christ, we provide hope and assurance that cannot be stopped or silenced.
Despite the danger, believers in Afghanistan continue to pray. Will you pray with them?