More than anything, our persecuted brothers and sisters in the Muslim world request prayer support as they stand firm against persecution.
Every year, International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted (IDOP) is observed on the first Sunday of November, closest to All Saints Day. This year, IDOP falls on Sunday, November 7, 2021.
All Saints Day is when the Church traditionally remembers the saints of the Church, many of whom suffered torture or martyrdom for Jesus. The observance of IDOP every November is a dedicated time of praying for persecuted Christians so that the Church recognizes those who have paid the ultimate price for their faith in Christ.
This focused day of prayer helps us be aware that many are still paying that price today. As the Body of Christ, this is a special time for us to come together, united, to pray for those who are suffering, to pray for perseverance, and to let them know that they are not forgotten—we are thinking about them, and we are praying for them.
We invite you to be a part of this special day, by scheduling a few minutes to devote in prayer for persecuted Christians around the world. Below is an outline for you, your family, your small group, or your church to pray through together.
Prayer Points
Pray for persecuted believers around the globe who are facing death threats, beatings, torture, imprisonment, rape, loss of employment, loss of inheritance, and all kinds of trials.
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” — 2 Timothy 3:12
- Pray for believers, especially converts to Christianity in the Muslim world, who have been threatened and abandoned by their own family members because of their faith in Jesus Christ.
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” — Matthew 19:29
- Pray for the persecuted in Afghanistan and our team and partners who serve them. Many have already lost loved ones, are without homes, and facing increased danger and uncertainty.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” — Romans 8:35-37
- Pray for persecuted believers being hit especially hard right now by the global pandemic and struggling to meet basic needs. Many were already ostracized in their community, out of work, and in need prior to the pandemic.
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” — Psalms 81:10
- Pray for refugees, those traumatized and displaced by war.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28-30
- Pray for our Help The Persecuted Field Ministry Team and all those who serve the persecuted so faithfully.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
- Pray for wisdom, boldness, growth, and funding for Help The Persecuted and other ministries serving on the frontlines.
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.” — 1 Chronicles 29:11
The Lord cherishes the prayers of His people. Remember to download a copy of these prayer points for personal use and for sharing. Thank you for standing with our persecuted brothers and sisters. To stay connected, you can join our weekly Prayer Network and receive real-time requests from the field.