HOW YOU
CAN PRAY
WITH US

In Open Doors' World Watch List top 50 alone, 380m Christians face very high or extreme levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith (2025: 4,476 Christians murdered; 7,679 churches and Christian properties attacked; 4,744 Christians detained). The Bible says in Romans 8:35-37, "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." 

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As Australians, the call to pray for the persecuted can seem daunting, we are so far away from these people, and we have little understanding of what they are feeling and experiencing. We need to remember that even though we aren’t all-knowing, GOD IS, and we can lift people in prayer even if we don’t know their real names because GOD DOES. He knows who we are praying for and exactly what they need, regardless of how well articulated and informed our prayers are, GOD KNOWS.

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We read in James 5:16b “...A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much.”  So, please join us as we pray together for our persecuted brothers and sisters who live each day as a testimony of God's saving faith through  His Son, Jesus.  May God be glorified through their suffering...​

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(name of the country, population Christians (% of population), main religion, current as of August 17, 2025)​​​​​​

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• Iraq - 0.4% ~ Islam: Persecution type: Islamic oppression, Dictatorial paranoia, Clan oppression, Organised corruption and crime. Iraqi Christians face increasing pressure from various groups, especially since the rise of Iran-backed Shia militias following the Islamic State group's territorial losses. While Islamic State still poses a threat, attacks from Turkey and Iran (airstrikes and ground operations) have devastated predominantly Christian villages, forcing many to flee and leaving communities empty. Pressure on converts from Islam is intense, often forcing them to hide their faith. In 2023, two converts faced severe backlash after sharing their beliefs online. And recently, after a decision of the Iraqi government, the Kurdish Regional Government cut parliamentary seats for religious minorities, diminishing their representation.

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• PRAY for Iraq's leader, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, that he may come to know the saving power of Jesus in his life and turn away from his former life to live for Christ.​

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Heavenly Father, we pray for the Christians returning to northern Iraq, asking for Your strength and guidance as they rebuild their lives and communities. Bless the trauma care programmes supported by Open Doors, bringing healing to those affected by the atrocities committed by the Islamic State group. We also lift up converts from Islam, asking for Your protection and peace as they face significant pressure across Iraq. In your name we pray, Amen.

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• Syria - 579,000 ~ Islam: Persecution type: Islamic oppression, Clan oppression, Organised corruption and crime, Denominational protectionism. Due to the fall of Assad's regime, very little is known about the current state of Christianity in Syria. Since the liberation from the Assad regime last December, the country has entered a dynamic and complex phase. For the first time in years, people can travel more freely between provinces. Damascus has seen the arrival of a cross section of society: Christians, Alawites, former residents of Idlib, members of extremist factions, foreign fighters such as Chechens and Uyghurs, even loitering regime remnants and others who were previously isolated. What has emerged is a new Syria: fluid, unstable, nostalgic and trying to redefine itself. The new landscape in Syria is marked by competing social, sectarian and ideological agendas vying to shape the country’s politics and direction. People from vastly different backgrounds — both religious and political — are suddenly side by side in towns, cities and even places of worship. With this mixing has come friction. There’s been a culture shock of sorts, a clash of worldviews, beliefs and loyalties. In many ways, Syria today is a country in transition, not just politically or economically, but socially — and sometimes violently

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• PRAY for Syria's' leader, President Ahmed al-Sharaa, that he may come to know the saving power of Jesus in his life and turn away from his former life to live for Christ.​

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Lord, we pray for Christians in Syria who have been forced from their communities. Bring them hope and comfort. We remember those who love You but face strong opposition and danger - give them courage and let them know Your care. After so many years of turmoil, we pray that Syria would finally have a fair, stable government, peace and justice. In Jesus' name, amen.

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James 1:12...  "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him."