Prayers for the worldwide persecuted church
Please distribute these written prayers and prayer points to your Bible study or small group so you can focus on various countries and believers that require prayer. Consider posting these prayer points on your Facebook page or website, so that others can join you in praying for Christians in areas hostile to the gospel. You may also like to use this Litany for the persecuted church.
PRAY FOR CHINA
Although the constitution provides for religious freedom, China's Government has consistently tried to control religious practice. All religious groups are required to register. Those who refuse are regarded as 'illegal' and sometimes forced underground. During 2011, a number of churches and Christians have continued to face intimidation, with some individuals being detained and tortured.
Pray for
• Pastor Shi Enhao, vice-president of the Chinese House Church Alliance, who was 
sentenced in July to two years of 're-education through labour'.
• Prominent Beijing human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng (right), who has not been seen since April 2010. Gao has made public statements about his brutal torture by security police in 2007 – despite being warned by officials not to do so.
• Members of Shouwang Church, Beijing, who repeatedly held their Sunday worship outdoors during 2011 after being barred entry to their normal venue. Police officers then arrested hundreds of church members and detained several leaders. It is believed that the church has attracted official attention because its members include many well-educated people, including human rights lawyers, former government officials and religious scholars.
PRAY FOR INDIA
Hindu nationalists have been open and violent in opposing the church. Several pastors have been murdered, others beaten. Churches and their congregations have been attacked or threatened. Seven Indian states have now passed anti-conversion laws.
Lord, we pray for the vast majority of Christians in India who are from lower castes, scattered across India, and often under-educated.
Give wisdom and insight to all those engaged in evangelism and mission.
With more than 100 serious physical assaults each year, especially in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, we pray for courage and protection for fellow Christians.
Enable them to stand firm in Your strength and power,
In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
PRAY FOR PAKISTAN
The constitution establishes Islam as the state religion: proselytising among Muslims is banned. Pakistan's blasphemy laws – especially the notorious Section 295C of the Penal Code – are often used against religious minorities to settle personal scores. So the number of Christians charged is disproportionately high. Christians, especially women, face discrimination at work, in education and in the legal system.
Pray for
• Christians in prison under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. Although the death penalty for blasphemy has never been carried out, those accused often wait many years for their cases to be dismissed, putting severe emotional and financial pressure on them and their families.
• The churches and Christian agencies which give pastoral care and practical support to Christian prisoners and their families. Pray for God’s strength and guidance.
• Christian girls and women who face discrimination and abuse in Pakistan. Pray that each one will know God's healing and provision.
Liturgy: Remembering the persecuted
Invitation to worship
Leader: In You, Lord, do I take refuge
Response: Let me never be put to shame
L: In Your righteousness, deliver and save
R: Be as a refuge and a strong fortress (Psalm 71:2-3)
Almighty God, who has taught us through your Son, Jesus Christ, that those who follow Him may be persecuted: strengthen, comfort and encourage all those who suffer harassment, violence, imprisonment and even death for being followers of Jesus.
We pray for those who persecute your people; may their hearts be turned towards you through the faithful witness of those they persecute. Protect members of the families and church communities of those who are persecuted and bless the work and ministry of Release International and its partners as they support those who are suffering and seek to be a voice for persecuted Christians.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Liturgy: Closing prayer
Lord God, heavenly Father, give us the courage of the martyrs to bear witness, without flinching, to Your great love for us.
Give us their confidence in the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus, and give us that same power and reassurance of the Holy Spirit as You give them, so that we too may fearlessly bring Your good news to a needy world.
This we ask in the name of Him who was crucified for us and who called us to take up our crosses and to follow Him, even Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
R: Amen and Amen
Benediction
L: Christ crucified draw you to Himself, to find in Him a sure ground for faith, a firm support for hope, and the assurance of sins forgiven and the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with you and remain with you forever.
R: Amen
L: Let us bless the Lord
R: Thanks be to God