Background Context & Prayer for Nigeria
Nigeria is home to one of the largest Christian populations in Africa, yet many believers live under constant threat because of their faith. In several regions, churches have been attacked, communities displaced, pastors kidnapped, and families forced to flee their homes. Many Christians worship today in fear, uncertainty, and deep pain, yet they continue to hold fast to Christ.
Persecution in Nigeria is not only physical; it is also emotional and spiritual. Believers face trauma, loss of livelihoods, broken families, and the daily pressure of choosing between safety and faithfulness. Yet in the midst of suffering, the Church in Nigeria continues to testify of Christ with courage and perseverance.
Beyond external violence, there is also a quieter but painful form of persecution within the Church itself. In some places, unscrupulous clerics misuse the name of God and the platform of the Church to exploit, defraud, and impoverish unsuspecting believers. The merchandising of the gospel, spiritual manipulation, and abuse of spiritual authority wound the body of Christ deeply and leave many disillusioned and broken. This too is a strategy of the enemy, not to destroy the Church by force, but to weaken it from within, corrupt its witness, and scatter the flock through deception.
This calls the global Church to stand with Nigeria in prayer, not only for protection from violence, but also for purification, healing, and restoration within the household of faith.
- We pray for protection over believers in vulnerable regions.
“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psalm 9:9)
- We pray for strength and endurance for persecuted Christians.
“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)
- We pray for comfort for families who have lost loved ones.
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
- We pray for peace, justice, and righteousness in Nigeria.
“The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” (Isaiah 32:17)
- We pray that God will purify His Church, expose false shepherds, heal wounded believers, and restore the fear of God in every pulpit.
“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.” (1 Peter 4:17)
- And we pray that persecution will not silence the Gospel, but that God will turn suffering into growth and witness.
“But the word of God grew and multiplied. (Acts 12:24)
Prayer for Iran
“Today, I’m asking for your prayers for my people and my country, Iran.
For 47 years, the Iranian people have effectively been held hostage by an Islamic regime that rules through fear, violence, and repression. Very recently, there are reports that at least 12,000 people were massacred within just 48 hours (8th and 9th January) — many of them innocent civilians whose only desire was freedom, dignity, and a future without fear.
Please pray for the lives that have been lost, for the families who are grieving, and for those who are imprisoned, tortured, or silenced. Pray for strength and protection for the people inside Iran, and for comfort and hope for those who have been forced to flee and are scattered around the world.
I also ask for prayer that the nations who have the power to act would not turn away — that countries which are able to intervene would do so, and help the Iranian people rid themselves of this murderous regime. In particular, please pray for wisdom, courage, and action from world leaders — especially the United States, whose leaders have previously promised to stand with the Iranian people if civilians were targeted.
And above all, please pray that truth, justice, and mercy would prevail — that God would bring an end to oppression, expose evil, protect the innocent, and open a path toward freedom and restoration for Iran.
Thank you for praying with me.”
Prayer for Istanbul
- Our dear friends in Iran: Robert, Mary, Milad
- That the Lord would move with signs and wonders among the migrant community in Istanbul- leading them to Jesus.
- That disciples would be made & that healthy, indigenous churches would multiply among that community.
