Prayer Theme for November 2025

PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

Every November Christians around the world, take part in the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. This year, the Day of Prayer takes place on 2nd November, but let us pray throughout this month for our persecuted brothers and sisters.

Below are some prayer requests from Release International and Barnabas Aid and Open Doors.

Africa

On 28th July the terrorist group demanded that Christians in Africa convert to Islam or accept their status as conquered people under Islamic rule. The demand came in a statement claiming responsibility for killing at least 34 worshippers at a church in Ituri, north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In Somalia nearly 8,000 Christians have been killed since 2017.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ore than 170 Christians were killed by Islamic State’s fighters in the northeastern DRC in August and early September. In the deadliest attack in the neighbouring province of Ituri, on 16 August, Islamic State fighters killed 10 “infidel Christians” with machine guns. Around 6,000 Christians, have been martyred for their faith since Christmas 2024.

Let us pray for our Lord to enable Christians throughout Africa to keep themselves secure in the love of God and build themselves up in their most holy faith (Jude vv.20-21). Pray that, even as they endure suffering, they will consider the enemy’s threats and respond with renewed confidence in the Lord’s sovereign plans for His people (2 Kings 19:17-19). Pray that the growing power of jihadists across the continent will be broken, and that there will be peace for all Africans. Pray that the bereaved will be comforted by the promise and reality of God’s mighty strength and help (Isaiah 41:10), and for hope for all those in mourning in the region.

China

Let us pray for those who are currently in prison or are awaiting sentencing. Pray that God will give Christian Pastors courage and confidence in their Lord; that they will have opportunities to share the gospel with their fellow inmates and guards; and that the Lord will provide for their families.

India

Let us pray against the expansion of anti-conversion laws. Pray that pastors who have been arrested will get the legal assistance they need to defend themselves.

Iran

The Supreme Court of Iran has refused a retrial request lodged by Mehran Shamloui, who has received a 10-year prison sentence for his membership of a “house church”. Mehran was sentenced in March 2025 along with two other converts from Islam, Narges Nasri and Abbas Soori. After seeking refuge in Turkey, he was deported in July. He has spent two months in Evin Prison, Tehran, since his enforced return to Iran. Mehran’s prison term comprises eight years for “propaganda activities” and two years and eight months for belonging to an “opposition group”. He is among several Christians returned to Evin Prison in August following its partial reopening. However, the prison was later closed and prisoners transferred following an Israeli airstrike on 23 June.

In August the Iranian authorities arrested more than 50 Christians on supposed national security grounds in the weeks since the end of active hostilities with Israel. Farsi (Persian)-speaking Christians are converts from Islam who are hated as apostates and viewed as a threat to Iran’s national security.

Let us pray that Mehran will experience encouragement, hope and even the joy of the Lord.Pray that our Lord will strengthen all Christians suffering for their faith in Iran, both those who have endured years of trials and imprisonment and those recently arrested for the first time.

Nigeria

At least 200 people were killed and 6,500 displaced following attacks by gunmen on Christian communities in Benue State in June. In predominantly Christian Benue State thousands of residents fled from their homes after suspected Islamist gunmen attacked the Aye-Twar community on Sunday 10 August.

In Plateau State, fifteen people were confirmed dead following attacks on 13 and 18th August by suspected Fulani Islamists.

Let us pray for peace to be restored Benue and Plateau states. Pray that Christians’ faith in their Lord will remain firm; that they will know God as their fortress, and for protection from further attacks. Ask God to comfort and bring healing to those who have been bereaved.

Pray that perpetrators of such attacks are identified and brought to justice and will truly repent.

Pray for improved security throughout Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

Pakistan

An investigation into the blasphemy laws has been halted after a furious backlash from Muslim hardliners.

A Christian man in Lahore is facing accusations of “blasphemy”. Maan Masih, has been accused of pulling down a banner containing the name of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, on 6 September, a Muslim public holiday. Extremist groups have issued threats that “the entire Christian community will face the consequences” if Maan did not surrender himself. On Sunday 7 September, Maan’s parents handed him over to the police. Bail was granted the following day, allowing Maan to return home.

Let us pray for those wrongly accused of “blasphemy” in Pakistan to experience the justice. We can give thanks for Maan’s successful bail application. Pray that the faith and courage of Maan and his family will grow as legal proceedings continue. Ask for their protection from retaliation by extremist sections of the Muslim community.

Sri Lanka

Let us pray for Christian pastors in Sri Lanka, that they will have courage to continue their work despite the threats and intimidation. Pray that authorities in Sri Lanka would act justly, approve new church building applications, make proper provision for Christian burials, and follow up cases of harassment against Christians.