In every corner of the world, millions of believers follow Jesus at great cost. The persecuted church is made up of Christians who face pressure, discrimination, and violence because of their faith—yet they remain steadfast in hope. Open Doors’ World Watch List highlights the 50 countries where persecution is most severe, revealing places where the gospel is suppressed and many live in deep spiritual bondage, separated from the hope of Christ.
More than 380 million Christians experience significant persecution, with 310 million in the top 50 countries facing very high or extreme levels of opposition. This year, we commit to praying for the twelve nations where persecution is most intense—not only for believers who suffer, but also for those who persecute them. Scripture calls us to remember those in prison as though we ourselves were suffering (Hebrews 13:3), and Jesus calls us to pray for our enemies, trusting that the same gospel resisted in these places is powerful enough to save.
As we pray, we ask God to strengthen His people, soften hardened hearts, and bring freedom to those bound by fear and deception. Stand with the persecuted church through prayer, awareness, and faithful hope as we ask God to sustain His church and advance the gospel—even in the hardest and darkest places.
A Prayer for Sudan
Lord Jesus, we pray for Your peace to rain down on Sudan. We pray for the future of Your church, that it may continue to be salt and light in their dark country. Please protect our brothers and sisters there and provide all they need during this incredibly difficult time. We pray that Christians will not be seen as a threat by society and warring factions, but as a blessing in their communities. Amen.
Who Is Most Vulnerable to Persecution?
Converts to Christianity from Muslim backgrounds are most vulnerable, though all Christians face discrimination, including expatriate believers and historical Christian communities. Converts face the most intense pressure and violence, enduring threats and danger from both government forces and rival military groups, their communities and families.
How Can You Pray for Sudan?
- As the brutal civil war in Sudan continues, ask God to bring about a peaceful resolution and help the church to be peacemakers in this war.
- Pray for believers who suffer from the civil war and have been forced to flee, or who have no choice but to stay and hunker down. Ask God to protect them.
- Pray that Christians in Sudan could live as salt and light and show that Jesus’ peace is a better way.
- Pray for the future of the church in Sudan and wisdom for her leaders. Even if the warring parties reach a peace agreement, neither is favorable to the church.