Pray for Iran

IRAN - NEW WAVE OF PERSECUTION SUMMARY: Iranian Christian leaders are calling the Body of Christ worldwide to pray as a new wave of persecution sweeps through their nation.  Arrests that began December 26 have continued and officials warn more are imminent.

On December 26th Iranian security forces stepped up their efforts to eliminate the "corrupting" influence of Christianity by arresting 25 Christian Believers. Eleven were reportedly released after "intense questioning" and agreeing to sign statements promising not to participate in Christian activities. Fourteen remain in detention. In January 2011, more Christians were taken into custody. "Many further arrests have been reported in a number of areas." Estimates range as high as 60. "While some have been released, many remain detained." In the fall of 2010, police questioned the wife of an Iranian Believer. They released her under the condition that he speak to them. When the man turned himself in, "they tortured him continuously for three day." According to Smyrna Ministries International, the man's interrogators "hung him on a hook and beat him unconscious, revived him with water, and repeated the process." The man is now in hiding. Christians inside Iran are asking their Brothers and Sisters around the world to pray for those who have been arrested recently, as well as the untold numbers who are still being held captive from years past. Iran is number 2 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2011 of worst persecutors of Christians in the world. WIN partners pray for Iran on Day 8 of the Window International Network Praying Through the Window 9: Global Terrorism and World Religions prayer calendar. PRAY FOR: the Lord to be present with all the Christian Believers in Iran who have been arrested and are being detained and tortured. Ask Him to comfort and strengthen them, giving them the ability to love their persecutors. (The Bible, Psalm 121:7,8; Matthew 5:43,44) the Lord to encourage and provide for families who have had members taken into custody. Pray for them to be reminded that though they are experiencing tribulation, Jesus Christ has overcome the world. (The Bible, John 16:33) police and officials who are so zealous to rid Iran of Christians to be convicted by the Holy Spirit. Pray for their salvation. (The Bible, I Timothy 2:1-4) the spiritual awakening in Iran to continue. Pray for an awesome move of the Holy Spirit - especially among the youth. (The Bible, Acts 2:17) the stronghold of Shia Islam to be broken, the Church to grow, and for the Kingdom of God to come to Iran with glorious power. (The Bible, Matthew 16:18; I Corinthians 4:20) the Lord to reveal Himself in dreams and visions, and to perform marvelous wonders. Ask for multitudes to come into relationship with Christ in Iran. (The Bible, John 4:35) SOURCES: Middle East Concern, Mohobat News, Christian leaders in Iran, Smyrna Ministries International