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 Somalia
Heavenly Father, in Your holy name, we pray. When You are with us, no one can be against us. What people see as impossible, like a Somali church, is in fact possible because of You. Because when we have You, everything for Your Kingdom is possible. No persecution, rejection, excommunication or threat could remove the light from the Somali people. You told us that the gates of hell cannot prevail against the church. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
Who Is Most Vulnerable to Persecution?
Christian converts are particularly vulnerable in areas under Al-Shabaab control. The group enforces a brutally strict version of Sharia, and Christian converts are publicly executed if discovered.
Christians are still vulnerable even in areas under the Somali federal government (the northern regions of Puntland and Somaliland) where Islam is the sole legal religion. Believers in these areas face widespread social hostility and surveillance, and are legally forbidden from converting, worshipping or sharing their faith. In Somaliland, attempts to reopen Christian places of worship have led to protests, arrests and public backlash.
How Can You Pray for Somalia?
- Somalia is one of the most dangerous places to live as a Christian. Pray that the small number of believers would find shelter and safety in the arms of Jesus.
- Al-Shabaab, the Islamic extremist group, target anyone they suspect of being Christian. Ask God to protect Christians and keep them from death or attack.
- Pray that Somali believers would know they aren’t alone, even if they are forced to worship in secret.
- Somalia is traumatized, and Christian Somalis more so. Pray that God’s Spirit will minister to them and that He would bring healing to their minds and spirits.