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 India
Lord Jesus, we rejoice that countless people in India are encountering You, often through healings and miracles. As the church’s presence and growth bring opposition, uphold our family with Your unfailing love. Meet every need and bring them through with an even stronger faith. We pray against the spread and misuse of anti-conversion laws and for a halt to other legal impediments to religious freedom. Locally and nationally, inspire greater protection of minorities. Amen.
Who Is Most Vulnerable to Persecution?
Converts bear the brunt of persecution: the pressure they face to return to Hinduism is expressed almost daily. Christians who are active in outreach to Hindus are also targeted, particularly through the anti-conversion laws. There are some states (such as Kerala) where Christians are much less vulnerable, but they run the risk of persecution in Hindu-majority states. Tribal Christians are also at risk, as they face threats and forcible reconversion and can lose some government benefits.
How Can You Pray for India?
- Thousands of Christians in Manipur state remain displaced after the 2023 violence. Ask God to help these believers find permanent homes – and to give them hope.
- Extremists continue to target Christians in India. Pray that believers would be spared violence and ask God to comfort those who have suffered attacks.
- Pray that anti-conversion laws wouldn’t be used to oppress Christians who are open to sharing their faith