1. Often, school is a difficult place for children in Christian families, exposing them to bullying, isolation and even shame. Pray for true friends for children like Moryom, Combary and Ailin. Pray that God would place people in their lives at school whom they can trust.
2. Pray for God’s protection over them as they walk to school and church. These simple walks can be times of trepidation for vulnerable children. We continue to hear how children are often bullied and even attacked on their way to attend class and church. Like Moryom, their identification as Christian limits their opportunities for rides and walking with other classmates.
3. Our local partners tell us that when children are discriminated against at school, they can be at greater risk of dropping out or renouncing their faith in Jesus. Pray 2 Timothy 1:7 over Christian children who are persecuted for their faith: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
4. In Muslim-majority countries, some Muslim parents have taught their children to hate Christians from a young age. Pray that children who grew up hating Christians would experience the love of Jesus.
5. Christian children can be used as pawns to target their families. In Bangladesh, a Muslim neighbor poured hot water on a boy because his parents left Islam. Pray for healing and comfort for this family—and all families who face these types of risks.
6. Our partners ask us to pray with Julie, a young Christian girl living in a poor and unsafe neighborhood in Cairo, Egypt. Being bullied at school often leads to depression.
7. Pray with Rumana* for protection. She is a young Christian girl in Bangladesh and because she follows Jesus, people have thrown bricks at her on the way to Sunday school. Pray for her resilience as she follows Jesus in a hostile place.
8. Persecutors, especially extremist groups, know that if they can damage families and their children, they can destroy the next generation. Today, pray for the future of the Church.
9. Through counseling and a supportive community, Julie is learning to navigate her challenges. Pray that she and Christian children throughout the world will always know their value in God’s eyes.
10. Pray for the growth (both deep and wide) of Open Doors’ work with children. Pray for the children and their families, and the workers who serve them. Pray that the worldwide Church would be moved to support this vital ministry.
11. Open Doors’ on-the-ground partners work closely with children of the persecuted church. They provide trauma counseling and camps where children can find healing. Pray for these servants. Pray that God would give them the words and show them how to reach hurting children. Pray that the Holy Spirit would be at work.
12. Pray for resilience as children follow Jesus in places hostile to their faith. Ask God to show them how He is working in their lives and is always with them. Pray they would have opportunities to be disciples and learn the power of His Word.
13. Pray for Christian children in sub-Saharan Africa and throughout the world who are growing up without a father or mother due to extremist attacks. Pray they will be supported by faithful men and women in their local church.
14. As Christmas nears and the absence of loved ones is magnified, ask God to give families the courage to remember and share about their missing loved ones. Pray that they would know and be comforted by the hope of Heaven.
15. Often, Christian boys must take up financial and parental responsibilities at a young age if their father has been killed or chased away. Pray they will know and trust their heavenly Father.
16. Pray for children like Nigeria who are living displaced from their homes because it’s no longer safe for them to stay in their village. Pray that God would keep His hand on them and empower them to face the temptations they encounter. Pray for opportunities for education and for a local church inside or outside the camp.
17. Pray for the children and families in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon and all those who live in global conflict areas. Ask God to calm them with His comfort and give frightened parents discernment for the next steps to protect their families.
18. Pray for the future dreams and aspirations of Christian children. Moryom dreams of being a teacher. Pray they can study well at school and ask God to give them the opportunity and resources to fulfill their dreams.
19. Pray that Christmas would be a time of celebration for persecuted children and their families. Ask God to bring peace and reconciliation to their communities.
20. Pray that they would put their hope and trust in God, knowing that He is making all things new. Father, we know that You are good God who loves and cares for His people. We thank You for how You work in seen and unseen ways. I pray, God, that You would be so close to Your children who follow You at such great risk. Give them Your comfort, Your strength and Your peace that transcends our human understanding. May they be acutely aware that Your are making all things new and that You are with them every day as they face hostility for their faithfulness. In Your Son’s name, I pray. Amen.