Close

Search

CSW - everyone free to believe

Prayer Diary: Iran

5 Nov 2017

2017 has seen the handing down of excessively harsh sentences to at least 14 Christians in Iran for everyday activities such as celebrating Christmas,, having a picnic, or attending a friend’s wedding. This week, please pray for Iran and this group of Christians in particular.

  • Sunday 5 November

You may remember Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, who was released in 2012 after almost three years’ unjust imprisonment. He is still being targeted by the government – along with Mohammadreza Omidi, Yasser Mossayebzadeh and Saheb Fadaie, who were each given sentences of ten years for ‘acting against national security’. Today, please pray that these harsh sentences would be lifted and the charges against these men dismissed.

  • Monday 6 November

Pastor Nadarkhani and Mr Omidi have also been sentenced to an additional two years to be served in an area in the south of Iran, which has an extremely hot and harsh climate. Please pray that this extra sentence would also be lifted.

  • Tuesday 7 November

These sentences have all been handed down by the same judge, Judge Ahmadzadeh, who is notorious for handing down punitive sentences based on unfounded charges. He is also under UK sanctions. Today, pray for God to work powerfully in the hearts of judges in Iran, moving them to act in justice and fairness instead of punishing people for their faith or political views.

  • Wednesday 8 November

Another group of Christians was arrested in 2017 on charges including ‘acting against national security by organising and conducting house-churches’. Pastor Victor Bet-Tamraz, Mr Hadi Asgari and Mr Kaviyan Fallah-Mohammadi have all been sentenced to ten years in prison each, while Amin Afshar-Naderi was given a 15-year sentence, and all were banned from travelling for two years. Pray that these men and their legal teams would be filled with courage and wisdom as they appeal against their sentences, and that their appeals would be successful.

  • Thursday 9 November

We’ve mentioned just a few of the Christians facing extremely tough sentences in Iran: there are nearly double this number facing at least ten years in prison, including Pastor Victor Bet-Tamraz’s wife and son. Though we can’t name all of them here, please pray for all those who are facing very harsh sentences because of their religion – that they would know the powerful presence of God as a comfort and protection at this time.

  • Friday 10 November

‘The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’ Deuteronomy 31:8. Pray this verse over Iran’s Christians today.

  • Saturday 11 November

Father God, today we pray for all those in Iran who are facing the prospect of decades in prison. Grant them courage and comfort we pray – and give them justice and freedom. Amen.

Related

Loading...
Loading...

Sign up for updates on the work of CSW

* mandatory fields

By signing up you will receive news about CSW's work and how you can support it. You can unsubscribe at any time.

#2 CSW manifesto

We believe no one should suffer discrimination, harassment or persecution because of their beliefs