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The campaign of arrests, harsh imprisonment and intimidation against Christians continues to intensify. At the time of writing, four men – Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, Mohammadreza Omidi (Youhan), Yasser Mossayebzadeh and Saheb Fadaie – are in Evin Prison in Tehran beginning ten-year sentences. Pastor Nadarkhani, who was detained in an unecessarily violent manner, is in a cell notorious for its appalling conditions. Join us this week in praying for these men, and for Iranian Christians; especially converts from Islam, who are at most risk.

As well as their ten-year sentences, Pastor Nadarkhani and Mr Omidi received additional two-year sentences, to be served in inhospitable locations in the south of the country; while Mr Mossayebzadeh, Mr Fadaie and Mr Omidi are awaiting the outcome of their appeal against a sentence of 80 lashes each, following their conviction for drinking wine during a communion service. Pray that this appeal would be successful.

These four men are all being held in Evin Prison, a prison that’s known for housing political prisoners. We’ve heard that Pastor Nadarkhani is in a particularly appalling cell. Please pray for their physical and mental health as they endure their incarceration.

Reverend Victor Beth-Tamraz is awaiting the outcome of his appeal against a ten-year sentence for ‘conducting evangelism’ and ‘illegal house church activities’ after a number of Christians were arrested at a Christmas celebration at his home. His wife, Shamiram Issavi, received a five-year sentence in January for ‘acting against national security’, and in July their son Ramil was sentenced to four years in prison on charges related to his father’s church activities. Pray for strength, endurance and successful appeals for the whole family.

Many of the judges handling these cases are known to be biased against religious minorities, and to hand down excessively harsh sentences as a result. Please pray for God to work powerfully in their hearts to turn them away from hatred and towards justice.

We were very pleased to learn of the acquittal of Mohammadali Yassaghi, also known as Estifan. He was released from prison on 25 June after a judge dismissed the charges against him, which included ‘spreading propaganda against the establishment’. Join us in giving thanks for Estifan’s freedom.

Today, please pray for special strength from God for Iranian Christians: that they would be able to persevere in their faith and call on supernatural resources of courage and wisdom.

Heavenly Father, today we lift the nation of Iran to you. You are a God to whom prison walls and guards mean nothing: you are a God who sets captives free. We pray that you will be that God for all those in Iran who are in prison because of their faith. Comfort them, protect them and, ultimately, free them; and deliver all who are threatened with imprisonment. Amen.