We’ve seen an increase in persecution of religious minorities in Iran over the past eighteen months.

THIS WEEK, PLEASE:

• Ask God for His protection to extend over all those in Iran who are at risk of persecution because of their faith. Ask Him to let them know His comfort, strength and protection.
• Ask God to protect Pastor Nadarkhani and his family, as they are still under surveillance and he could still be in danger from the authorities.
• Lift up to God Pastor Benham Irani, another imprisoned church leader, who is critically ill. He suffers from severe stomach ulcers and colon complications and has not received adequate medical treatment. He has also been beaten severely and regularly by prison authorities and other prisoners since he was jailed last year.
• Pray for Pastor Farshid Fathi Malayeri, whose six-year prison sentence on false charges was confirmed following an appeal. He was arrested in 2010 during a series of raids on Christians.
• Pray for the Iranian authorities, that they would seek to govern fairly and act in ways that enable all religious minorities to practise their faith freely and without fear.
• Ask God to soften the hearts of Iran’s political and religious leaders to allow everyone in Iran the right to choose and change their religious beliefs without repercussions.
• Pray that God would give strength to and bring justice for Mohammed Ali Dadkhah and other lawyers, activists and journalists who have been jailed for defending the rights of others.