Last year we saw 100,000 prisoners released early as part of the regime’s attempts to control the spread of COVID-19 in Iran’s prison system. Fatemeh Bakhteri (Aylar), Rokhsare Ghanbari (Mahrokh) and Pastor Amin Khaki were some of the Christians released in March and April.

Although we rejoice at this news, many remain behind bars, including Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani and Pastor Matthias Haghnejad. Your prayers are opening doors for us as we work with policy-makers and politicians to raise our significant concerns about the risks they face. Find out more at csw.org.uk/iran

Sunday 10 January

Thank God for the release of Fatemeh Bakhteri, a Christian from a Muslim background who was convicted on charges of ‘spreading propaganda against the regime’. She was released a few months into her one-year sentence, and later told she had been pardoned for Persian New Year.

Monday 11 January

At Fatemeh’s trial the judge told her that her charges would be dropped if she returned to Islam – an offer she refused. Pray for protection over Christians from Muslim backgrounds, whom the regime appears to consider a particular threat.

Tuesday 12 January

Many prisons are overcrowded, with inadequate medical care. Social distancing is not possible and insufficient protection measures have been put in place. Pray that the authorities would take effective measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Wednesday 13 January

‘You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand by your right hand, but it will not come near you.’ (Psalm 91:5-7) Pray this verse over Iran’s imprisoned Christians.

Thursday 14 January

Ask God to protect Pastor Nadarkhani, who is still in prison. A leader in the Church of Iran denomination, he was arrested in 2016 during a series of raids on Christian homes. The pastor has been arrested multiple times over the past several years as part of the regime’s campaign against Christians.

Friday 15 January

Pray for peace and encouragement for Mohammadreza Omidi (Youhan) and Ebrahim Firouzi, who were released from prison in 2020, but are serving two-year sentences in internal exile far from their respective families. In October 2020 Mr Omidi, who was convicted in 2016 of drinking wine during communion, was belatedly given 80 lashes.

Saturday 16 January

Heavenly Father, we cling to your promises of protection for your children in Iran – criminalised, harassed and intimidated for peacefully practising their faith. Your promises are backed by all the honour of your name (Psalm 138:2 NLT), so we commit Iran’s Christians into your tender loving care, knowing you will strengthen and deliver them. Amen.

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