The targeting of Muslim converts to Christianity has been escalating in Iran since 2009, often accompanied by anti-Christian rhetoric from senior officials. Along with Baha’is, Sufi Dervishes and Sunni Muslims, Christians continue to face severe violations of their right to freedom of religion or belief, including imprisonment, torture, and even extrajudicial execution. At least 545 people are currently believed to be detained on account of their religion or belief.

The authorities often particularly increase the surveillance, harassment and interrogation of Christians during major festivals such as Christmas. Find out more at csw.org.uk/iran

Sunday 26 December

As you prepare to worship today, please pray for Christians in the northern city of Karaj who have faced intense pressure for years, and have been warned by the authorities not to gather for house church meetings, or even to visit one another in their homes.

Monday 27 December

In June three Christians from the Church of Iran, all of whom are from Muslim backgrounds, were each sentenced to five years in prison on charges of ‘sectarian activities’ under a new amendment to the Iranian penal code. In August the sentences were reduced to three years on appeal. Please pray for their wellbeing, and for their immediate release.

Tuesday 28 December

Ebrahim Firouzi is a Christian convert who is currently serving a two-year sentence of ‘internal exile’ in the remote town of Sarbaz in south-east Iran. Prior to this, he served a five-year prison sentence. He currently faces further charges in connection with six videos published online, of him complaining of ongoing violations suffered by his family. Pray for these charges to be dropped and the harassment to end.

Wednesday 29 December

‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.’ (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV). Pray this verse over Christians in Iran today, asking God to strengthen and reassure all those who are fearful of the authorities’ harassment.

Thursday 30 December

In some cases Christians, and particularly Christian converts, are forced to flee Iran indefinitely. Please pray that these individuals would know God’s comfort, and that they would be permitted to return home without fear of harassment or persecution.

Friday 31 December

Many Christian converts, as well as members of other religious minority groups, will be seeing in the new year from a prison cell. Among them are pastors Yousef Nadarkhani and Matthias Haghnejad. Please pray that both pastors, and the many others like them, would be released immediately and without condition.

Saturday 1 January

Lord God, we lift the nation of Iran to you. May this new year be one of breakthrough and lasting change. Release the captives, protect the vulnerable, and change the hearts of those in power so that Iran would become a nation of peaceful coexistence and freedom. Amen.

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