Prayer for persecuted women: 3 real stories and how to pray for each
Persecuted Christian women around the world are in danger of being erased. Their voices are silenced, their identities eroded, and their rights stripped away.
But you can help.
Today, we invite you to join in a prayer for persecuted women – to lift up three sisters in Christ who need strength, protection, and hope. As brothers and sisters in the faith, will you pray for them – to restore them, strengthen them, and help them walk in their God-given purpose?
NAME: Zaira*
SITUATION: Beaten, disowned and humiliated by family
LOCATION: Asia
Zaira’s persecution started the moment she returned from her first Christian gathering, when her brother set fire to a pile of books she’d been given. Since then, this young woman has faced one attack after another…
One day, Zaira was beaten so hard, her teeth were knocked out. Another time, her brother tried to force her to say the Islamic declaration. For five years, her family didn’t speak to her.
But Zaira’s faith is strong. “You have two weapons: prayer and the Word,” she says. “You need to be bold, be courageous and stand firm.”
Lift up Zaira’s son, who has eyesight problems due to the violent persecution Zaira suffered while pregnant. Pray for wisdom for Zaira, and ask the Lord to give her opportunities to share the Gospel.
NAME: Carmen*
SITUATION: Converted to Christianity, faces constant rejection
LOCATION: Mexico
First, Carmen was fired from her job. Then, her ex-husband threatened to take away the children. Finally, her neighbours slashed her car tyres and her friends stopped calling…
But Carmen, who lives in Mexico’s infamous ‘Circle of Silence’ where Christian persecution is rife, will not give up on Jesus.
“I wish people could understand the rejection we face for following Christ,” she said. “It’s a constant battle. Physically you lose everything. But spiritually, you gain it all – and that’s something no one can take away.”
“Pray for my family, that God gives me strength and helps me overcome every obstacle. Pray that my children never grow weary of following Christ. And pray for peace here, that people would believe in Jesus and be welcomed by God.”
NAME: Ngoc*
SITUATION: Driven out of her home for following Jesus
LOCATION: Vietnam
It’s hard to imagine the suffering endured by this small, resilient, grandmother in recent years…
Ngoc came to faith only recently, when church became a way to escape her abusive husband’s drunken attacks. But local leaders were angry. A mob of 20 people came to Ngoc’s home and drove this 63-year-old woman away.
Now, Ngoc (left) lives with one daughter (right) and a grand-daughter. “I just know God has a good purpose for my life,” she says. “He saved me, so I only trust in him.”
Pray for Ngoc as she settles into her new home. Ask the Lord to protect her and give her peace. Pray for Ngoc’s husband and other children, that they would respect Ngoc’s new faith in Christ.
*Names changed for their safety.