In every corner of the world, millions of believers follow Jesus at great cost. The persecuted church is made up of Christians who face pressure, discrimination, and violence because of their faith—yet they remain steadfast in hope. Open Doors’ World Watch List highlights the 50 countries where persecution is most severe, revealing places where the gospel is suppressed and many live in deep spiritual bondage, separated from the hope of Christ.
More than 380 million Christians experience significant persecution, with 310 million in the top 50 countries facing very high or extreme levels of opposition. This year, we commit to praying for the twelve nations where persecution is most intense—not only for believers who suffer, but also for those who persecute them. Scripture calls us to remember those in prison as though we ourselves were suffering (Hebrews 13:3), and Jesus calls us to pray for our enemies, trusting that the same gospel resisted in these places is powerful enough to save.
As we pray, we ask God to strengthen His people, soften hardened hearts, and bring freedom to those bound by fear and deception. Stand with the persecuted church through prayer, awareness, and faithful hope as we ask God to sustain His church and advance the gospel—even in the hardest and darkest places.
A Prayer for Yemen
Lord Jesus, thank You for our brave family in Yemen. Strengthen them today and flood them with Your peace. May each day bring word of Your unfailing love (Psalm 143:8). Deepen their faith, increase their courage, and make them increasingly sensitive to Your comforting and guiding voice. Protect them from harm, provide for every need, and create fresh opportunities for fellowship. Continue to draw people to You. Across Yemen, bring peace, stability, and provision. Amen.
Who Is Most Vulnerable to Persecution?
Christians throughout Yemen are in danger. In the south, fragmented governance and Islamic extremist groups put believers at risk. And in the Houthi-controlled north west regions – home to some 80% of the population – pressure is particularly severe. These areas are heavily policed, dissent is brutally repressed, and suspected Christian converts face surveillance, arrest, and torture.
How Can You Pray for Yemen?
- Yemen continues to be torn apart and wracked by violence. Pray that peace will finally come to this country.
- The small number of Yemeni believers is growing – but each lives with the daily risk of violence and death. Pray for courage and hope.
- Pray for the small, secret churches in Yemen. Ask God to help them find resources to meet. Pray that underground church leaders would find the strength and stamina to continue serving God’s people.