Since the war between Hamas and Israel erupted in October 2023, the Christian population of Gaza has faced immense challenges. Of the approximately 1,070 Christians who lived in Gaza before the conflict, only about 600 remain. Many have sought refuge in churches like St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church, where 260 Christians have been sheltering for over a year. Tragically, even these sanctuaries have proven unsafe; an October 2023 bombing killed 18 Christians when part of the church collapsed. At least 30 Christians have died due to the ongoing violence.

The suffering in Gaza is universal, with all residents enduring severe shortages of food, water, and medicine. Electricity is scarce, available only for a few hours daily, and destruction across the city is extensive. Roads, utilities, markets, and historic buildings have been devastated, leaving the population in dire need.

Amid this turmoil, organizations like Open Doors are supporting Christians through financial aid for essential supplies and providing trauma and spiritual care. Despite the challenges, Christian communities strive to maintain faith and routine. Morning prayers, shared meals, and community activities help sustain hope in the midst of adversity.

One young Christian sheltering in Gaza finds solace in Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want,” recounting a moment of divine protection when he narrowly escaped a bombing. He and others pray fervently for an end to the bloodshed and the restoration of their city.

Prayer
Lord, we pray for the Christians in Gaza. Protect them, bring peace to their land, and restore hope and healing to all who suffer. Amen.

Bible Verse
The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth. Psalm 145:18

The Arakan Army, an ethnic minority armed group in Myanmar, has seized the last military outpost in the strategic border town of Maungdaw, Rakhine state, solidifying its control over the 271-kilometer border with Bangladesh. This marks a significant step in the group’s struggle for autonomy in northern Rakhine and highlights the region's central role in Myanmar’s escalating civil war.

The ongoing conflict stems from the military coup of 2021, which ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Ethnic minority groups, including the Arakan Army, have joined pro-democracy forces to resist the military rulers. The capture of Maungdaw follows months of intense fighting, with the Arakan Army now controlling 11 of Rakhine’s 17 townships and other strategic areas, including parts of Chin state. The nearby town of Ann, home to the military’s western command headquarters, is also on the brink of falling.

This advance has sparked concerns over potential violence against Myanmar’s persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority, who have long faced systemic oppression. Historical violence in Rakhine led to over 740,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh in 2017. Reports accuse the Arakan Army of human rights violations, including attacks on Rohingya civilians and forced displacement, with 200,000 residents allegedly driven from Buthidaung earlier this year.

The Arakan Army, which represents the Buddhist Rakhine ethnic group, denies targeting the Rohingya, but prejudice against this minority remains widespread. Despite international calls for peace, the situation in Rakhine continues to escalate, with fears of further humanitarian crises as Myanmar’s civil war intensifies.

As the conflict rages, the people of Rakhine, especially the vulnerable Rohingya, face violence, displacement, and uncertainty. The international community, including Christians, must remain vigilant in prayer and advocacy for peace and justice in Myanmar.

Prayer
Lord of peace, we lift Myanmar to You, praying for justice, protection for the vulnerable, and healing for a fractured nation. Amen.

Bible Verse
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” — Psalm 82:3

More: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/09/asia/myanmar-arakan-army-bangladesh-border-intl-hnk/index.html

The assassination of Khalil-Ur-Rahman Haqqani, Taliban Minister of Refugees, by a suicide bombing in Kabul has intensified concerns over the growing influence of Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K) in Afghanistan. Haqqani’s death, along with several staff members, underscores the escalating rivalry between IS-K and the Taliban. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, IS-K has killed several high-ranking Taliban officials, aiming to destabilize the regime and expand its extremist ideology.

IS-K, originally formed in 2015 by defectors from the Taliban and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), continues to execute deadly attacks in Afghanistan and beyond, targeting ethnic and religious minorities, women, and children. The group has also expanded its operations internationally, orchestrating attacks in Iran, Russia, and Turkey that claimed hundreds of lives in 2024. These actions signify IS-K’s intent to position itself as an alternative force in the region, leveraging Afghanistan’s fragile security landscape.

The Taliban claims progress in combating IS-K, but the group’s persistent attacks highlight significant gaps in Afghanistan’s counterterrorism measures. Concerns were voiced at a recent United Nations Security Council meeting, with China, Russia, and Pakistan emphasizing the broader regional risks posed by transnational terrorist networks. The U.S. echoed these fears in its annual terrorism report, citing the Taliban’s limited efforts to curb IS-K’s operations while highlighting its tolerance of other militant groups like al-Qaida and TTP.

IS-K’s activities also fuel regional tensions. Pakistan, which faces increased attacks from TTP operatives based in Afghanistan, accuses the Taliban of harboring militants that threaten its security. This situation exacerbates instability, hindering international cooperation and heightening fears of Afghanistan’s descent into a hub for global terrorism.

Amid this turmoil, the Afghan people, particularly vulnerable minorities, bear the brunt of escalating violence. This calls for urgent prayer and action for peace, stability, and protection for the afflicted.

Prayer
Lord, bring peace to Afghanistan. Protect the innocent, strengthen peacemakers, and defeat the forces of violence. Amen.

Bible Verse
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you.  Deuteronomy 33:27

More: https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-minister-s-killing-raises-concerns-about-is-terror-group-s-expansion/7900252.html

Bolivia faces significant challenges as organized crime undermines its democratic foundations. A hub for cocaine production and trafficking, the country struggles with pervasive corruption that compromises its judiciary, law enforcement, and political systems. There are systemic vulnerabilities, including politically influenced judicial appointments, enabling narcotraffickers to exploit weak institutions. This corruption erodes public trust, fueling a cycle of impunity and democratic fragility.

One stark example of corruption is Bolivia’s reliance on coca growers in the Chapare region, closely linked to drug trafficking. This relationship fosters a “non-aggression pact” between narcotraffickers and the government, creating a precarious balance that could collapse if efforts are made to curb illegal activity. The judiciary is plagued by inefficiency and political interference, allowing criminals like Sebastian Marset, a notorious trafficker, to operate freely for extended periods.

Compounding these issues are economic distortions caused by illicit financial flows, which bypass taxation and inflate markets, further marginalizing ordinary citizens. Weak oversight of borders and public procurement processes exacerbates Bolivia’s struggles to maintain transparency and accountability. These dynamics jeopardize democratic principles, leaving the Bolivian people vulnerable to exploitation and disenfranchisement.

Urgent reforms are needed, including strengthening law enforcement, enhancing judicial independence, and fostering transparency. International cooperation is critical, particularly in intelligence sharing, legislative reform, and capacity building for law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies. Combating organized crime requires addressing its root causes, such as poverty and inequality, to prevent democratic regression and build a foundation of justice and accountability.

As Bolivia grapples with these challenges, Christians are called to pray for the nation’s leaders, the protection of vulnerable communities, and the restoration of integrity in governance.

Prayer
Lord, we lift up Bolivia in prayer. Bring wisdom to its leaders, justice for its people, and renewal to its democratic institutions. Amen.

Bible Verse
“Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” — Amos 5:24

More: https://www.iri.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/The-Illicit-Economys-Impact-on-Democracy-Case-Studies-in-Bolivia-and-Ecuador.pdf

Use these prayer pointers that the IPC Latin America Prayer Council are using through 2025:
CONTINENTAL PRAYER POINTS - CLAMOR 2025

1. Pray for unity
2. Pray for the uprising of godly leadership in Latino América (season for Seating / Reseating governmental offices)
3. Pray for the transition of structures in our churches - from pyramidal churches to apostolic centers - in order to birth long-term spiritual movements. Focus: Culture of prayer.
4. Pray to return to the original design / and fulfilment of the calling for each nation.
5. Prayer for Israel with ICEJ monthly prayer points. Transfer of Latin American embassies from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
6. Pray for the nations to identify/build watchmen and strategic teams across the 7 Areas of cultural influence.
7. Pray for the uprising of the Next Generation: Focus on children (Josiah Network & youth movement- UPRISING)
8. Pray for the coalition of anti- globalization nations in our continent. Focus: Trade, impact of immigration.

Global Day of Prayer – 28/29 January 2025 – We invite you and your families, contacts and networks to join us for a Global Day of Prayer starting on January 28^th / 29^th 2025!

Across 24 hours, we will worship and pray where we are, together and online – however we are able.

Our aim is to dedicate time around the throne, around the world and around the clock for worship-saturated prayers for personal, local and global breakthrough! – with a special focus on the Buddhist world.

This is the first of 4 worldwide days of prayer for 2025! – we will also be praying for the Hindu Jewish and Hindu peoples during significant times in their calendars. 

Watch this Intro Video! 

Will you join us on Chinese New Year to pray together, exalting Jesus Christ as King throughout the Buddhist world, asking the Lord of the Harvest to send forth laborers to every unreached people group in 12 key cities and nations?!

The Global Day of Prayer starts Jan 29th 2025 at 1:00am (Beijing UTC+8)

(JAN 28th: 12PM New York | 7PM Jerusalem. JAN 29th: 2AM SEOUL, 4AM Sydney)

CLICK TO JOIN - Zoom Meeting ID – 84602907844   Passcode 32223

2 Billion Children – is a campaign conceived by IPC’s Senior Advisor and Exec Member, Tom Victor.

The vision to see the 2 billion children across our world empowered to share the message of God’s love with their friends and families.

Tom has teamed up with Ann Low and several others who are raising awareness for this exciting project which is gaining momentum. 

We would like to bring you Tom’s latest newsletter that tells the updated story of 2BC!

Download the Great Commission Coalition Newsletter HERE!

More: www.2bc.world/

Prayer Walks During Kumbh Mela 2025: South Asia Regional Prayer Council

South Asia, home to 2 billion people, has the greatest concentration of unreached and unsaved individuals in the world. Of this population, 969 million people, more than 80% are Hindus. They are deeply religious but are yet to know the true Saviour.

Among the region’s most spiritually significant events is Kumbh Mela, a mass Hindu pilgrimage where millions gather at the sacred Ganges River. Rooted in mythological beliefs, the event commemorates the legend of demi-gods who lost their strength due to a curse, seeking restoration through the waters.

In 2025, the Kumbh Mela will take place in Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, from January to March.

Central to the pilgrimage is the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, where pilgrims perform sacred rituals and seek purification. The immense gathering, featuring millions of devotees, can be both overwhelming and awe-inspiring to first-time visitors.

Recognizing the profound spiritual significance of this event, International Prayer Connect’s South Asia Regional Prayer Council is organizing a number of on-site prayer walks during Kumbh Mela.

From January 26-30, 2025, a dedicated group of intercessors and prayer mobilizers will visit Prayagraj and nearby Varanasi. These prayer warriors will walk through the throngs, seeking God’s intervention for South Asia’s spiritual transformation.

Their prayers will focus on the millions participating in the Kumbh Mela, interceding for their salvation and freedom from spiritual darkness. The team aims to invite God’s presence into these spiritually charged locations, praying for breakthroughs that can ripple across the region.

This initiative embodies the call to stand in the gap for South Asia, declaring the truth of Christ in the midst of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. The Prayer Walk is an opportunity for believers to unite in faith and petition heaven for a harvest among the unreached during this significant time.

For those unable to join on-site, IPC encourages you to intercede with us during this critical period.

Jericho Plan Prayer Guide

Our partners in India have prepared a well-illustrated Jericho Plan Prayer Guide for the event, available for download HERE

We pleased to bring you an intro and summary of the prayer pointers:

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, a mass Hindu pilgrimage anticipated to attract over 22 million participants at Prayagraj, is a deeply spiritual event where pilgrims seek cleansing from sin through holy baths at the Sangam.

Recognizing the opportunity for intercession, the Jericho Plan calls for focused prayer to break spiritual barriers and share the Gospel with love and understanding.

Key prayer areas include: opening hearts to Christ’s truth, clarity on salvation, divine encounters, acts of Christ-like kindness, strengthening local believers, and lasting spiritual impact beyond the event. As millions disperse, the goal is to sow seeds of faith that ripple throughout India, trusting God to bring transformation akin to the walls of Jericho falling.

Key Topics / Prayer Pointers:

1. Open Hearts: Pray for spiritual barriers to be removed and for pilgrims to encounter Christ’s love.
2. Understanding Salvation: Intercede for clarity on salvation beyond rituals and works.
3. Divine Encounters: Ask for divine appointments and Holy Spirit-led interactions.
4. Christ-like Kindness: Pray for love and compassion to open conversations about faith.
5. Strengthening Local Believers: Lift up Christian communities in Uttar Pradesh for boldness, wisdom, and protection.
6. Lasting Impact: Pray for seeds of faith sown at the event to bear lasting fruit across homes and communities.

New Year's Day - ​Sunrise Prayer Relay

Wherever you are at sunrise on New Year's Day, join believers all around the world praying for revival and transformation in the nations!

We invite our brothers and sisters in Christ, prayer groups, and churches to join us all around the world to pray at sunrise on New Year's Day.

Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation. (2 Cor 6:2)

On New Year’s Day over the past few years, people in over a thousand locations in over 70 nations participated in the Sunrise Prayer Relay and we are believing for even more in 2025.

Your prayer gathering could be at a public location like a hill, lookout, bridge, or public landmark, at a church in your city or town, or you can also pray privately in your home, these prayer gatherings at sunrise around the world generate a synchronized 24-hour global prayer relay.

We suggest that you arrive 15 minutes before your local sunrise time to pray for around 30 minutes or longer if you feel led.

We encourage you to pray together aloud as the sun rises and make a declaration that "Jesus is Lord" of your life, your family, your region, your nation, and the nations.

This year we feel to strongly encourage you to have communion together and celebrate the victory that Jesus has won through His body broken and blood poured out at the cross.

We also want to encourage you to contend in prayer for souls to be saved in your nation and pray for our unsaved friends and family to know Jesus in 2025.

God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet 3:9)

So let’s pray in agreement with His will and contend for whole nations to come to salvation.

Your group might like to include praise and worship in your time of prayer, you could also include a time of fellowship, and we also encourage you to share the gospel with others who have come to watch the sunrise.

The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. (John 17:22-23)

To register your participation and receive the prayer resources and updates please visit www.sunriseprayerrelay.com/registration

This year we will not publish the public locations, we encourage you to promote your own public gatherings locally.

If you post photos or videos on social media, please use the hashtag #SunrisePrayerRelay and/or email to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we can share.

Let’s awaken the dawn together in 2025 with prayer and declare "Jesus is Lord" over the nations.

More info Here: https://www.sunriseprayerrelay.com/

Links to all IPC Projects:
https://linktr.ee/ipcprayer

110 Cities Prayer
www.110cities.com    

Global Family 24-7 Prayer Room
https://www.globalfamily24-7prayer.org/

Prayer Covenant for Children Mobile App
theprayercovenant.org/mobileapp/

Interseed House of Prayer App
https://prod.global.interseed.io/link/groups?id=146

New Years Day Sunrise Prayer Relay
New Years Day Sunrise Prayer Relay

New Year’s Day Revival Prayer Hour
1^st January 10-11am GMT
https://worldprayer.org.uk/events/revive25-prayer-hour/

21 Days of Prayer for Buddhist World
Jan 9 – Jan 29 2025
Adult Guide  |  Childrens Guide

Global Day of Prayer – Buddhist World – 28/29 Jan
More Info & Guide

Click Link to join us Online! (info below)
Zoom ID – 84602907844   Passcode 32223