Pray for Iraq
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one; I in them and you in me.” John 17:22-23a
Population: 31,466,698
Capital: Baghdad
People: Iraqi Arab 64.8%, Northern Kurd 9.8%, Southern Kurd 7.8%
Per Capita GDP: $3,007 (6% of USA)
Official Language: Arabic, Kurdish (in the Kurdish Autonomous Region)
Literacy: 40.4%
Religion: Muslim 95.9%, Other 1.9%, Christian 1.6%
Pray:
-This month, at least four churches in Kirkuk, Iraq have been destroyed or targeted by bombs. Pastors are concerned that this will cause more Christians to leave the city out of fear. Over the past decade, many believers have fled Iraq to escape war and persecution. Reports estimate that in 2003, there were around 1.2 million Christians in Iraq, but now less than 500,000 remain.
-Pray that God would give Iraqi believers courage and faith to stand strong on the firm foundation of Christ. Pray that they would not be afraid when the world hates them, but that Christ’s joy would be in them. Praise God that they have been given the same glory that the Father gave the Son. Praise the LORD for the recent increase of Iraqi Muslims who are believing in Christ.
-Praise God for an increase in political stability and a decrease in sectarian violence. However, there is still an enormous need for greater stability, peace and healing for this broken land. Around 600,000 Iraqis have died and another 2 million have been displaced due to invasions, insurgencies, and deprivation. Women and children have especially suffered from being disregarded by society. Pray that Iraqis would experience healing, protection, and significance through Jesus Christ.
-Use this video to help guide your prayer:
Information provided by Operation World and Joshua Project. For more information, go to http://www.operationworld.org/iraq