Terror in Iraq is the Worst in Years

Aug 01 2012

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

Iraqi men praying
An Open Doors contact in Baghdad emailed that, “Each hour the news [in Iraq] gets worse. The violence is unbelievable. Please pray for Iraq and the remaining Christians.” A modern-day exodus of Christians is going on in Iraq. Sectarian violence has caused tens of thousands of Christians to flee since the beginning of the war. An estimated 345,000 Christians live in Iraq today; there were nearly 850,000 in 1991. Those who remain feel that the government fails to protect them from the recent wave of threats, robbery, rape, kidnapping, and church bombings. Though Northern Iraq – an area commonly called Kurdistan – has long been known as a safe haven for Christians, even in this region the situation for Christians has deteriorated due to Islamic extremism.

“The terror in Iraq recently is the worst in several years,” continued the contact. “There have also been major Al Qaida threats to everyone, especially the Christians. After last week's violence, communication is terrible. It is not really possible to describe the devastation here in Baghdad. Over 100 have been killed. Security has been targeted…. We are used to bad problems here in Baghdad but the violence is just quite unbelievable; 12 car bombs, two suicide bombers on motor bikes. Scores of police and soldiers killed. We no longer have any security. While our people have not been killed, the injuries sustained to others are severe. There have also been new serious threats from Abu Baker Al Hussani, the head of Al Qaida in Iraq.”

In the face of escalating violence and uncertainty, the church looks to Christ for strength. “Despite all of this we do not give up and do not fear. We keep praising the Holy One who never leaves us. In the church we have been looking at Psalm 23. When people ask me what they should pray for us here in Iraq, I say it should be the 3 P's. Protection, Provision and Perseverance. It is these three things that Psalm 23 deals with.”

Father, we lift up to You our brothers and sisters who remain in Iraq, asking that You would protect them with Your strong right arm. Many Christian refugees have been displaced from their homes, and we pray that You would provide places of shelter from violence and weather, and food to sustain their lives. We call on You for Your intervention in governmental affairs that they might rule with justice and provide protection from the relentless terrorism that exists in Iraq today. In the midst of daily threats, wash over the Christians with Your peace and strengthen them to persevere in faith. In the name of Jesus our only refuge, Amen.

Comments

Victoria
Aug 02 2012 on 12:38

It seems that the world's most expensive war was nothing but a waste of time, as all of the people are worse off than before. That is the wisdom of man in action."Father God, please put a hedge of protection around our brethren in Iraq and provide them with a new place of safety to flee to where they can worship you in peace and gain strength and courage, in Jesus' Name I ask and thank You. AMEN."
Danny
Aug 02 2012 on 04:10

Dear God, what does it take for you to act?
Laura
Aug 02 2012 on 05:43

Precious Holy Father, God and Self-proclaimed protector, provider of Your people. I pray for this promise and power to cover us all who name Your name around the world and specifically now for our precious family in Iraq. Keep them from the power of the evil one and may their hearts be courageously planted in You. May their eyes be opened to Your angels that stand by at Your command. Lead them to that safe place under the "shelter of Your wings" I pray in the name of our LORD Jesus Christ.
eileen
Aug 02 2012 on 07:40

Heavenly Father, You have told us that in this life we will have many trials, and that those who lose their lives for your sake will indeed find it. Father, this is so real for so many Christians around the world yet you tell us that where two or three are in agreement in prayer you will hear us and answer our prayers. I pray, Lord, I implore you to please PROTECT these courageous believers as they are confronted with such violence and opposition. I pray that you will PROVIDE for all of their needs as they are risking everything, including their lives for your Kingdom. And I ask you to hold them fast and enable them to PERSEVERE against the enemy! Hem them in, Lord, behind and before, and may their courage draw those who don't yet know you to seek your face and come to a saving faith in Jesus! I ask this, Heavenly Father, in your Son's precious name. Amen.
Sue S
Aug 02 2012 on 03:17

Dear Father, You know of the cries of Your children. Please Lord, Protect these children whom You love. Please comfort our family in Iraq. Please give provision for all of their needs - physical, emotional, spiritual. Help us, their family, pray for them and call on Your Holy name to cover them with your Presence. Help us weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice. Please show them in a mighty way You, so they may Persevere in these trials. Please bring their attackers to know You, Lord, as only You can. Thank you, In Him, amen.
David
Aug 03 2012 on 01:33

Father God, make yourself known in Iraq. Protect my brothers and sisters and grant them grace to live day by day. You are a loving holy God and one day all the evil will be punished. Please strengthen the church in Iraq and give wisdom to your children there. I pray that many Muslims turn to you Jesus. I pray that those who are suffering persecution in Iraq trust you whole heartedly. Take their hand God and lead them to your holy hill.