More than 1.6 billion people—23 percent of the world’s population—are victims of repressive regimes and have no say in how they are governed. They face severe consequences if they try to exercise their most basic rights, such as expressing their views, assembling peacefully, and organizing independently of the state.

Citizens who dare to assert their rights in these repressive countries typically suffer harassment and imprisonment, and they often are subjected to physical or psychological abuse. In almost all of the countries/regions where a repressive regime is in power, Christians are persecuted and often are treated worse than any of the other citizens. But as Dr. A.T. Pierson (1837–1911, Presbyterian pastor) said, “Wherever the Church has been aroused and the world’s wickedness arrested, somebody, somewhere has been praying.”

Here are some guidelines to help you pray for the leaders of repressive regimes (including Belarus, Chechnya, China, Cuba, Central African Republic, Laos, Libya, Myanmar, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria):

• Pray for the salvation of these corrupt and unsaved leaders so they can be reconciled to God. Pray especially that the Holy Spirit would convict them of their sin and that these leaders would seek God’s forgiveness.
• Pray that unfair and godless leaders will make “mistakes” that will become an advantage to the spread of the gospel.
• Pray that oppressors and godless leaders will lose their positions of power by means of wrong advice. “Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words, for I see violence and strife in the city” (Ps. 55:9).
• Pray that the plans of those who are involved in plots and unholy conspiracies will be broken. • Pray, in Jesus’ name, against the influence of the evil powers on the lives of individuals. There are specific demons working in politics and at government levels.
• Pray that in countries where there is bloodshed, violence, chaos, and anarchy, the ruthless leaders will tire of these evils and seek peace and stability.
• Pray the leaders will act responsibly, and that they will realize that God not only appointed them but gave them authority—and they will have to give account to Him for everything they do.

Taken from the Global Prayer Resources Network.

From Prayer Connect magazine. To Subscribe.