Seven ways to pray for Christians in China as country marks 75 years of Communist rule

This week marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, when the Chinese Community Party ousted the Nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) government. With Communist rule continuing to control Christianity, here are seven ways you can pray for the country and its believers…

Over the decades, Communist China has undergone significant transformations – it now boasts the second largest economy in the world after the US, a seat at the United Nations, and a powerful military.

And yet, the country remains hostile towards foreign, particularly Western, ideologies and beliefs that challenge its stability and unity. Seventy-five years after establishing power, the Chinese Communist Party continues to consider any religion an affront to their rule – especially Christianity.

After several years when hostility towards Christians eased slightly, recent years have seen a renewed crackdown on believers with tighter restrictions – including a ban on under-18s attending church activities – and intensifying surveillance.

However, just as they did in the past, Christians in China continue to persist in their faith, as they creatively seek ways to express and share their faith, despite fear and uncertainty. But for that to continue, your prayers are needed, and here are seven ways you can pray…

1. The church

Many churches face an agonising dilemma – to register with the authorities or go deeper underground. Doing the former brings intense scrutiny and pressure to conform to values that compromise faith, whilst the latter brings heightened risk of raids, fines and imprisonment.

• Believer’s imprisonment for selling Bibles takes its toll

Meanwhile, online Christian resources are blocked or taken down, further limiting the availability of resources for believers. Even online, Christians are at risk of being monitored, interrogated and, in very rare cases, imprisoned (particularly in cases where they sell religious books from overseas).

Please pray

• That those involved in registered churches will have wisdom, discernment and courage as they navigate heavy scrutiny
• For creativity and boldness for unregistered churches, particularly leaders, and protection of their activities
• That churches in China will continue to see growth, despite increased pressure.

2. Believers from Muslim backgrounds

Believers from Muslim backgrounds in the north west of China are considered the most persecuted Christian group in the country, as they face a heightened level of surveillance and restrictions, particularly church leaders.

A particular area of concern in the region is the treatment of women, who tend to have a lower position in the family. “Some younger church leaders come to me and ask for more discipleship and leadership training so that they are equipped,” says Hollace*, a local partner. “They want to help strengthen the families and marriages, as this is a burning issue in the area.”

Please pray

• That church leaders will be given wisdom, strength and protection as they serve believers in the region
• For the growth of healthy marriages, and that the church in the region will shine brightly for its treatment of all people
• That the authorities’ scrutiny of believers will lead to them encountering Jesus.

3. Believers from Buddhist backgrounds

Christians who come to faith from a Buddhist background often face opposition from local leaders and villagers. They are deemed traitors, treated as outsiders, and sometimes even abandoned by their families or community.

• What’s it like to be a Christian in China?

These areas are often mountainous and remote, and those sent to minister there have often travelled thousands of miles to reach people. It’s a costly calling – for workers and their families – but it’s one they count because of their love for Jesus and their passion to share the gospel.

Please pray

• That believers from Buddhist backgrounds will persevere in their faith, despite challenges
• For the protection and wellbeing of those travelling far to reach people in remote, mountainous regions
• That those hostile to the Christian faith of those they know and love will encounter Jesus for themselves.

4. The next generation

The ban on under-18s attending church activities makes it immensely challenging for churches and parents to bring up children to know Jesus. Leaders who attempt ministry amongst young people do so at huge risk of interrogation and even imprisonment.

The challenge is made more difficult with many young people distracted by the values and patterns of the world, especially materialism. Attachment to social media and gaming is a particular concern for parents and children.

Please pray

• That parents and leaders will come up with effective, relevant and engaging ways to help build faith in the next generation of believers
• That God will raise up new, godly role models for young people to look up to
• That restrictions and surveillance will not deter young people from pursuing their faith in Jesus.

5. Activities held by Open Doors local partners

Working through local partners, experts and churches, Open Doors has been able to support Christians in China in countless different ways, including persecution survival training, discipleship and contextualised Christian literature.

Local partners in the field are constantly looking for ways to serve our persecuted family, which includes pastors, believers from Buddhist and Muslim backgrounds, and the next generation of believers.

Please pray

• For the continued provision of connections, venues and favour for local partners as they keep serving our persecuted family
• That all local partners will be nourished as they seek to nourish others
• Against obstacles, setbacks and discouragement.

6. Growth of the church

Given the concerted attempts by the Communist party to stifle the expression and growth of Christianity, it’s astonishing that the church in China has kept growing, with the number of believers nudging 100 million. It’s testament to the power of the gospel and the impact of prayer.

The recent crackdown has impacted people differently. Broadly speaking, many older Christians have past experiences to draw from, but it’s harder for younger Christians experiencing pressure for the first time. For the church to survive and keep growing in China, your prayers are needed.

Please pray

• That believers across China will be galvanised in their faith and witness
• That the Holy Spirit will lead believers to people who are particularly thinking about spirituality, life and meaning
• That the church in China will continue to see astonishing growth.

7. The leaders of China

Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, opposes anything he deems Western values and culture, with Christianity deemed a particular threat.

To counter this, Xi pushes for the Sinicisation of Religion – that is, a proactive attempt to make religion more Chinese. This includes the censorship of sermons and the editing of parts of the Bible to align its content with party values.

Please pray

• That President Xi Jinping and other leaders in China will acknowledge the sovereignty of God over the nation
• That attempts to alter Scripture and sermons will stop
• That Christians will build relationships with the local authorities, bringing favour to church activities and leading those in positions of influence to Jesus.

*Name changed for securtiy reasons