Indian elections: how you can pray

Indian election results were announced on 4 June 2024. Please join with Christians in India in praying that the results will lead to greater religious freedom and protection from persecution in the country.

Nationwide elections took place in India between 19 April and 1 June, in seven phases across different states. The results began to be published on 4 June. Christians in India are asking their global church family to join in praying about the aftermath of these elections. These believers know that religious freedom is at stake. Freedom of religion or belief is a constitutional right in India – but Hindu nationalists are increasingly threatening that right.

• 10 things Christians should know about India’s elections

Pray for the impact of the election results

• Pray that the government that comes in serves the best interests of every citizen, including religious minorities
• Twelve states in India have anti-conversion laws, which are often used to harass and target Christians. Indian believers fear that the election results could see more states adopt these laws, or even the implementation of a nationwide law. Pray that this wouldn’t happen, and that existing laws would be repealed.

Pray for Christians facing persecution and discrimination

• There has been a rise in incidents of persecution during the elections – please pray for all affected
• Christians were attacked during Holy Week and Easter celebrations. Pastors have been arrested and believers have been attacked in a few incidents. Christians have been falsely accused of forced religious conversion, including one case being lodged with local authorities. Pray for the Christians in India to experience God’s security and protection and continue to stand strong in the face of persecution
• Christian NGOs are being labelled agencies of religious conversion and having their licences cancelled. Pray for India’s Home Office to have a discerning mind focused on justice
• Tribal Christians continue to face attacks and threats from religious extremists. Pray for the persecuted Christians who are expelled from their homes and have lost their livelihoods, particularly in Manipur. In many places, church services are banned and churches are closed. Please pray for God’s favour in this situation
• Pray for the state of Chhattisgarh (in Central India) where attacks on believers and churches are on the rise after the BJP came to power. Christians are protesting and appealing to the state government to intervene and punish the offenders
• The north eastern states are witnessing rising number of attacks on Christian institutions. Christian colleges are being targeted and threatened constantly. Several laws and policies have been introduced to target the Christians, such as a bill in Assam to criminalise prayers for healing. Please pray for God’s sovereignty in these situations, and for believers to know and trust His peace
• Jairo*, a Christian believer from Chhattisgarh was killed by his family members and villagers on 4 May, for his faith. The police handed over his body to the villagers to bury according to Hindu rights. He is survived by his wife and children. Pray for Jairo’s family to be comforted in the Lord.