Hello, I’m Sophie Griffith, and it’s the Tuesday 30th of December. And here are your 7 ways to pray for the Middle East and North Africa this January:
Number 1: Pray for God’s blessing on SAT-7’s channel staff and all they have planned for 2026.
As they film new TV programmes and social media content, may they know God’s hand of guidance and provision. As they engage with viewers via social media, messages and phone calls, may they be filled with God’s love and compassion. As they connect with partners and prepare reports for our major donors, may they be discerning and kind. As they write scripts, edit videos, and design studio spaces, may they be filled with the Holy Spirit. And as they go about daily tasks in their studios and offices – from making cups of coffee to mopping kitchen floors, and from recording expenses to conducting meetings – may they be inspired to do it all for the glory of God.
Number 2: Pray for Coptic Orthodox and other Christians across the MENA who will be celebrating Christmas on 7th January.
In Egypt, where a large number of SAT-7 ARABIC viewers reside, millions of Coptic Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on 7th January. Their Christmas celebrations are not all that unfamiliar, but they do have a unique flavour. After 40 days of fasting from meat, dairy and other foods prior to Christmas, Orthodox Christians enjoy a Christmas Eve mass on January 6th, before a huge feast to celebrate the end of the fast and the beginning of Christmas. Christmas Day involves a trip to church, gifts, and more good food. Let’s pray for Orthodox Christians in Egypt and other countries in the MENA, that they will encounter something new of God during this season of reflection and celebration. Pray for the Holy Spirit to revitalise these believers as they look ahead to 2026.
Number 3: Let’s pray for Christian unity in the MENA - in line with Jesus’ prayer for His followers in the Gospel of John.
Sunday 18th January marks the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, an internationally recognised time of prayer and reflection organised by the World Council of Churches.
In a region that continues to experience the consequences of division and hostility, Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness and unity are as challenging as they are vital. In John 17:22, Jesus prays to the Father, saying: “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one, as we are one”. Pray for Christians in the MENA who want to model godly unity to a divided world, that they will powerfully encounter God’s love, agree on the core tenets of the faith, and shine like stars in their communities.
Number 4: Let’s pray for the people of Syria one year after the fall of the Assad regime.
There is still a mix of hope and fear among the people of Syria. Their new leaders have made positive strides when it comes to international relations, but inside the country, many communities are still reeling from the 14-year civil war. Justice for crimes under the previous regime and a life free from the threat of violence are both extremely hard to come by. Let’s first pray for those in leadership positions in Syria, that they will have wisdom to govern well and will have compassion for people who are still suffering in their land. Let’s pray also for God to move powerfully among the people of Syria, so that regardless of the political situation, more people will come to know Jesus, and the peace and joy He freely offers.
Number 5: Pray that SAT-7 PARS’ new programme Is It God’s Fault? will have a profound impact on viewers in 2026.
The harsh realities of conflict, poverty and persecution are causing many people in the Persian-speaking world to ask difficult questions about evil and suffering. Is It God’s Fault? meets viewers in their pain and lovingly guides them to biblical answers.
Reza Jafari, SAT-7 PARS’ Multimedia Senior Manager, said about the programme: “Decades of oppression, religious persecution, restricted freedoms, and the violent suppression of peaceful protests have caused many Iranians, along with countless others around the world, to ask: ‘If God is good and all-powerful, why doesn’t He stop the suffering?’ Is It God’s Fault? is a journey through grief, anger, and uncertainty toward rediscovering who God truly is, and how He meets us in our deepest pain.”
Let’s pray that viewers of this programme will find comfort in their suffering and ultimately encounter Jesus Christ, who Himself was “a man of suffering, familiar with pain”.
You can read more about this programme via the link in today’s show notes.
Number 6: Pray for Christians in Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, the majority of whom are unable to live out their faith publicly.
It is extremely difficult for believers in the Persian world to connect with other believers and find high-quality Bible teaching and resources. But SAT-7 PARS’ weekly digital discipleship groups offer isolated believers a lifeline, giving participants the chance to hear high-quality Bible teaching, sing worship with others, and receive prayer.
Thank God that there are currently around 80 participants!
The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with several sharing the life-changing impact of the sessions. Forogh, a woman from Iran, said:
“You may not realise how valuable and impactful your lessons are, but I can see how they are bringing changes in me and in my life. There is so much practical and applicable content that it's hard to express my gratitude. I truly appreciate these sessions and I am thankful for your being there.”
Number 7: Please pray for our female viewers in Türkiye, in particular those who want to grow in faith but are being discouraged by social pressures and difficult personal circumstances.
Gözde, who watches SAT-7 TÜRK women’s programme Homemade, said:
“I have been watching this program for two years, and it has helped me through very difficult times. God spoke to me through this program, and so much has changed; hope and peace have come into my life. I have also realised the true nature of love and how much God loves us. I hope this season [of Homemade] is as successful for others as it has been for me and that it touches hearts and fills them with hope.”
Thank God for women in Türkiye like Gözde who are being encouraged by our programmes and growing in their faith. Pray that many more will follow in her footsteps!
You can find out more about SAT-7’s work in Turkiye in the show notes.
So, there are you 7 ways to pray this January. Will you join me now, in a moment of prayer? Let’s pray.
Lord, we bring all of these situations before you in prayer. We pray for your blessing on SAT-7’s staff as we head into a new year. We lift up Coptic and other believers around the MENA as they take part in Christmas celebrations. We pray for unity among all believers of the region. We lift up the people of Syria, and pray for security and peace for their country. We thank you for SAT-7 PARS programme Is it God’s Fault, and pray it will continue to have a profound impact on viewers. We remember in prayer believers in the Persian world who cannot live out their faith in freedom. We pray for female viewers in Turkiye, and thank you that SAT-7’s programmes are helping them grow in their faith.
And finally, we pray for a very Happy New Year for all our supporters, listeners and prayer partners in the UK and around the world.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
