The United States and Saudi Arabia presented a united front to Iran and Syria. They have alerted Iran that patience over alleged nuclear ambitions is wearing thin and warned President Bashar al-Assad that they will boost support to rebels unless he steps down. While John Kerry was in Saudi Arabia on Monday he said, ‘The window of opportunity for a diplomatic solution cannot by definition remain open indefinitely. There is time to resolve the Iranian issue providing the Iranians are prepared to engage seriously on proposals. Talks will not go on for the sake of talks and cannot become an instrument for delay - making the situation more dangerous.’ The Saudi Foreign Minister, whose country shares concerns with other Gulf Arab states about increasing Iranian aggressiveness in the region, agreed. Also in a joint news conference Kerry and Saud told reporters that al-Assad had lost all claim to be Syria's legitimate leader.

Pray: that more will be done to eliminate the ‘slaughter of innocents’ and unethical nuclear ambitions.(2Sa.22:3)

More: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/03/201334122024169854.html

Reuters reported, ‘Iran has put off the execution of Christian Pastor Yousof Nadarkhani’ (Praise God!) Probably in response to massive international pressure. It is not clear how long his reprieve is. Pastor Yousof was due to be executed on Tuesday after loosing the final appeal against a conviction for apostasy in Iran's Supreme Court. The 33-year-old pastor converted to Christianity from Islam at the age of 19. In 2009 he filed a complaint over Islamic indoctrination of his children at school, saying his children should not be forced to learn a religion they do not practice. He was arrested shortly afterwards and convicted of apostasy. The pastor, a member of the Protestant Evangelical Church of Iran, was given a chance to recant but refused. Punishment for an Innate Apostate is death. Punishment for a Parental Apostate is death.

Pray: for Pastor Yousof’s release, for his family to know your protection and for all those involved to know God's power and provision. (Ps.9:9,19)

More: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/middle-class-guy/2012/feb/26/iran-lynch-pastor-yousef-nadarkhani-say-nothing-do/

Churches ministering in Iran and Nigeria are experiencing increasing levels of persecution by authorities and extremists attempting to stamp out Christianity. Assembly of God in Tehran had its summer campsite closed and were warned of severe consequences should anyone try to enter. Also Friday Farsi Language services and Bible classes have been closed. AG Eurasia Regional Director said, ‘The increasing pressures put on churches in Iran recently is a cause for great concern. We are doing everything we can to help them, but they need God's intervention most of all.’ In Nigeria extremists are demanding the adoption and enforcement of Sharia law and the establishment of a new Nigeria under those laws. Villages, churches, government institutions, and schools (especially Christian schools) are being violently attacked. Central Assemblies of God has lost more than 25 churches this year, with many members fleeing for their lives.

Pray: for the suffering church around the world and particularly for Iran and Nigeria who are paying such a heavy price for their faith. (Ps.68:28)

More: http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2012/s12070143.htm

Nearly a third of the world's population live in countries where restrictions on religious beliefs and practices increased between 2006 and 2009, a new report reveals. Restrictions including social hostilities and government constraint rose in 23 of the world’s 198 countries, decreased in 12 countries and remained essentially unchanged in 163 countries. China, Egypt, France, Nigeria, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam and the United Kingdom were listed as countries where the religious are finding it more difficult to practice their faith.The report, ‘Rising Restrictions on Religion’ found that Christians were being harassed in more countries than any other faith group. Government or social harassment was reported against Christians in 130 countries. The number of countries in which governments used some measure of force against religious groups or individuals rose from 46% in the period ending 2008 to 51% in the period ending 2009.

Pray: the Church would not throw away her confidence in the Lord, and would persevere in every situation. (Heb.10:32)

More: http://www.christianpost.com/news/report-restrictions-on-religion-increased-in-23-countries-53616/

Christians face discrimination and violence in Muslim-majority countries and Open Doors USA is asking Christians in the West to pray alongside persecuted believers in predominantly Muslim countries during Ramadan. From August 1 to the end of the month Muslims will be fasting from dawn to sunset and praying. During this time Christians are especially isolated in some Muslim-dominated countries and pressure on their beliefs increases. The end of Ramadan will be followed a fortnight
later by the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Michele Miller, Director of Open Doors Prayer Ministries, said it was vital that the church pray for both Christians and Muslims during the 9/11anniversary. The worst persecutors of Christians are Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Somalia. There are difficulties for Christians also in countries considered more moderate, such as Egypt, where believers have been killed in church attacks by extremists.

Pray: for millions of hearts to be changed during Ramadan and for the 9/11 anniversary to be peacefully recognised. (Is.60:3)

More: http://www.opendoorsusa.org/pray/Ramadan

On Sunday 13th we are asked to intercede for the Persecuted Church. Globally 100 million Christians are persecuted. Open Doors USA are saying, ‘They know the Lord is with them – but is there anyone else?’ On Sunday the church is invited to unite and pray that they would be strong and courageous. In October, 14 year old Ugandan, Susan, was tortured by her father for becoming a Christian. Unable to walk and hospitalised for 4 weeks she has a long recovery road ahead, but doctors are optimistic. Pray Susan would know that she has a loving Christian family who cares and is praying for her. For resources to aid informed intercessions for the persecuted click the more link.

Pray: for God’s protection and comfort wherever the enemy attempts to captivate body, mind, or spirit. (1Cor.12:26)

More: http://www.onewiththem.com/

Open Doors reports the March 4th general election in Kenya is the first under a new constitution with many new elective and nominative posts. Historically violent outbreaks follow elections. 1,000+ died in 2007 post-election violence. Political instability, combined with al-Shabaab influences, fuels deepening concern over the future religious atmosphere. The Muslim minority has pressurized the government to allow greater official influence for Islam. Islamic family courts based on Sharia law are implemented in all counties – even those with low Muslim presence. It is feared ten of the counties with high Muslim representation may break away from the country and push for implementing Sharia law. Meanwhile voters in Cyprus (southern area) will elect a new president this Sunday. He will have to negotiate a financial rescue to prevent government bankruptcy that could reignite the euro zone debt crisis. (source Voice of America news) For dates and Insights into the 38 countries still to vote in 2013 click the 'info' button

Pray: that Kenya in her 50th year since independence would enjoy a jubilee season. (Lev.25:8-10) Ask God to be in the detail of all preparations for international elections this year. (Ps.33:9)

Info: http://www.site.prayer-alert.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=432&Itemid=93

On Saturday President Hassan Rouhani returned from America and was cheered at Tehran airport by his supporters praising him for reaching out to President Obama. This was followed by hard-line protesters hurling eggs and a shoe at him and blocking the road by praying on the pavement. The incident illustrates the tensions in Iran as Mr. Rouhani  attempts to begin to heal the rift between Iran and the West through a historic trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. See: Three days later the Israeli Prime Minister addressed the UN General Assembly, stating that the new Iranian President is a ‘wolf in sheep's clothing’ who is seeking to mislead the world about the country's nuclear program. For historical events, and recent incidents to help you discern some of the roots that have shaped Iran’s attitudes and values click the more link for this week’s INSIGHT article.

Pray:    for change in Iran, for leaders to embrace God’s transforming purposes for the region. May President Rouhani be used by God as Cyrus king of Persia was used and appointed in ancient times to build not tear down God’s provision. (2 Chron.36:23 & Dan.6:26)

More:    http://site.prayer-alert.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=475&Itemid=93