EFI Calls Churches to Observe International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on 1 and 8 November 2026

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) 2026

Sunday, 1 November and Sunday, 8 November 2026

“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings … In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:10–12

The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) invites churches, Christian organisations, fellowships and individuals across India to observe the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) on 1 and 8 November 2026.

An initiative of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), IDOP has, for more than three decades, united Christians around the world in prayer for those who suffer because of their faith in Jesus Christ. In India, EFI encourages churches and Christian communities to participate in this global expression of prayer and solidarity with the persecuted Church.

Remembering the Persecuted Church

Across the world, millions of Christians live in places where following Jesus Christ comes at a great cost. Some estimates suggest that as many as 380 million Christians, approximately one in seven worldwide, face persecution or discrimination because of their faith.

In many parts of the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Latin America and elsewhere, Christians experience threats to their lives, livelihoods and religious freedoms. Some face violence, imprisonment, discrimination and social exclusion. Yet, amid these difficulties, countless believers continue to demonstrate remarkable faith, courage and perseverance.

In India, Christians have faced violence, threats, disruption of worship services and prayer meetings, social boycotts, property damage, false accusations and arrests.

As of 15 October 2026, the Religious Liberty Commission, an initiative of EFI, had documented close to 435 incidents of violence and hate crimes against Christians in India during the year.

Behind these incidents are individuals, families and congregations who need our prayers, encouragement and practical support.

The words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 3:10–12 remind us that faithfulness to Christ may involve suffering, but it also calls for patience, love and endurance. As members of one body in Christ, we are called to remember those who suffer and to stand alongside them in prayer.

A Call to Churches Across India

EFI appeals to churches, organisations, fellowships and individuals across India to dedicate time to prayer for the persecuted Church on Sunday, 1 November, and Sunday, 8 November 2026, according to their convenience.

We encourage churches to observe IDOP during regular Sunday worship services, special prayer meetings, house fellowships, youth gatherings or other church activities.

As we gather in prayer, let us remember:

• Christians facing persecution, violence, discrimination, false accusations and imprisonment because of their faith.
• Families who have suffered, including those who have lost loved ones, livelihoods, homes or access to their communities.
• Pastors, evangelists and church leaders serving faithfully in difficult and sometimes dangerous circumstances.
• Those imprisoned for their faith, praying for justice, protection, comfort and their release.
• Government authorities and institutions, that they may uphold religious freedom, justice, peace and the rule of law.
• Those responsible for persecution, praying that their hearts may be transformed by God’s love.
• The unity of the Church, that Christians across denominations and traditions may stand together in prayer and practical solidarity.

Above all, let us pray that our brothers and sisters who face persecution will continue to experience God’s comforting presence, strength and grace, and that they may remain steadfast in their faith.

Download IDOP 2026 Prayer Resources

To help churches and Christian communities observe IDOP meaningfully, EFI has made available the following resources:

1. IDOP 2026 Prayer Appeal (PDF)

EFI’s official appeal inviting churches and Christian communities across India to join in prayer and solidarity with persecuted Christians.

Download: IDOP Prayer Appeal 2026 (PDF)

2. IDOP 2026 Prayer Points (PDF)

A resource containing 17 prayer points to guide congregations, prayer groups, fellowships, families and individuals as they intercede for persecuted Christians in India and around the world.

The prayer points cover religious freedom, protection, justice, spiritual strength, forgiveness, the needs of affected families, Christian unity and peace.

Download: IDOP Prayer Points for the Persecuted Churches 2026 (PDF)

We encourage churches to download and share these resources with their congregations and use them during IDOP observances.

EFI also provides monthly prayer calendars to encourage regular and informed prayer for the persecuted Church in India and around the world.

To receive the monthly prayer calendars, please write to efirlc.india@gmail.com.

Additional resources and updates are available on the EFI Facebook page.

Invite an EFI Representative

Churches and organisations wishing to invite an EFI representative to participate in their IDOP observance may contact us at mail@efionline.org.

We would be honoured to join you in this significant time of prayer, fellowship and solidarity with the persecuted Church.

Share Your IDOP Experience

We would also love to hear how your church, fellowship, house group or organisation observed IDOP 2026.

Please share your reports, testimonies and photographs with us at mail@efionline.org.

Your experiences can encourage other churches and Christian communities across India to continue praying for and standing alongside those who suffer for their faith.

Stand with Those Who Suffer

Prayer remains central to our response to persecution. We also recognise the importance of providing practical assistance and encouragement to those who have suffered because of their faith.

If you feel led by God to strengthen EFI’s efforts to assist affected Christians and their families, provide practical support, and advocate for religious freedom and justice in India, we invite you to prayerfully consider partnering with us financially.

You can support EFI’s work through our online giving page. Donation details are also available in the official IDOP Prayer Appeal.

Let Us Pray Together

The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church reminds us that the suffering of one part of the body of Christ concerns us all.

“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)

As churches across India gather in prayer on 1 and 8 November, may we remember that those who suffer for their faith are not strangers to us. They are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Let us stand with them in prayer, encourage them through our solidarity, and remind them that they are not forgotten.

Rev. Vijayesh Lal
General Secretary
Evangelical Fellowship of India