OLYMPICS: USE THE NEXT FEW WEEKS TO PRAY FOR THE TOUGHEST PLACES IN THE WORLD TO BE A CHRISTIAN

Over the next few weeks the world’s eyes will turn to Paris as the 2024 Summer Olympics take place in the French capital. The best athletes in the world will gather to show their competitive spirit and demonstrate excellence in their chosen sport.  

At its best, international sporting events like the Olympics can bring together people from across cultures and nations. Countries that are officially enemies – or, in some cases, even at war with one another, compete in a peaceful environment, showing the common humanity between every person.

As Christians, we can learn a lot from this mindset! After all, we believe each person is made in the image of God. When the Olympics shows us that all people are more than whatever conflict their nation might be involved in, it’s a good reminder to acknowledge God’s love for every human.

The Olympics is also a powerful opportunity to pray. All 50 countries on Open Doors’ World Watch List 2024 are participating in this year’s Games. This year, as you watch, why not pray? Each time you see a competitor from one of the countries where faith costs the most, take a moment and ask God to be near to His people. To help, here’s some prayer points for the top five countries on the World Watch List. For prayer points for the remaining 40 countries, just check out our World Watch List map…

#1 North Korea

• Please pray that believers imprisoned for their faith will know God’s sustaining and loving presence with them at all times.
• North Korea is known as the “Hermit Kingdom” because it is so closed to the world. As North Korean athletes engage with people from all over the Earth during the Olympics, ask God to open their eyes and hearts to His perfect love—and then share what they’ve found with their country people.
• Pray that secret believers will be protected from the scrutiny of the authorities as they meet together.

#2 Somalia

• Somalia has only one athlete in Paris, competing in the men’s 800 meters. As you watch this event, pray during the 105 or so seconds the race will last. Pray for Christians in Somalia who are constantly in danger for their faith in Jesus.
• Pray for protection for Christians who are at risk from Islamic militants and their own families and communities.
• Ask that isolated believers will have opportunities for fellowship, and that they’ll be given wisdom and courage to know how to live out their faith.

#3 Libya

• During the Olympics, ask God to work in the hearts of Libyans to set aside differences and build a society that can work for all people, including Christians.
• Libya remains deeply unstable, and parts of the country have little rule of law. This leads to danger for God’s people. Pray for stability and that order will come to Libya.
• Ask God to protect migrant Christians. Pray they would be protected from militant extremists.

#4 Eritrea

• Pray that God would be at work in the lives of the Eritreans who are competing in and watching the Olympics.
• The Eritrean government only recognises three Christian denominations. Ask that God would intervene to bring about freedom for all of His people.
• Christians are at risk of arrest and forced military service. Pray for grace for prisoners and those forced into the military against their will.

#5 Yemen

• Even as the Olympics take place, Yemen continues to be deeply unstable, and at constant risk for violence. Pray for peace.
• Please pray for strength and protection for believers living in areas where they are at risk from Islamic militant groups.
• Ask that converts from Islam would have wisdom and courage to share their faith, and that the underground church would grow.