International Day of Prayer November 1, 2026
November 1 is our shared day of prayer, but it doesn’t have to be yours. If another Sunday or gathering works better for your church, we encourage you to participate whenever it fits your congregation.
Join Us In Prayer For Persecuted Christians.
On November 1, 2026, churches across the country will remember and pray for brothers and sisters around the world who faithfully follow Jesus under persecution.
This year, International Christian Response (ICR) is inviting your church to do something intentionally simple: save one empty chair.
Place an empty chair somewhere visible as a reminder of believers who face persecution for following Jesus—and of the truth that when one part of the Body suffers, we all suffer with them.
One chair. One Sunday. One opportunity to stand with the persecuted Church.
November 1 is our shared day of prayer, but it doesn’t have to be yours. If another Sunday or gathering works better for your church, we encourage you to participate whenever it fits your congregation.
One Chair. One Powerful Reminder.
The Empty Chair
An empty chair can tell a story before a word is ever spoken.
For IDOP 2026, place one empty chair somewhere visible in your church. It represents brothers and sisters around the world who cannot safely gather, worship openly, or follow Jesus without fear.
It doesn’t require a special event or elaborate production. One chair can help an entire congregation remember that the persecuted Church isn’t a distant cause.
They are part of our family.
The chair is empty. The family is not forgotten.
Make it your own
There isn’t one right way to participate.
Some churches may spend five minutes praying during a Sunday service. Others may devote an entire service or spend several weeks helping their congregation learn about the persecuted Church.
We’ve created the resources. You choose what fits your church.
We’ve created the resources. You choose what fits your church.
01. Share & Prayer
Remember
Place an Empty Chair in the front of your congregation, share a Scripture, story, or a few facts, and spend a few minutes praying together.
02. Stories & Needs
Respond
Use stories, country resources, videos, teaching, and dedicated prayer to help your congregation better understand the persecuted Church.
03. The Full Experience
Mobilize
Bring IDOP into your entire church through Sunday services, small groups, students, children, families, prayer, and other ministries.
Countries to Pray For
Meet the persecuted church
Persecution looks different around the world. These five countries offer a glimpse into what our brothers and sisters face—and the courage and faithfulness of the Church in the midst of it.
YEMEN
Years of war and instability have left Christians in Yemen facing displacement, poverty, and growing persecution. Believers risk arrest, imprisonment, and intense pressure for following Jesus. Yet through it all, the underground Church continues to grow and quietly share its faith.
Nigeria
Christians in Nigeria face devastating violence from extremist groups, particularly in the north and Middle Belt. Villages are attacked, homes destroyed, and families displaced or killed. Yet amid tremendous loss, the Church continues to worship, serve its communities, and remain faithful.
China
Christians in China live under extensive government oversight, with churches, gatherings, and ministry to young people facing significant restrictions. Believers risk questioning and loss of opportunity, yet they continue to gather, share Bibles, disciple young people, and creatively share the gospel.
Iran
Following Jesus openly in Iran can bring surveillance, interrogation, imprisonment, and loss of opportunity. House churches meet quietly, Christian leaders face intense pressure, and Bibles are carefully shared. Yet despite these restrictions, a remarkable and growing Church continues to follow Jesus.
Pakistan
Christians in Pakistan face discrimination, blasphemy accusations, violence, and deep poverty. Some families remain trapped in generations of bonded labor, while women and girls face particular danger. Through local partners and churches, believers are finding practical help, freedom, and hope.
Will You Save a Seat for the Perecuted?
IDOP Assets
Please fill out the form below to gain access to the International Day of Prayer assets for your Church. Thank you!