International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Sunday, 1 November 2026
Worldwide
Light in The Darkest Places
Sunday, November 1 marks the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, and we want to encourage your church to remember those who are shining the light of Jesus in darkest places.
The resources on this page will help you mark the day. They can be used during a church service, prayer meeting, homegroup or special IDOP event any time during the month of November.
Resources for your church
IDOP equips you with practical tools to lead focused, meaningful prayer. These resources are built around the theme Pastors Under Pressure, drawing on Scripture and real stories from the field. They are designed for church services, small groups and personal use. Giving you confidence to engage with what is happening and respond with clarity.
Film Trailer
Despite being attacked by his own father and losing all his possessions, Sultan’s faith is bringing light in the darkness. He has seen many people come to know Jesus and is planting churches in areas where none existed before. Our 6-minute IDOP feature film tells the inspiring story of how God’s people are shining light in Ethiopia. It will be available to download from October 23. In the meantime, you can watch and share the trailer.
Presentation
Our ready-made IDOP PowerPoint presentation includes challenging stories of believers in Kenya, India and Ethiopia; a Bible reading; prayer points; and a call to respond. You can use and adapt the presentation to shape your IDOP service or event.
‘The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.’
John 1:5
Pray for Christians from different faith backgrounds in Ethiopia, like Sultan and Sophia. They face violent opposition from their families and the wider community. Pray that God will protect them and sustain their faith.
Type your paragraph here
Bible Talk
This structured Bible talk outline is based on John 1:1-5 – ‘the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.’ It can be used and adapted to suit your IDOP service.
Download discussion questions to use with your group.
Presentation
Believers who keep going
Believers around the world continue to follow Christ in the face of pressure, restriction and danger. Their stories reflect courage, faith and perseverance and help us pray with greater understanding.
One way to answer what you've just read is to give
Your gift to the IDOP appeal funds pastoral support, legal help and emergency aid for the leaders you’ve just been praying for.
Go further beyond IDOP
These resources help you go further, equipping you to continue beyond IDOP with deeper understanding and consistent prayer. Each one is designed to support churches, groups and individuals.
Bible talk outline
Read first-hand testimonies
Children's prayer sheet
Support persecuted Christians today
Your giving provides practical support, resources and encouragement to believers facing persecution.
Through your support, churches are strengthened, leaders are equipped and Christians under pressure are reminded that the rest of the body has not forgotten them.
Voice of Persecuted Christians carries the needs of the persecuted church to the UK church. Your gift today is how we answer.
