Syria

Praise Points

Lord, we thank You that Syria was the land where Saul became Paul and the Gospel first reached the Gentiles. Let this ancient heritage continue to remind Syrians of Your transforming grace. “And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized.” – Acts 9:18

Father, thank You for preserving Your Church through years of bombings, persecution, and war. Strengthen those who remain, and help them rebuild with courage and faith. “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8

Lord, bless Syrian Christians who serve orphans, refugees, and the hungry. May their compassion bring many to the knowledge of Your mercy and love. “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

Prayer Points

Lord, heal the land from the bloodshed of ethnic and religious hatred. Protect believers who live under the threat of violence, and restore the Christian presence in cities once filled with faith. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3

Almighty God, shield Your Church from oppression and secret surveillance. Grant leaders wisdom and discernment to continue ministry safely under watchful eyes. “The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer.” – Psalm 18:2

Father, comfort those who have fled and those who remain in ruins. Let Your Spirit renew their hope and restore faith in a future where Your Name is freely proclaimed across Syria. “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.” – Psalm 126:5

A Call to Salvation

Lord, raise new pastors, evangelists, and teachers who can guide Your people through hardship. Equip them with boldness and wisdom to rebuild the Syrian Church from the ashes. “And I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” – Jeremiah 3:15

Father, unite Your Church across denominations and ethnic lines. Let forgiveness and love overcome division and pain, that Syria may see Christ through their unity. “Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you.” – Colossians 3:13

Lord, empower Christian families to teach their children faith in You, even amid danger. Let the next generation of Syrians rise as unshakable witnesses for Christ in their homeland. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

Syria, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, has historically been a center of faith, culture, and trade. Integral to empires like Mesopotamia, Persia, Greece, and Rome, it later became a key location for early Christianity. Damascus is where Saul of Tarsus encountered Christ. Cities like Antioch were vital to the early Church, where Jesus’ followers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). For centuries, Syria has been home to various Christian communities—Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant—that have influenced the global Church.

Culturally, Syria is intertwined with Arab identity and Islamic heritage. While the constitution allows for freedom of religion, the Assad regime’s politics create an environment where Christianity is tolerated but strictly controlled. Figures like Saint Ignatius of Antioch and John of Damascus helped preserve the faith through persecution. In the 19th and 20th centuries, missionary efforts established schools and hospitals that provided hope.

However, since the Syrian Civil War (2011–present), Christianity has faced near extinction due to ethnic cleansing and attacks by ISIS and extremist militias. Many churches have been destroyed, and believers have been forced to flee or convert. The Church now struggles with a lack of pastors and trained leaders. For Christian teenagers, life is filled with trauma and pressure to abandon their faith.

Today, the Church is threatened by ongoing political instability and religious tensions. Converts from Islam often face persecution, and state agents monitor churches. Permits to rebuild destroyed churches are frequently denied, and regional conflicts have heightened suspicion towards Christians.

To counter the decline of Christianity in Syria, Believers must embrace perseverance and unity. The Church should focus on strengthening family discipleship, enduring hardships, and training new leaders. Syrian Christians need to maintain their faith and love, holding onto the hope in Christ even in the darkest times.