Christian leaders are asking believers everywhere to unite in prayer as the Taliban has taken over large portions of Afghanistan, leaving the Christians and other minorities in the country susceptible to severe persecution…

Although the Taliban has vowed to impose a more reformed approach to governing, many are fearful that the Taliban, which refers to itself as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, could institute a form of shariah law.

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A Church leader in Afghanistan says the extremist group will “eliminate the Christian population” in the country…

Following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, Christain leaders worldwide are sending instructions on how Christ’s followers should pray for those at risk…

In an address Sunday, Pope Francis asked that people pray for the peace and safety of the country’s citizens.

“I join in the unanimous concern for the situation in Afghanistan,” the pontiff said during his address, according to Reuters.

“I ask all of you to pray with me to the God of peace, so that the clamour of weapons might cease and solutions can be found at the table of dialogue.”

“Only this way can the martyred population of that country — men, women, elderly and children — return to their homes and live in peace and security in full reciprocal respect,” he added.

Open Doors

Open Doors, an organization committed to aiding persecuted Christians around the globe, lists Afghanistan as the second-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution.

The organization, which monitors human rights in over 60 countries, reports there to be a “small group of secret believers” whose vulnerability has now “increased tenfold.”…

Megachurches

Popular New York City megachurches the Brooklyn Tabernacle and Time Square Church called on their members to pray for Afghanistan.

“In the midst of the turmoil and suffering in the nation of Afghanistan now, we ask you to please join us in prayer for the Afghan people,” The Brooklyn Tabernacle, led by Senior Pastor Jim Cymbala, shared on Instagram Wednesday.

“Help us pray also for wisdom for our government leaders; God’s protection over the humanitarian workers there, our troops, and everyone who is waiting to leave the country; and especially that the gospel of peace may spread and change hearts, bringing comfort and peace to the people of Afghanistan and throughout our world…”

Darlene Zschech, a world-renowned worship leader and pastor of One Hope Unlimited Church with locations in Australia, America and India, also beckoned her church members to pray by sharing a photo of Afghans crammed on a plane seeking refuge on Instagram…

“Afghanistan. The desperation that this pic represents is hard to see, and what the people left behind will face is even harder to comprehend, so let’s continue to take time daily to PRAY,” the “In Jesus Name” singer wrote…

Christine Caine

Christian author and founder of the anti-human trafficking organization the A21 Campaign, Christine Caine, used her online platform to share a message she was sent for someone in Afghanistan.

“At the moment we are praying desperately for friends on the ground in the house church movement in Afghanistan where the Taliban are coming after all Christians,” the message read.

“Their courage is immense — most expect to see Jesus face-to-face in the next 2 weeks. It is a powerful reminder right now of what matters — making every opportunity count for eternity,” the message read…

Do you have a prayer you would like to add? Please share in the comments below!

(Excerpted from The Christian Post. Article by Jeannie Ortega Law. Photo Credit: Fa Barboza/UnSplash).