5 Ways to Pray for New Believers in the Holy Land

The Holy Land is a place of deep spiritual history, where the roots of our faith run strong and ancient. Yet it is also a place of challenge, conflict, and pressure for those who choose to follow Christ. For new believers, taking the first steps of faith often comes with incredible joy—but also with real struggles that many of us outside the region may never fully grasp.

As the global body of Christ, we are called to “remember those in chains as if you were together with them” (Hebrews 13:3). One of the greatest gifts we can give is the ministry of prayer. When we intercede, we participate in God’s work, strengthen His people, and invite His Spirit to move in powerful ways.

Here are five specific ways you can pray for new believers in the Holy Land today.

1. Pray for Courage and Strength in Their Faith

For many in the Holy Land, choosing to follow Jesus is not simply a matter of private belief—it can carry significant social and cultural consequences. Some new believers may face rejection from their families, suspicion from their neighbors, or even hostility in their communities.

Pray that God would strengthen their hearts with courage and resolve. Ask Him to help them hold fast to their confession, even when fear or doubt arise. Pray for the Holy Spirit to remind them daily that they are not alone, but part of a global family of faith that loves them and stands with them.

Prayer Focus: “Lord, grant new believers in the Holy Land the courage to stand firm in You. Strengthen them with Your Spirit, reminding them that You never leave or forsake Your children.”

2. Pray for Discipleship and Spiritual Growth

Every new believer needs discipleship—guidance, teaching, and encouragement in the ways of Christ. In the Holy Land, where churches may be few and far between, discipleship can be difficult. Sometimes there are only a handful of Christians in a neighborhood, or even a single believer in an entire family.

Pray that God would raise up mentors and leaders who can walk alongside these new believers, teaching them Scripture and modeling Christlike love. Pray for access to Bibles in their heart language, opportunities for fellowship, and safe spaces where they can ask questions and grow in their faith.

Prayer Focus: “Father, surround new believers with strong discipleship and wise mentors. Provide them with Your Word and guide them to mature in faith, love, and service.”

3. Pray for Protection and Provision

Following Jesus can sometimes mean loss—loss of job opportunities, family support, or social standing. For some, it may even put their safety at risk. This reality can weigh heavily on those who are just beginning to trust God with their future.

Pray for God’s protection over their lives—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Ask Him to provide for their needs in miraculous ways: housing, food, employment, education for their children. Pray that His provision would be a testimony to others that He truly is Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides.

Prayer Focus: “Lord, be a shield around Your children in the Holy Land. Protect them from harm and provide abundantly for every need, showing them that You are faithful.”

4. Pray for Boldness in Witness

Despite the difficulties, many new believers long for their families and communities to know the same hope they’ve found in Christ. Yet sharing their faith can be risky, and fear can easily silence their testimony.

Pray that God would give them boldness, wisdom, and love as they share the Gospel. Ask that He would open doors for conversations and soften hearts to receive the Good News. Pray for opportunities that are Spirit-led, safe, and fruitful, so that many more in the Holy Land would come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Prayer Focus: “Holy Spirit, give new believers in the Holy Land boldness to share Your truth with love and wisdom. Let their lives be a witness that draws others to You.”

5. Pray for Peace and Hope in Their Hearts

The Holy Land is often marked by tension, conflict, and uncertainty. New believers, like all who live there, can feel overwhelmed by fear of the future or by the pain of division around them. More than ever, they need the peace of Christ to guard their hearts and minds.

Pray that God would fill them with His unshakable peace, reminding them that their hope is anchored in eternity. Pray that they would know the joy of salvation and experience the deep assurance that no matter what happens around them, they belong to a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

Prayer Focus: “Prince of Peace, fill the hearts of new believers in the Holy Land with Your presence. Give them hope that shines brighter than any darkness around them.”

Standing Together in Prayer

When we pray for our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, we are not offering empty words—we are aligning with God’s heart. Our prayers reach across borders, languages, and cultures, strengthening the body of Christ worldwide.

As you pray through these five points, consider setting aside time each week to lift up new believers by name if you know them, or in general if you don’t. Share these prayer needs with your church or small group so that others may join in interceding.

Remember: every prayer matters. Scripture tells us that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective (James 5:16). Your intercession could be the very thing that encourages a weary believer to press on in faith.

Final Encouragement

The story of the Church in the Holy Land is not just about the past—it is being written right now through the lives of new believers stepping into the light of Christ. Though their journey may be difficult, they are never alone. With God’s presence and the prayers of His people, they can stand strong.

May we commit ourselves to lift them up faithfully, trusting that the same God who began a good work in them will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).