**Prayer And Afghanistan's Young Generation: A Daily Practice**

Afghanistan is a dangerous place to be a Christian, and many people are praying for the country and its people. Children in Afghanistan face a variety of challenges, including child labour, child marriage, abuse, and a lack of access to education. One source mentions a 13-year-old boy who was working on the street and was brought to a centre run by World Vision, where he received remedial education and access to healthcare, nutrition, and counselling. Another source mentions a 16-year-old girl who was forced to drop out of school when she was married to an older man. These issues are exacerbated by the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law, which limits the rights and opportunities of women and girls.

Pray for children who must work and are at risk of trafficking, abuse, child marriage, and physical harm

Afghanistan is a dangerous place for children, who face a host of risks and threats to their safety and wellbeing. Here are some ways we can pray for them:

Firstly, let's pray for protection from danger and harm. Children in Afghanistan are exposed to extreme situations of violence and abuse due to ongoing conflict, displacement, poverty, and harmful social norms. They are at risk of trafficking, abuse, child marriage, and physical harm from dangerous jobs. Pray that God would protect them from these dangers and connect them with opportunities to learn and grow, so they can have brighter futures.

Secondly, let's pray for an end to child marriage. Child marriage is prevalent in Afghanistan, with up to 57% of girls married before the age of 19 and 15% married by age 15. This practice has detrimental consequences, preventing girls from getting an education and limiting their future employment opportunities. It also puts their health at risk, as their bodies are often not physically developed enough for childbirth, leading to emotional, mental, and physical trauma for both the girl and her child. Pray that hearts and minds would be changed to see the value of children and that this practice would come to an end.

Thirdly, let's pray for education, especially for girls. Only 42% of boys and 21% of girls attend secondary school in Afghanistan. A lack of education perpetuates the cycle of poverty and leaves children more vulnerable to exploitation. Pray that more children would have access to education and that efforts to educate and train teachers would be multiplied.

Fourthly, let's pray for improved child and maternal health. Malnutrition is a significant problem in Afghanistan, with nearly 60% of children suffering from stunting. Pray for healing and restoration for malnourished children and for improved access to food and healthcare.

Lastly, let's pray for secret believers who are at risk of persecution and violence. Afghanistan is a dangerous place to be a Christian, and children from Christian families are particularly vulnerable. Pray for their safety and protection, that they would be kept from harm and that their basic needs for food and medicine would be provided for.

Pray for the safety and protection of believers from being discovered

Afghanistan is a dangerous place for Christians, who are forced to practise their faith in secret. The country is considered a "crossroad of civilizations", with influences from Iran, Pakistan, and China, and a diverse landscape of deserts, valleys, and mountains.

The Taliban's strict interpretation of Sharia law means that Christians are persecuted, and if discovered, they can be killed, tortured, or forced to reconvert to Islam. The Taliban has gone door-to-door to find and kill Christians, and believers are in constant fear of being exposed.

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Pray for the believers in Afghanistan who are in hiding and living in fear of being discovered by the Taliban. Pray for their protection and safety, that they may be kept safe from harm and that their faith may remain strong, even in the face of persecution. Pray that they may have the wisdom and discernment to know how to practise their faith safely and that they may find comfort and hope in their secret communities.

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Pray for the women and girls in Afghanistan, who face particular dangers and restrictions under the Taliban regime. Pray that they may be protected from violence, abuse, and forced marriage. Pray for their access to education and employment opportunities, which are currently being denied to them. Pray for a change of heart among the Taliban leaders, that they may see women and girls as equal contributors to society and allow them the freedom to live, work, and study without fear.

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Pray for the physical needs of believers in Afghanistan, that they may have access to food, water, medicine, and other essential resources. Pray that humanitarian aid may reach those in need and that the recent economic sanctions and asset confiscations may not further worsen the food shortages and poverty in the country. Pray for the health of the believers, especially those who are sick or injured, that they may have access to medical care and healing.

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Pray for the spiritual needs of the believers, that they may experience God's presence, peace, and comfort in their lives. Pray that they may know God's love and tenderness, even in the midst of their suffering. Pray for their emotional and mental well-being, that they may have hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Pray that they may find encouragement and support within their secret communities and that their faith may be a source of strength for them.

Overall, pray for the protection, safety, and well-being of the believers in Afghanistan, that they may be kept safe from harm and that their faith may be a light in the darkness.

Pray for the conversion of the Taliban

Praying for the Taliban is not an easy task, but it is what Jesus has commanded us to do. Here are some ways we can pray for the conversion of the Taliban:

Recognize the Unlikelihood of Conversion

The first step in praying for the Taliban's conversion is to recognize that it is highly unlikely. We may believe that it is absurd to think that members of the Taliban will become followers of Christ. We may also look at the situation "realistically" and tell ourselves that the probability of their genuine conversion is so low that praying for it would be a waste of time. However, we must remember that God can do for them what He did for us: provide the gift of grace that they might be saved.

Overcome Fear of Conversion

Another reason we may not pray for the Taliban's conversion is that we fear they may actually repent. Like those who prayed for the Nazis during World War II, we may want our enemies to receive their just desserts, rather than mercy and forgiveness. We may feel cheated if God were to forgive the Taliban for their horrific crimes. However, it is precisely because God is a gracious and compassionate God that we ought to pray for the conversion of our enemies. We should ask God to show the Taliban the same grace He has shown us.

Pray for a Change of Heart

We can pray for God to change the hearts of the Taliban, softening them and welcoming them into the family of Christ. We can pray that they will turn from their evil ways and experience the transformative power of Jesus. We can also pray specifically that Taliban leaders will have dreams and visions about Jesus, as Islam places a large emphasis on divine revelation via dreams.

Pray for the Protection of Christians

As the Taliban continues to persecute Christians in Afghanistan, we can pray for the protection of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We can ask God to place a hedge of protection around them and help them remain safe and faithful. We can also pray for their peace, strength, and courage in the face of persecution.

Pray for the Vulnerable

The Taliban's rule has negatively impacted many vulnerable groups in Afghanistan, including women, children, and religious minorities. We can pray for the safety and protection of these vulnerable groups, especially those who are forcibly evicted from their homes or struggling with food insecurity and lack of access to healthcare. We can also pray for the education of girls, as the Taliban has ordered girls' secondary schools to remain closed.

Pray for the protection of women and girls

Pray for the women and girls in Afghanistan who are facing violence, abuse, and oppression. Pray for their safety and protection from harm. Pray for an end to child marriage and forced marriage, which are prevalent in the country. Pray for the women and girls who are denied access to education and economic opportunities, that they may be empowered and given equal rights.

Pray for the physical and mental well-being of women and girls in Afghanistan. Pray for improved access to healthcare, especially for those facing gender-based violence and those with malnutrition. Pray for the women and girls suffering from trauma, anxiety, and other mental health issues due to the difficult circumstances they face.

Pray for the women and girls who are displaced or seeking refuge. Pray for their safety and well-being as they navigate uncertain and dangerous situations. Pray for the aid organizations and individuals helping those fleeing Afghanistan, that they may have the resources and support needed to assist those in need.

Pray for the women and girls who are standing up for their rights and fighting for change in Afghanistan. Pray for their protection and strength as they courageously advocate for justice and equality. Pray for a change of heart among those in power, that they may recognize the inherent dignity and worth of women and girls and uphold their fundamental rights.

Finally, pray for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Pray for an end to conflict and violence, and for the restoration of hope and prosperity in the nation. Pray for the international community to take a stand and hold accountable those who violate human rights, especially the rights of women and girls.

Pray for the health system in Afghanistan

Afghanistan's healthcare system is in a dire situation, with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring it to be "on the brink of collapse." The current crisis is a result of several factors, including economic collapse, famine, and a lack of international funding. The Taliban's seizure of power has also played a significant role, with their extreme interpretation of Sharia law and human rights abuses causing concern and leading to sanctions.

The impact of the current situation on the health system is widespread. Hospitals and clinics are struggling to stay open due to a shortage of funds, and staff are going unpaid. There is also a lack of essential medical supplies, including medicine and equipment, which is affecting the ability to treat patients effectively. The situation is particularly critical for larger hospitals that provide higher levels of care, as they are no longer receiving international donations.

The consequences of this crisis are severe, with many Afghans at risk of not receiving the healthcare they need. According to the WHO, "people across the country would be denied access to primary healthcare such as emergency caesarean sections and trauma care." The COVID-19 response has also been impacted, with vaccination rates decreasing and cold chain medical storage compromised. Other issues include a lack of fuel to heat patient rooms and frequent power cuts.

The future of Afghanistan's healthcare system depends on urgent action and funding. The United Nations released $45 million in emergency funds in September 2021 to support the crumbling health-care system, but more needs to be done to address the ongoing crisis.

• Pray for the Lord's provision and healing: Ask God to have mercy and provide for the needs of the Afghan people, especially those who are sick and suffering. Pray for God's healing hand to be upon the nation, restoring health and strength to those who are ill.
• Pray for the healthcare workers: Lift up the healthcare workers in Afghanistan who are working tirelessly despite the challenging circumstances. Pray for their protection, strength, and provision. Ask God to encourage their hearts and give them the endurance to continue serving their communities.
• Pray for the Taliban leadership: Pray that the Taliban leaders would have a change of heart and work towards establishing a just and compassionate governance. Pray that they would uphold and preserve human life, especially the lives of the most vulnerable.
• Pray for international support: Pray that the international community would continue to provide aid and support to Afghanistan, especially in the areas of healthcare and humanitarian assistance. Pray that funding and resources would reach those who need it most.
• Pray for wisdom and guidance: Ask God for wisdom and guidance for those working to improve the health system in Afghanistan. Pray that they would have the knowledge and resources to address the current challenges and strengthen the healthcare infrastructure.
• Pray for the protection of believers: Pray for the safety and protection of Christian believers in Afghanistan, who are facing persecution and danger. Pray that they would have the strength and courage to continue sharing their faith and helping those in need.

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