Pray for MENACA: An Intercession Guide for Unreached NationsNäide

Azerbaijan (Middle East)

Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21 AMP

God raised up the Azeri Church after the fall of the Soviet Union with only forty known Azeri believers living in the country in 1991. Now, there are more than 200,000 Christians! Most of them live in the capital of Baku, with the villages and smaller cities of Azerbaijan remaining almost entirely unevangelized and unreached.

The Church faces intensifying opposition, intimidation, surveillance, and obstructionist tactics. Despite these tactics, there is relative freedom to share the Good News of Jesus sensitively. With a population of over ten million people and five main ethnic groups, many of the 97.3% Azeris who distinguish themselves as Muslim do so more out of cultural affiliation than by deliberate personal choice.

Most focus on the country revolves around its conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which has led to allegations of ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijan towards Armenians.

Prayer Points to Consider:

• Pray for more workers to hear the call of the Holy Spirit to be sent to Azerbaijan and for more churches to be planted in the power and authority of God’s Word.
• Pray for a supernatural move of the Holy Spirit upon the nearly 10 million unreached within Azerbaijan. Asking that He would speak to those searching for truth and fulfillment for their life’s purpose, compelling them to look to Jesus for answers.
• Declare in Jesus’ Name the opening of doors for greater access to the Bible and more opportunities to hear the Gospel of His salvation, healing, and freedom.
• Pray for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Asking that ancient hostilities be calmed, especially through the youth of both nations as they encounter the Prince of Peace, King Jesus.
• Pray for a hedge of protection for laborers currently serving in the country and those yet to arrive.

Dear Lord Jesus…I am so grateful for Your work in Azerbaijan, bringing many to a saving knowledge of You. I ask today for Holy Spirit empowerment among all the nations’ believers, that the river of His presence would make alive Your Word to speak, strengthen, encourage, and enable them to reach their loved ones and neighbors with the Gospel. I also ask for those outside the faith who have become disenchanted with their lives, religion, or pretense of religion to begin to search for You. May many doors open for the spread of Your Word that no one can shut. I proclaim Your Lordship over Azerbaijan, and in Your Glorious Name, King Jesus, I seal this prayer. Amen!