1 Way to Pray for China This Week

The Christmas holiday is generally a huge time of evangelism for the Chinese church. Because Christmas does not have the same cultural connotations in China that is has in the West, it is not primarily considered an important time to spend with family and loved ones; rather, it is mostly viewed as a celebration of commercial values among young urban Chinese or as a religious holiday among Christians. Because of the fewer family commitments during the holiday and the growing cultural curiosity concerning it, Chinese churches often pour large amounts of time and energy into sharing the gospel during Christmas. This week let’s pray for their efforts!

How to pray:

- Pray for young, urban Chinese who love the glitz of commercial Christmas to look for the holiday's deeper meanings. Pray that those in China who celebrate Christmas as a time to go shopping, spend money, and give gifts will stop to consider why the holiday exists and where it comes from.

- Pray for Christians to be confident in sharing the story of Jesus with their friends and family at Christmas. Pray that they will find it an easy and natural time to share their faith with others. Pray that they will exude the true joy of the holiday.

- Pray for churches who are preparing to put on big evangelistic events. Pray for the many concerts, plays, and parties that will take place on the 24th and 25th of December. Pray that the gospel of grace would be clearly proclaimed and that Christians would be authentic and servant-hearted in their engagement with neighbors.

- Pray for security for churches as they are often more visible in their efforts to share the gospel at Christmas. Pray that no harm or political repercussions would come to the church during the holiday. Pray that the church would be viewed and understood by the Chinese government as desiring to serve the city in their evangelistic efforts.