For decades, the global Christian community has faithfully prayed for the church in China. From concerns over religious freedom to hopes for mission breakthroughs among unreached people groups, intercessors have stood in the gap for Chinese believers. Yet while prayer points have been many, the voices of Chinese Christians themselves are less often heard.
China is a vast and complex mission field. In recent years, urban Christian movements have grown rapidly, marking one of the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the global church in the next generation. At the same time, many believers, especially in rural areas, still lack sound doctrine and mature pastoral leadership. Thus, common prayer themes include: Christians will grow in faith even amid intensifying pressure and surveillance; believers in rural and minority areas will receive Bibles and sound Christian teaching; God will raise up leaders of integrity in church and society who can shape China's future with Christlike characters; and Chinese Christians will experience healthy marriages and family life in a culture where brokenness and corruption are real temptations.
But how are these prayers received on the ground? What do Chinese believers hope the global church will understand about their situation, and how they most need support? Eight Chinese Christians from various backgrounds—pastors, missionaries, lay leaders, and workplace Christians—share how they experience the prayers of the global church, what challenges they face in daily life and ministry, and how people can continue to stand with them in prayer.
The Power of Knowing Someone Is Praying
For some interviewees, simply knowing that someone is praying offers deep comfort. Dora Liu, a believer living in Guangdong Province, acknowledges that while she's never had a foreign Christian pray for her personally, she knows there are people abroad interceding for China.
"I feel thankful," she said. "Even though we don't know each other, we are connected by God's love. When I think about people praying for China without even seeing it, I'm moved."
This sentiment is echoed by Renee Lin, a ministry worker who noted that even if she's unaware of who exactly is praying, "in Christ, we are brothers and sisters. These prayers can support us during trials and prevent us from falling."
Rebecca Lee, a second-generation Chinese Christian, was once encouraged by a Korean girl who is also a second-generation believer. "She knew how difficult it is to worship in China and felt deeply saddened by it. Yet she also encouraged me, which touched me deeply. That was when I realized that there are people who care about us, who feel for us, and who are praying for us."
Bart Zhang, a ministry leader, believes that many foreign Christians often pray for the Chinese church and believers. "During my study in the United States, a Christian teacher prayed for me and my family. He also prayed for the revival and the religious freedom in China."
Pastor Albert He, who pastors a small house church in eastern China, takes a more reserved view. "Yes, I know there are foreign Christians praying for us," he said. "But honestly, it's hard to feel it sometimes." Still, he admits that prayers have given him spiritual strength, especially in times when practical solutions are hard to come by.
What They Want Foreign Christians to Know
When asked what foreign Christians should understand about praying for China, the answers were remarkably consistent.
First, several mentioned the importance of understanding the realities of life in China, both the joys and the difficulties. Pastor He put it this way: "There are many beautiful lives growing on this land, despite the challenges. We hope people don't just focus on the struggles but also see what God is doing here."
Pastor Rahab Chen, who serves in a small house church in eastern China, said, "I hope they know what it's like to share the gospel in an environment where we don't always have full freedom."
In addition, they expressed a desire for more spiritual support than financial aid. "The Chinese church doesn't necessarily lack money," said Pastor He. "What we need are mature, grounded pastors. We hope for greater support in leadership development."
There's also a clear longing for more connection, but in a safe and wise way. "The more we connect, the more vulnerable we may become in terms of security. Sometimes delays may be necessary, and more neutral media outlets can be used for understanding and sharing." Pastor He added, "Because there is limited communication between the church in China and those overseas, we sincerely hope that the global church can help document the true history of the Chinese church's development. Despite the difficult environment, many beautiful lives are growing on this land."
"We hope that foreign Christians can learn more about the current situation of the Chinese church through media, continue to pray for it, and organize more dedicated prayer meetings," Bart Zhang added.
Prayers That Sustain in Trials
Every interviewee emphasized that intercessory prayer has helped sustain them through hardship. Zhang said that when the religious situation becomes more restrictive, he remembers that there are people abroad lifting them up before God. That knowledge, he said, "gives me strength to run with faith, even in an environment that seems spiritually restrictive."
Others emphasized how prayer helps them stay rooted. "It gives me the strength to stand firm," said Liu. "Even when the world feels dark, knowing that someone is fighting with me in prayer is powerful."
"In China, one of the hardest things about being a Christian is having a heart that truly seeks God. Nowadays, the Internet dominates much of our daily lives, and people are easily drawn to worldly matters, causing them to neglect God." Lee said, "I believe that praying for China creates space for the Holy Spirit to work, so that more people will be stirred to seek after God."
Diana Wang, a missionary serving Burmese people, shared how reading the devotional writings of famous Christians like David Brainerd reminded her of the lasting impact of intercessory prayer. "He lived in another time and country, yet his prayers touched me," she said. "I don't know much about the global Christian community, but if they are praying for many believers and for future generations of Christians, then I thank God for their prayers behind the scenes. Prayer is powerful because we are often weak."
Pastor Chen said, "At the same time, seeing God's work in others after prayer encourages me to keep choosing to believe that everything is under God's good will, and that He will also lead me to overcome the difficult situation I'm currently facing."
Chinese Christians' Prayer Life
According to the interviewees, most of them pray for their work, faith, mission, family and friends, and daily life. Ministry workers normally have regular prayer for gospel revival, church expansion, the spiritual, mental, and physical growth of their leaders, and themselves.
Joshua Tse, a Christian lawyer from southern China, often encounters difficulties, blows, and misunderstandings in society. "The top prayer topic is that I can live well today." He said, "Then I pray for the health of my family and my daily growth." Tse admitted that when he has to undertake something by himself to the extent of depression, he would ask God to drag him so that everything can continue.
When it comes to social problems, he said that he faces more than 80% unfairness in his workplace. "Even before everything begins, I have already been praying about these issues. I don't expect the reality around me to become entirely just—I only hope that the people and situations I encounter will, through my efforts, result in outcomes that are a little less painful."
"The impact of cultural ideologies has been significant—many incomprehensible ideas and mindsets are spreading rapidly. This brings a lot of concern, distress, and at times even a sense of pessimism." Liu said, "Yet I still believe that the gospel is powerful, and that truth has the power to bring transformation. We must continue to trust in God's sovereignty. More often, I turn to Scripture and pray by declaring His Word."
Specific Prayer Requests
Looking ahead, they request specific prayers for several things. "Pray for spiritual revival," said Lin, who intercedes daily for this. "That the church would walk steadily on high ground, not be secularized, and that godly successors would be raised up." Pastor Chen resonated with this call, "Pray that we become more deeply rooted in Christ, so we can face spiritual confusion and cultural challenges with strength."
Several pointed out that many Chinese churches, especially in less developed areas, lack mature pastoral leadership. "Please pray that God raises up shepherds with the mind of Christ," Pastor Chen said. "And that their financial needs are met so they can focus on the flock."
"What I hope for the Chinese church is more genuine transformation—with less focus on pragmatism and political influence," Tse said.
A few respondents mentioned the spread of secular and confusing ideologies as a key concern. "Cultural ideas are changing fast," Liu said. "Pray that we declare God's truth with confidence and love."
"Please pray for left-behind children and elderly people living alone. They are products of our times and represent vulnerable groups in society. They are in great need of care, attention, and ongoing prayer support." Zhang said.
Wang spoke about the need for deeper unity with local believers in her host country. "Pray that we can communicate God's word clearly and bear fruit together." She also pointed out specific challenges like spiritual opposition and local cultural obstacles, such as entrenched idolatry and strained marriage expectations.
What's more, Chinese Christians also face personal battles—discouragement, isolation, and spiritual fatigue. "Pray for wisdom in managing time and relationships among coworkers," added Wang. She also expressed a desire for more prayer groups and centers. "We don't have physical prayer centers nearby. We try online, but it's not the same. We need places to gather and intercede."
All names are pseudonyms for safety reasons.
