A sweeping 24-hour worldwide prayer event focusing on the Hindu community commences today, October 31, mobilising millions of Christians from various denominations and ministries across the globe in what organisers describe as an unprecedented unified prayer effort.
The event, jointly orchestrated by International Prayer Connect (IPC), Nehemiah Missions, and the South Asia Prayer Council, aims to unite believers in prayer for Hindu communities worldwide, particularly during the period leading up to Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This strategic timing coincides with one of Hinduism's most significant celebrations, a five-day festival symbolising the triumph of light over darkness.
According to the organisers, the initiative comes as attention turns to the Hindu population, which numbers 1.1 billion globally, with more than 80% residing in India and Nepal. This demographic significance has prompted what IPC terms as a focused “prayer breakthrough” for these communities.
The event is being supported by a comprehensive prayer guide edited by William J. Dubois, offering participants detailed insights into Hindu festivals, beliefs, and customs. The guide specifically addresses the cyclical nature of Hindu festivals and their deep connection to natural rhythms, providing context for participants to better understand the communities they are praying for.
IPC, which describes itself as a coalition of worldwide intercessors, church groups, and houses of prayer, reports connecting with more than 100 million believers annually through various prayer initiatives, including their 110 Cities Global Days of Prayer programme. The organisation’s mission, summarised as “Pray, Inform, Equip, Connect,” aims to catalyse united prayer for what they term as “Kingdom transformation of peoples, cities and nations.”
Speaking to Christian Today, Onassis Jeevaraj, the coordinator of the prayer in India informed that the IPC, a 20-year-old organsation, regularly conducts prayers for other communities as well: “We have Global Day of Prayer for the Muslim community during Ramadan, for the Buddhist during Chinese New Year and for the global Church community during Pentecost Sunday in May every year.” He mentioned that the various Global Day of Prayer were started three years ago.
The temporary prayer group, which will dissolve after the 24-hour period concludes on November 1, has outlined specific prayer points for participants. These include focusing on physical, emotional, and spiritual needs within Hindu communities, and what they describe as “breakthroughs in sharing God's love.”
Organisers have established a structured approach to the initiative, with specific prayer focuses for various cities and regions. The prayer points encompass requests for increased cross-cultural understanding and what they term as “Christ-exalting, Disciple-making Churches” to be established throughout various cities.
The event's coordination spans multiple time zones, enabling continuous prayer throughout the 24-hour period. Participants are encouraged to join for an hour or more, contributing to what organisers hope will be an unbroken chain of prayer focusing on the Hindu world.
The initiative's organisers emphasise that this event is part of a broader strategy to mobilise and equip worldwide prayer for what they describe as “the blessing, healing and transformation of the nations.” They note that while the prayer group itself is temporary, they hope its impact will contribute to lasting positive changes in international religious understanding and cooperation.
“We are expecting many people across the globe to participate in praying for our Hindu brothers and sisters. We want them to be blessed,” said Jeevaraj.
