Pray

Lord,
Reveal Yourself to the Azerbaijani people through
Your Word in their heart language, dreams and visions, miracles and answered prayers, Gospel films and social media, interest in their ancient Christian heritage, and the life and witness of believers.
Amen.

VIEW
Prayercast Videos

View, download, and share video prayers for Azerbaijanis.

► Play Videos

BEGIN
30 Days of Prayer

Learn about their history and culture as we pray for Azerbaijanis to turn to Jesus.

Download Prayer Guide

JOIN
Weekly Prayer Zoom Call

Thursdays at 8:00 AM Central USA Time

(5:00 PM Baku Time)

Email for Invite

Prayer Bookmarks

We have designed a beautiful collection of bookmarks to promote intercessory prayer for Azerbaijanis. Use the bookmark in your Bible to remind you to pray. Print or order bookmarks to distribute to prayerful people in your church or group.

Download printable bookmarks

English

Español

German

Order bookmarks from Canva

10 Bookmarks US $12.00

25 Bookmarks US $16.25

50 Bookmarks US $22.50

100 Bookmarks US $25.00

200 Bookmarks US $40.00

Ongoing Prayer Needs

Iran | Azerbaijan | Georgia | North America

In Iran, pray for...

Spiritual Awakening and Access to the Gospel – Pray that Azerbaijanis in Iran, particularly in the four northwest provinces of Iran and the great cities of Tabriz and Tehran, would have opportunities to hear and receive the Gospel. Ask God to open doors for safe and effective evangelism despite strict Islamic rule. Pray that believers would boldly and wisely share their faith, and that Christian materials, including Scripture in the Azerbaijani language, would reach those who are spiritually hungry.
Perseverance and Strength for Believers – Many Azerbaijani-background Christians in Iran face persecution from both the government and their communities. Pray for their courage, protection, and spiritual growth. Ask God to strengthen underground churches and house fellowships, and to give believers wisdom in navigating challenges while remaining faithful.
Justice, Freedom, and Favor – As a minority people group under strict Islamic governance, Azerbaijanis in Iran face cultural and political challenges. Pray for their fair treatment and that God would soften the hearts of authorities toward them. Ask for greater freedom of religion and the lifting of barriers that prevent people from seeking and choosing their faith freely.

The five cities in Iran with the highest populations of Azerbaijanis are:

Tabriz – 1.5 to 1.8 million Azerbaijanis. The capital of East Azerbaijan Province, Tabriz is the cultural and economic center of Azerbaijanis in Iran and has the largest Azerbaijani population in the country.
Tehran – 3 to 5 million Azerbaijanis. The capital of Iran, Tehran has a large Azerbaijani community due to migration for work, education, and business. Some estimates suggest that millions of Azerbaijanis live in Tehran and its surrounding areas.
Urmia – 500,000 to 700,000 Azerbaijanis. Located in West Azerbaijan Province, Urmia has a significant Azerbaijani population alongside Kurdish, Assyrian and Armenian communities.
Ardabil – 500,000 to 600,000 Azerbaijanis. The capital of Ardabil Province, Ardabil is another major Azerbaijani city, historically important due to its connection with the Safavid dynasty, which had Azerbaijani roots.
Zanjan – 400,000 to 500,000 Azerbaijanis. The capital of Zanjan Province, this city is predominantly Azerbaijani and serves as a key cultural and economic hub for the Azerbaijani people.

In Azerbaijan, pray for...

Spiritual Hunger and the Growth of the Church – Pray that God would stir a deep spiritual hunger among Azerbaijanis in cities like Baku and out in the regions, leading them to seek Jesus despite the secular, yet predominantly Muslim, cultural environment. Ask that the Gospel would spread effectively, and that Christian materials, online resources, and personal testimonies would reach those searching for truth.
Strength and Protection for Believers – Many Azerbaijani Christians face social pressure from their families and communities, and religious activities are monitored by the government. Pray that believers will stand firm in their faith, find supportive Christian fellowship, and be wise in navigating opposition. Ask God to protect pastors, house churches, and Christian workers as they share the Gospel.
Religious Freedom and Open Doors for Ministry – While Azerbaijan promotes tolerance, the government still monitors and restricts religious activity. Pray for greater freedom for churches to operate openly, for an end to unjust restrictions, and for favor with the authorities. Ask God to create opportunities for the Gospel to be shared without fear and for Christian communities to thrive.

The five cities in Azerbaijan with the highest populations of Azerbaijanis are:

Baku – 2.3 to 2.5 million Azerbaijanis. The capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, Baku is the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. It has the highest concentration of Azerbaijanis and serves as a hub for education, business, and international connections.
Ganja – 330,000 to 350,000 Azerbaijanis. The second-largest city in Azerbaijan, Ganja is an important historical and industrial center. It has a rich cultural heritage and is a key city for Azerbaijani identity and traditions.
Sumgayit – 340,000 to 350,000 Azerbaijanis. Located near Baku, Sumgait is a major industrial city with a large Azerbaijani population. It plays a significant role in the country's economy and urban development.
Mingachevir – 105,000 to 110,000 Azerbaijanis. Known as the "City of Lights" due to its hydroelectric power station, Mingachevir is an important energy and industrial center. It is also a growing educational and cultural hub.
Nakhchivan – 95,000 to 100,000 Azerbaijanis. The capital of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, this city is historically and politically significant. It is a key cultural and economic center for Azerbaijanis living in the autonomous exclave of Azerbaijan.

In Georgia, pray for...

Openness to the Gospel Amidst Cultural Identity – Pray that Azerbaijanis in Georgia would be open to the Gospel despite the strong link between their cultural identity and Islam. Ask God to reveal Himself in ways that speak to their hearts and to raise up Azerbaijani-background believers who can share Jesus in a culturally relevant way.
Opportunities and Well-Being – As a minority group, Azerbaijanis in Georgia sometimes face barriers in education, healthcare, and social resources. Pray that they will have fair access to these necessities and that Christian ministries and local churches can be a source of support and love, meeting both spiritual and physical needs.
Stability and Protection Amidst Political Changes – With the shifting political climate in Georgia due to Russian influence, pray for stability and peace. Ask God to protect religious freedom for evangelicals in Georgia and prevent political changes that could negatively impact the ability to share and practice the Christian faith.

The three cities in Georgia with the highest populations of Azerbaijanis are:

Marneuli – 100,000 to 110,000 Azerbaijanis. The center of Azerbaijanis in Georgia, where they make up over 80% of the population. This city in the Kvemo Kartli region is the cultural and economic hub for Azerbaijani Georgians.
Bolnisi – 40,000 to 45,000 Azerbaijanis. Located in Kvemo Kartli, with a significant Azerbaijani population (around 60-70%). It is an important agricultural and trade center.
Gardabani – 35,000 to 40,000 Azerbaijanis. Another city in Kvemo Kartli, Gardabani has a substantial Azerbaijani population (approximately 50-60%). Many Azerbaijanis here work in agriculture, energy, and industry.

In North America, pray for...

Community and Belonging in a New Culture – Pray that Azerbaijanis adjusting to life in North America will find meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging despite cultural differences. Ask God to place loving Christians in their lives who will befriend them, support them in their transition, and demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways.
Opportunities for Gospel Conversations – Many Azerbaijanis seek to be together during regional holidays like Novruz (Persian New Year on March 21) to keep connected to their heritage and community. Pray that Christian students, coworkers, and neighbors would have wisdom and courage to engage in authentic friendships and Gospel-centered conversations. Ask God to open doors for Azerbaijanis to encounter Jesus through personal relationships and community events.
Overcoming Loneliness and Finding True Fulfillment – Coming from a communal culture, many Azerbaijanis may struggle with isolation in the individualistic West. Pray that they will find not only social connections but also the deeper fulfillment that only Christ can offer. Ask that they would see the beauty of a spiritual family in Christ and be drawn to the hope and love found in Him.

The three cities in the United States with the largest Azerbaijani populations according to the 2000 Census are:

New York City, NY – 12,000 to 13,000 Azerbaijanis. Home to the largest Azerbaijani community in the U.S., New York has thousands of Azerbaijanis from both the Republic of Azerbaijan and Iranian Azerbaijan. Many reside in Brooklyn, Queens, and northern New Jersey. There are Azerbaijani cultural centers, businesses, and community organizations.
Houston, TX – 3,100 to 3,200 Azerbaijanis. Houston has a significant Azerbaijani population, especially from the Republic of Azerbaijan, due to job opportunities in the oil and gas industry. The city has Azerbaijani community organizations, cultural events, and a growing number of Azerbaijani professionals and students.
Los Angeles, CA – 2,700 to 2,800 Azerbaijanis. A major hub for Iranian Azerbaijanis (South Azerbaijanis) due to the large Iranian diaspora in Southern California. Many Azerbaijani Iranians live in areas like Westwood (Tehrangeles) and the San Fernando Valley. There is also a smaller number of Azerbaijanis from the Republic of Azerbaijan.