Sam, Maryam and Lydia
Sam, Maryam and Lydia
Oct. 22, 2020 | Iran

Court Removes "Muslim" Toddler from Christian Parents

[266] prayers in [14] nations have been posted for Sam, Maryam and Lydia.

An Iranian court has taken a “Muslim” child out of the home of the Christian couple who adopted her. Sam and Maryam adopted Lydia from a local orphanage in the city of Bushehr when she was three months old. Lydia has significant health issues, including a heart defect and digestive problems. Six months after the couple adopted her, intelligence agents arrested Sam and Maryam in their home. They were released on bail and charged with “propaganda against the regime.” Sam was given a one-year prison sentence, and Maryam was barred from working as a nurse in government-run hospitals. Eighteen months after Lydia’s adoption, a court determined she was not eligible for adoption by the Christian couple since she was born a Muslim. The court noted that if Lydia were returned to the orphanage, “there is zero possibility of giving her away to another family” since, as a nurse, her mother was uniquely equipped to provide care for her. Heartbroken, her parents appealed, but in September 2020, a court upheld the decision. The couple is now waiting to hear if the court will order them to return Lydia to the orphanage, and they request prayer during this deeply distressing time. Pray for a miracle so they are allowed to keep their child.

Click here to find out about Christian persecution in Iran and learn how to pray.

Write your own prayer for Sam, Maryam and Lydia

  • This child is yours God. You created this girl, she belongs to you - may she grow up to know Jesus as her saviour, to know you as her Father. Please God take what the enemy means for evil and turn it for good. Whatever has happened fill the parents which such courage and strength. Surround them with support, hide them all in the shadow of your wings.
    Becky G - New Zealand
  • Father God, in the mighty name of JESUS, I ask that you make a way, as only You can, for Sam to be released from prison and for Lydia to be returned back to them by Your grace and mercy. Let the oppressors be put to shame and convicted of their sins. Reveal Yourself to all the people in Iran so they will know that You are GOD!
    Kathy G - USA
  • OLORD, we ask for your STRONG & SWIFT intervention in this family. Cause the government to reverse their verdict and restore Lydia to the only family she has known. Give them courage with your wisdom to fight against evil. Give Lydia the care and medication she needs for good health. Give Sam freedom, and Maryam her job. Provide protection&provision.
    SM D - USA
  • Lord Jesus I ask that you will intervene in such bias situation , let the Authority looks in the interest of the child and religious barrier, grant Sam and his wife the desire of their heart, and let their baby return to them, strengthened their resilience to fight on as they trust in a big God, let justice and wisdom prevail in their situation
    Joyce D - United Kingdom
  • Oh Father, I place this couple in your hands and ask you to intercede for them. I pray you work on the behalf of Lydia. Lord, you see this little girl and know what is best for her, please, move Father. I pray you strengthen your children. Help this move with wisdom in this situation. Touch the hearts of all involved. Pour out your Spirit.
    Polly C - USA
  • Dear God, we know that You are a protector and defender of the widows and orphans--this child is dear to Your heart! We ask You to intervene on behalf of Lydia and her family, causing officials to look upon them with favor and granting them full custody. If need be, provide them refuge in another land, that they might live in peace. Grant it, Jesus!
    Gina A - USA
  • Dear Lord
    Cause a miracle to have here! Let little Lydia stay with them, in a home where she will be unconditionally loved & cared for! Soften the hearts of those in charge; may the decision be reversed. You are in control of all things! You can move mountains, can part the waters, can raise the dead - we know You can do this! We commit it to You! Amen
    Madison F - USA
  • Almighty God, you are more powerful than any human judge or court. I pray that you will show yourself faithful to care for Lydia and to work a miracle on her behalf. Lord God, I pray that not the will of man but that your will be done. Please keep Maryam and Sam in perfect peace as they wait for your powerful blessing on their life. Help them, Lord.
    Julia F - USA
  • God, I do not know if this situation has been resolved, but I want to pray on behalf of this dear family. I pray for the miracle requested, that this family be reunited, knowing it is the only way for Lydia to get the love and care she needs. I pray You will lead and guide Sam and Maryam through this difficult time, and for them to be strengthened
    Curtis M - USA
  • Holy Father, my heart breaks that Sam and Maryam are at risk at losing their daughter. I pray that every opportunity for them to keep Lydia be explored and that You will allow them to remain a family. Please put people in their lives who can help them, and comfort them as only You can comfort! In Jesus' name, Amen
    Elizabeth S - USA
  • Father, in the name of Jesus I pray that Lydia will not be taken out of Sam and Maryam's home! Give those in authority a heart for this child and her parents to see the good in this home for Lydia's sake. I cry out to You to protect and bless this child and these parents to protect their right to her! In Jesus name!
    Carolyn L - USA
  • Father, we come to You asking for a miracle in this terrible situation. Through Your mysterious ways allow Maryam and Sam to keep sweet Lydia as their own child. May the authorities "forget" about Lydia and she be allowed to receive the special care she needs. Work this out we pray so Lydia is safe. Comfort Maryam and Sam and give them Your peace
    Gail M - USA
  • Heavenly Father, please reunite this beautiful family. May they be sustained by your love and the peace you bring as they wait to hear back from the court. Please heal the hurts in their hearts from this unjust separation. Please guide, guard, and direct Sam, Maryam, and Lydia, in Jesus' most precious name, Amen.
    Alicia N - USA
  • Dear Heavenly Father, Please watch over this precious child, Lydia. I plead with You to help Sam and Maryann to be allowed to keep her. We trust You to miraculously work on their behalf during this most distressing time. Our only hope in times like these is in You! Thank You, Jesus that You are always interceding for us. In You Name I pray. Amen.
    Rebecca L - USA
  • My Father in Heaven,
    If not for the parents, then for Lydia's sake- DO NOT let them take her away. Give this child a chance to live, and to grow up in a home where Your truth is known. Act swiftly and justly, showing Your mercy. As You have adopted us, please grant the adoption of this sweet baby. You hold Lydia in Your hand; thy will be done.
    Valerie C - USA
  • Help them keep their child or another child .
    Debbie V - USA
  • Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that your will be done in Sam, Maryam, and Lydia Family situation. I pray for their strength during this hard time and that by your grace they are able to hold their family together. Please keep everyone safe and my blessings come their way. In your name and jesus name amen.
    Carl W - USA
  • In the Name of Jesus we know all things are possible with You & nothing is to hard for You Father and we as Your children petition You Lord with thanking in prayer to intervene for our brother and sister & may Lydia be given back to them to raise and care for & until this takes place may Christian people be placed in there path to help them amen
    barry p - USA
  • God, we ask you to intervene in this situation. We know you have the power to turn the hearts of rulers, and we implore you to help. Please protect little Lydia and allow her to stay with her parents. Give them wisdom and guidance, and the assurance of your presence. Thank you that we can always trust you as we wait and pray for a miracle.
    Jackie V - USA
  • Father, I pray for Your intervention in this situation. Change the hearts of the authorities forYou are the ultimate authority. Open a door so that this precious child can be with these faithful servants who love You and who love her so much. Pour Your love and peace on them.
    Terry K - USA
  • Lord God almighty, please work this in the favor of the parents. Give the courts compassion on this family and may they act justly. Please reunite this family and strengthen their faith. Heal this precious little one. In Jesus name amen.
    Aarika M - USA
  • Oh, Lord, my heart weeps with this family! Please intervene on their behalf. Please provide the loving, capable family Lydia needs. Bless this couple who desire to care for an orphan in your name. Overturn the schemes of man and bring glory to your great name as you resolve this heartrending situation.
    Karen I - USA
  • Lord, we know if we ask according to your will, and it is free from impurity, that you hear us and accomplish our request. Lord, let the parents recieve this now. Let them be free from burden and anxiety. Let them walk into courtrooms and through the day knowing that no one can stand against God's chosen and believing that you will care for them the Go
    Melanie W - USA
  • LORD, please work in Sam and Maryam's life. You can do all things LORD, could you please help this couple keep their adopted child? Please help Your name be glorified and please work in the court's mind. Please plant seed in those on the court and water those seeds if it's in Your will. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.
    Samuel Y - USA
  • God I lift this family up to You and this heart wrenching trial they are walking through. May Your perfect peace be over their hearts and minds and may this little one be under the refuge of Your wings. You knew this little one before the foundations of the world. Nothing is outside Your hand. In Jesus name. Amen
    Brittany C - USA
  • Father God may your mighty hand be upon this lovely family. Make a way where there seems to be no way. May you reunite this family and may no one tear apart in Jesus mighty name I pray Amen.
    Yvonne T - USA
  • Jesus I pray for a miracle for little Lydia to be returned to this family. Oh Jesus be with Lydia and keep her safe and healthy. I pray for mom and dad - that you would encourage them and allow them to feel your presence as your perfect will is played out.
    Rosemary M - USA
  • Jesus make a way for this family to be reunited. Move papers to different hands, I pray this baby will have a family. You paid for this Jesus. Bless and protect this family . Amen
    Melissa M - USA
  • I pray to you LORD God that you would provide Maryam and Sam a miracle so that they can keep and provide for their child. I pray that you give them strength, hope, love, and endurance during this very hard time. I also pray that you turn Iran from a Muslim nation into a Christian one too according to your will and timing.
    Brian E - USA
  • Father God, please intervene for this child of yours, let Lydia stay with Sam and Maryam, in Jesus name
    mark h - USA
Load More Prayers