The Global Prayer Resource Network has called on the global Christian community to observe today (August 13) as a day of fasting and prayer, as reports of violence against Christians rises.
"A sword is passing in this area," the prayer network wrote on its campaign page.
"[We] felt the need to pray and fast to stop these bloodthirsty demons that march there, and ask for the Prince of Peace to reign."
The exodus of Christians from the Iraqi towns of Mosul and Qaraqosh, as well as reports of children being beheaded, has prompted US President Obama to launch airstrikes and send weapons against Islamic State (IS) in an attempt to halt the jihadist extremists' reign of terror.
Haunting reports have emerged of Christians being crucified, buried alive or used as human shields by IS.
"The urgency of the hour, comes not only from the escalating numbers of martyrs, and innocent people's lives being taken, but also from the warning of the Holy Spirit to the Church in the Middle East as well as in the rest of the world," the prayer campaign wrote.
"It is time for us to stand in the gap because if we do THE LORD WILL USHER A NEW ERA OF HARVEST."
A recent petition by the Australia Christian Lobby called on the Abbott government to raise the country's intake of persecuted Christians from the Middle East and around the world.