An international youth prayer movement for the persecuted church, Shockwave, will kick off on 2 March in New Zealand, and will sweep across global time zones in the span of three days.

As a youth initiative of Open Doors, the prayers are expected to take place in chat rooms, prayer meetings, churches, homes and other venues in more than 20 countries around the world.

Open Doors is offering a host of resources for the sixth annual event to help students determine the best avenue for their prayer campaigns.

Jane Huckaby, vice president of programme services for Open Doors, said: "Open Doors' vision is of a world in which every Christian who is persecuted is prayed for and supported by Christians who are free to worship."

She added: "And what better than to start with our youth. Shockwave gives young people- from junior high to college-age youth- an opportunity to rise as one force in praying for our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ. I encourage you, your friends or your church group to join in this exciting, powerful event."

The organisation suggested that Shockwave can be run as an all-night event, an evening or even a prayer breakfast.

Aside from the United States and New Zealand, other countries expected to participate include the United Kingdom, Australia, Netherlands and Brazil.

The resources include an information packet full of prayer and programme ideas. The focus on this year's observance is on believers in Islam-dominated countries.

Open Doors is an international Christian organisation that supports and strengthens Christians in more than 60 countries. In all, there are an estimated 200 million persecuted Christians worldwide. The ministry supports and strengthens believers in the world's most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers.