SAT-7 is asking Christians to commit to praying for conflict-torn Syria over the next 12 weeks.

With the death toll from ongoing fighting now exceeding 70,000, the Christian satellite channel says believers in the country are in "desperate need" of prayer.

It warns that civilians "have borne the brunt of the violence", and that residential areas and even refugee camps are coming under attack.

The Syrian Archbishop of Aleppo, Mar Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim has appealed to Christians everywhere to cry out to God on his country's behalf.

"We appeal to you and hope that everybody, especially believers in God, will intensify their prayers to stop the war of attrition."

In response to his appeal, SAT-7 has launched the Spotlight on Syria (SOS) campaign asking Christians to:

• Register at www.sat7uk.org/SOS
• Request your free prayer keyring to remind you to pray
• Receive 12 weekly emails with news and prayer points
• Pray for peace in Syria

SAT-7 has also launched a new weekly one-hour live programme, Just for You, to encourage and strengthen Christians still in Syria.