Prayer Diary: April-July 2022

Your daily prayer guide

prayer diary April-July 2022

Welcome.

Pray for Laos.

Week 1: 10-16 April ‘We’re still homeless.’

In 2020, 21 Christians were evicted from their villages in southern Laos because they refused to renounce their faith. Local authorities then destroyed their homes. Although they were promised new homes, over a year later nothing had been built; at the time of writing, it’s not clear whether there has been any progress.

‘Let us remember to rejoice all the time, pray non-stop, and thank God no matter the situation.’

But there is also some good news: across the country, the number of people arrested because of their religion has actually been decreasing over the past decade. Thank you for your prayers for the people of Laos!

Find out more at csw.org.uk/laos

Sunday 10 April From my position as an advocacy intern, I’ve seen prayer shape and guide CSW’s work. I genuinely believe prayer can change situations and bring about miracles; but while we wait on those things, we can get a little tired and disappointed. So, having people stand in the gap for the issues that are troubling our hearts is a way God strengthens us and reminds us we are not alone in this fight.

Isaiah 40:31: ‘But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

So when I look at CSW I have genuinely been moved to tears by how persistent in prayer CSW staff are, not just for the work they do but also for each other.

They are prayer warriors! I am always deeply moved when I hear in our Monday all staff prayer meeting of God’s answer to prayers. It is testimony to the fact that God is a miracle worker and a promise keeper!

He always makes a way when there seems to be no way.

There is a particular scripture that comes to mind, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NRSV. It reads, ‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’ Let us remember to rejoice all the time, pray non-stop, and thank God no matter the situation.

Thank you so much for praying with us.

Our prayers are never in vain.

God bless, Divine Olomo Advocacy intern

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All images by CSW unless otherwise stated. Unless otherwise stated, Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Thank God for the decrease in the numbers of people arrested for their faith. Although much remains to be done, the government of Laos has been implementing several reforms to bring its laws into line with international human rights standards, and these reforms are in part because of the advocacy of groups like CSW.

Monday 11 April Pray that the authorities will build the promised new homes for the Christians evicted from their villages in Saravan province, so that they can return home. Pray also that God will provide for all their needs as they wait.

Tuesday 12 April Authorities in rural areas often demand that Christians abandon their faith. One Christian said, ‘Those who renounce their faith will be left alone, but those who refuse will have to leave their villages, and their homes will be destroyed…’ Pray that this practice will cease completely.

Wednesday 13 April Although rural areas are seeing these forced evictions, some Christians in the capital, Vientiane, are now freer to practise their faith.

Thank God for this, and pray that these churches would stand in solidarity with the congregations in rural areas.

Thursday 14 April ‘“I will comfort those who mourn, bringing words of praise to their lips. May they have abundant peace, both near and far,” says the Lord, who heals them.’ (Isaiah 58:18b-19 NLT) Today, on Laos New Year, pray this verse over all the country’s religious communities.

Friday 15 April Sombath Somphone, a human rights activist, has been missing since 2012. He was last seen being forced into a vehicle at a police checkpoint in Vientiane. Pray that he will return home to his wife very soon, and for answers and justice for the many other victims of enforced disappearance in Laos.

Saturday 16 April Sovereign Lord, thank you for the good news that some Christians in the capital of Laos are now freer to practise their faith. We pray now that those freedoms will cover the whole of the country, and that by this time next year there will have been no more reports of forced evictions.

To God be the glory! Amen.

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It’s Easter. Praise the risen Lord!

Pray for Egypt.

Week 3: 24-30 April

Week 2: 17-23 April This week we celebrate the most remarkable and miraculous turn of events, when the path that led to destruction and despair – the path that led the Son of God to the cross – did a complete U-turn and instead brought healing, hope, joy and the promise of eternal salvation to all who belong to him.

This week, pray this prayer of resurrection and breakthrough for all who face injustice because of their faith. For all who find themselves in seemingly hopeless situations, who feel abandoned, who suffer – as Jesus did in his darkest hour. May the glory of Christ’s resurrection shine forth in their lives today and break through all the sorrow and despair.

May they know that he truly is – and they in their turn will also be – risen.

‘When the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews…’

For those who are forced to flee their homes or hide away because they fear the authorities – meet with them, risen Lord, just as you met with your disciples who’d hidden themselves away.

‘We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.’

For those who find themselves despairing due to the injustices they face – reassure them, risen Lord, that hope is never in vain, just as you reassured your followers on the road to Emmaus.

‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.’

For those whose suffering has caused them to doubt in the possibility of change – dispel their doubts, risen Lord, as you did for Thomas, and remind them that God can turn the seemingly impossible into reality.

‘Woman, why are you crying?’

For those who mourn at the graves of their loved ones who have lost their lives on account of the faith they profess – comfort them with your healing presence, risen Lord, just as you comforted Mary at your tomb.

‘Peace be with you.’

For all those who face any form of injustice or suffering because of their faith – grant them your peace, risen Lord, just as you offered your peace to your disciples.

Amen

Christian human rights defender and researcher at the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) Patrick George Zaki spent 22 months in detention before being released in December 2021, pending a trial. He faces unfounded charges of ‘spreading fake news inside and outside Egypt.’

Rami Kamil, a Coptic activist, was held in pre-trial detention for more than two years. He is still awaiting trial on terrorism charges, but it is widely believed that he was targeted for his human rights work.

Egypt’s Code of Criminal Procedures sets out how long a person may be held in pre-trial detention, depending on the seriousness of the charge against them. These men are just two of a number of human rights defenders who have been detained for periods exceeding the legal limits. Both men were detained as part of an ongoing crackdown on civil society which has seen the arrest of several human rights defenders on questionable grounds.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/egypt

Sunday 24 April ‘Ekhrestos Anesti! Alisos Anesti!’

(Christ is risen! Truly he is risen!)

Today is Coptic Easter Sunday – a day for Christians to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. May God bless and protect Coptic families as they gather to break the Great Fast together.

Monday 25 April As well as Coptic Easter Monday, today is the national holiday of Sham El-Nessim, which marks the arrival of spring. Pray that this new season would also mark a turning point for human rights, and greater acceptance of freedom of religion or belief for all.

Tuesday 26 April Pray today for those in positions of authority in Egypt, that they may remember their obligation to respect and protect the rights of every citizen, and end the repression of civil society. Pray that they will take tangible steps to combat hate speech and sectarianism in particular.

Wednesday 27 April Pray the verses of Psalm 139 over all those experiencing human rights violations in 4

Rami Kamil

Egypt. May they know that they are deeply loved by a God who is with them, even in the darkest of places.

Thursday 28 April Pray that members of the Ahmadis, atheists, Baha’is and all other religious or belief groups that are not recognised in the Egyptian constitution would be granted the same rights and protections as those from the three recognised religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

Friday 29 April Give thanks for the release, pending a trial, of Coptic activist Rami Kamil on 9 January, after more than two years in pre-trial detention. Pray for all charges to be dropped, as well as for the release of all those detained because of conscience, religion or belief.

Saturday 30 April Lord, we lift up to you the nation of Egypt. Please protect those who are vulnerable, and please work powerfully to improve the situation of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief for all. Amen.

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Pray for Cuba.

Week 4: 1-7 May The Ladies in White are a peaceful protest movement comprising the female relatives of jailed prisoners of conscience in Cuba. Since 2003 members of the movement, who are mostly Roman Catholic, have met to pray, attend Sunday Mass and march peacefully in silent protest of the continued unjust incarceration of their loved ones. Each week, members of the group are threatened, fined or violently detained to prevent them from attending religious services; they are often held without charge in poor conditions.

Our report on Cuba published earlier this year highlighted the continuing injustice Cubans such as the Ladies in White face for exercising their beliefs. The levels of repression have increased following nationwide peaceful protests in July 2021.

Read our report at csw.org.uk/ HomelandFaithLife

Sunday 1 May On 28 December 2021, María Josefa Acon Sardiña and Micaela Roll Gibert were arrested by agents of the National Revolutionary Police while leaving a Ladies in White prayer meeting.

They were taken to a police unit, interrogated, threatened and released several hours later.

Such arrests are a regular occurrence. Please pray peace and protection over the Ladies in White as they continue to be targeted.

Monday 2 May Berta de Los Ángeles Soler Fernández is the leader of the Ladies in White, and one of the women most routinely, violently and systematically targeted by state authorities.

Ask God to provide Berta with strength and resilience. Pray that she would remain secure in the love of God that surpasses knowledge.

Tuesday 3 May The Ladies in White continue to pray and peacefully protest for the release of their loved ones who have been unjustly incarcerated by 6

Your prayers are needed for Iran.

Photo: REUTERS/Ricardo Rojas

the Cuban government. Please pray for the quick and unconditional release of all those in Cuba detained for reasons of conscience.

Wednesday 4 May Reverend Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo has been unjustly detained since he participated in nationwide peaceful protests on 11 July 2021.

He was tried last December and, as we go to print, is still awaiting sentencing. Ask God that Pastor Lorenzo would be swiftly released and returned to his family.

Thursday 5 May Praise God for the courage of the religious groups, including Roman Catholic organisations and Protestant denominations which have publicly condemned the government’s use of increasingly repressive tactics, despite receiving threats. Pray that God would frustrate the plans and soften the hearts of those in power in Cuba.

Friday 6 May ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ (Romans 15:13). Pray this verse over Christians in Cuba today, that God would fill them with joy, peace and hope as they trust in Him.

Saturday 7 May Father God, today we pray for Cuba. We lift up to you the Ladies in White, Pastor Lorenzo and all those persecuted for their faith. We cry out to you for transformation.

Would your peace and justice reign today, we pray. Amen.

Week 5: 8-14 May ‘Nobody is prosecuted on religious grounds.’

Wednesday 11 May

These were the words Iran’s judiciary used in an official response to senior UN experts in January 2021. Yet, in the same response, it admitted to taking legal action against members of ‘enemy groups’ and ‘private churches’, which it accused of belonging to a ‘Zionist Christian cult’ with ‘anti-security purposes’.

Pastor Matthias (Abdulreza Ali) Haghnejad was one of the nine men acquitted in February. He was temporarily released on 30 December after nearly three years in prison, but was rearrested just over two weeks later on charges which were initially levelled at him in 2014.

Pray for comfort and strength, as he faces a six-year sentence if convicted.

Throughout 2021 the country’s religious minorities faced continued violations. CSW is aware of 59 Christians who were arrested, 34 who were detained and 30 who endured some form of imprisonment last year, though many more cases go unreported.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/iran

Sunday 8 May Pray this verse over all Christians currently imprisoned because of their faith: 'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.'

(Isaiah 43:2)

Monday 9 May Give thanks that nine members of the Church of Iran who were released between 30 December 2021 and 1 January 2022 pending a review of their sentences, were acquitted on 28 February of ‘endangering state security’ and ‘promoting Zionism’.

Tuesday 10 May The nine Christian converts were released following a ruling by the Supreme Court, which stated that promoting Christianity in private homes should not be considered an illegal activity. Pray that this ruling would be upheld by the courts in every case.

Thursday 12 May Pray this verse over all Christians currently imprisoned because of their faith: ʻWhen you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.ʼ (Isaiah 43:2)

Friday 13 May The Iranian judicial system is plagued with inconsistencies, and more favourable rulings often reflect the views of individual judges rather than indicating improvements in the system overall.

Pray that all in positions of authority throughout the country would act justly.

Saturday 14 May Loving heavenly Father, you alone can bring true and lasting change to Iran. We ask you to do a new thing in this nation today; to make a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19). May justice prevail and may those who have suffered so long finally be granted the freedoms they deserve.

Amen.

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This week please pray for Mexico.

Your prayers are needed for China.

Week 6: 15-21 May

Week 7: 22-28 May

Earlier this year we released our ‘Let her be heard’ report, on the experiences of indigenous religious minority women who have suffered because of their religious beliefs. This report is the first of its kind: it was the first time many of the women had been asked to share their experiences. Sharing these stories and taking action to bring change is a powerful way of honouring each woman we met.

China is an economic and political giant. We may wonder what our puny efforts can do but, just like David before Goliath, we face the China Communist Party, ‘in the name of the Lord Almighty’ (1 Samuel 17:45). This week we pray for the many ‘Davids’ who have put their lives on the line to stand against evil and injustice. May our prayers sustain and protect them.

Religious minorities in indigenous communities in Mexico experience moderate to severe harassment and discrimination because of their religious beliefs, with indigenous women in particular suffering in ways the world doesn’t see. We’re determined to keep sharing their stories, speaking truth to power, and campaigning for change until the hope of freedom becomes a reality.

Read the report at csw.org.uk/LetHerBeHeard

Sunday 15 May Join us in giving thanks for the opportunity we have to tell the stories of indigenous religious minority women, through our report. Pray that the report will be read widely by influential policy-makers, and will inspire them to take decisive action to ensure the rights of these women are protected.

Monday 16 May We give thanks for the 27 women whom we met; for their bravery and vulnerability sharing their stories. Pray that their stories will pave the way for greater freedom of religion or belief in Mexico.

Tuesday 17 May Pray today for Angelina Martínez Hernández, for complete healing and restoration. She underwent a hysterectomy after experiencing a uterine prolapse because she was forced to carry heavy containers of water back to her home, after local authorities cut off her water supply. Pray she knows God’s strength, healing and comfort.

Wednesday 18 May Mexico’s Law of Uses and Customs allows indigenous communities to maintain their own 8

culture and governance, as long as fundamental human rights are upheld. Unfortunately, in practice, freedom of religion or belief is regularly violated in these areas and no action is taken to protect those who experience these violations. Pray that freedom of religion or belief will be at the forefront of policy in every part of Mexico, and individuals and communities of all faiths will be protected.

Thursday 19 May Pray for the husbands and other male relatives of the women featured in our report; in Mexico men are often targeted because of their cultural position as ‘head of the household’. One woman told us that her husband would go out into their fields to weep, because the illegal fines the religious majority had demanded created an intolerable financial burden for the family.

Friday 20 May ‘For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed.’ (Isaiah 61:8-9) Pray this verse over Mexico today.

Saturday 21 May Lord, we lift Mexico to you today. May your peace that passes all understanding descend on this nation, and may the people of Mexico know your presence and comfort always. We pray especially for the indigenous religious minority women who have suffered for their religious beliefs. Thank you for their courage in sharing their stories, and we pray that you will bring their families justice. Amen.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/china

Sunday 22 May Human rights lawyers show immense courage by speaking up for freedom of religion or belief in the knowledge of what they stand to lose through government opposition to their work. Chang Weiping, detained since October 2020, has endured torture and is facing a charge of ʻsubversionʼ which can carry punishment of up to a life sentence. Pray for his release today, and for all lawyers and their families.

Monday 23 May On 14 April 2021, Christian entrepreneur Lai Jinqiang was tried behind closed doors for making audio Bible players available. It’s believed he has since been sentenced to five years in prison. Pray that the simple act of sharing scripture would not be a crime.

Tuesday 24 May Today is the Catholic World Day of Prayer for the Church in China. We remember Catholic writer and activist Pang Jian, who has been detained for over a year on suspicion of ‘inciting secession.’ Pray that Pang can have regular family visits and that all charges are dropped.

Wednesday 25 May In just one part of the country, a total of 117 Tibetans were detained in August and September last year, including many Buddhist monks. Many of them were arrested under suspicion of keeping images of the Dalai

Lawyer Chang Weiping.

Photo: Facebook/Free Chang Weiping

Lama. While most have been released, more monks have since been arrested and Buddhist statues demolished. Pray for their freedom today.

Thursday 26 May ‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:10) Pray this verse over all Christians living in fearful situations in China.

Friday 27 May ‘I speak out for the Uyghur people because God loves everyone indiscriminately, so there is no one we shouldn’t care for...’ – the Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro.

Please pray that groups of all different beliefs will continue to work together against the treatment of the Uyghurs, which bears the marks of genocide.

Saturday 28 May Heavenly Father we lift up church leaders, Tibetan Buddhists, Falun Gong followers, and all those behind bars today because of their beliefs. Thank you for their courageous defiance. Please sustain and strengthen them today. Amen.

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Pray for Sudan.

Your prayers are needed for Sri Lanka.

Week 9: 5-11 June Sri Lanka is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Coupled with certain policy changes, the impact of the pandemic has severely damaged the economy and there is now a shortage of essential goods, with long queues to buy the basics. Christian pastors and ministry workers are among those suffering loss of income.

Meanwhile religious intolerance continues to infect the country as well. Christians and Muslims are the primary targets because they are viewed as a threat by some in the Sinhalese Buddhist community, who consider themselves protectors of the land.

Week 8: 29 May - 4 June A government that systematically oppressed its citizens, responded to peaceful protestors with armed force, and interfered with the affairs of churches and other religious groups. A place where church leaders were arrested and places of worship demolished.

That was the story for the Sudanese people, as the country endured decades of Islamist military rule under the leadership of former President Omar al Bashir.

The al Bashir regime was overthrown in 2019 following nationwide protests, and for a couple of years there was hope for change.

We celebrated signs of progress, such as the abolition of the crime of apostasy (leaving another religion – in this case, Islam) and some positive steps taken by the civilian-led transitional government to reform laws and policies enacted by al Bashir.

But last October the military took over in a coup, and a deeply uncertain future lies ahead. Repression that was commonplace during the al Bashir days is returning. We’re especially concerned for Sudan’s citizens of all faiths and none, who have faced discrimination, harassment and violence.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/sudan

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Photo: Amgad Salah (Facebook)

Find out more at csw.org.uk/srilanka

Sunday 5 June Every day this week, pray the following scriptures over Sudan: But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!

Amos 5:24 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

‘Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.’ (Psalm 54:4)

Wednesday 8 June Hejaaz Hizbullah has been detained without trial since April 2020. He is the first lawyer to be arrested under the PTA, having been targeted for defending Muslim minorities suffering human rights violations. Pray for the trumped-up charges to be dropped so that he can return to advocating for those experiencing injustice.

Thursday 9 June

Pray this verse over the people of Sri Lanka in the midst of the pandemic. May God sustain those who are sick and provide practical help to all who are struggling to make ends meet.

Next week marks eight years since antiMuslim riots broke out in Aluthgama and Beruwala, leaving at least four dead, 80 injured and 10,000 displaced. Pray for healing for all who were touched by the violence, which swept through homes, shops, mosques and even a nursery.

Monday 6 June

Friday 10 June

‘Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.’

(Daniel 2:20-21)

The main perpetrators of the 2014 riots were members of a Buddhist national group known as Bodu Bala Sena (Buddhist Power Force). Pray that those responsible for inciting the violence will reflect on their actions and resolve to seek peace rather than oppression.

Pray that Sri Lanka’s leaders will act wisely to develop policies that serve the good of all the people.

Tuesday 7 June The Sri Lankan government has pledged to reform the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) many times before, but so far has failed to turn words into action. Pray that the PTA will no longer allow long-term detention without trial, and will not be used to target minorities.

Saturday 11 June Thank you, Father, that you are the God who heals. We pray for physical healing amid the ongoing pandemic and for the emotional healing of all who are bereaved or traumatised by human rights abuses. Bring healing where there is division so that each religious community can live in peace with one another. Amen.

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Pray for Nigeria.

Pray for Myanmar/Burma.

Week 11: 19-25 June Since the military coup in Myanmar/Burma (February 2021), repression in the country has increased. Lethal and non-lethal attacks on citizens have targeted all segments of the population, but CSW is particularly concerned by the ongoing violent crackdown on religious and ethnic minorities.

Week 10: 12-18 June A scourge of abductions targeting educational establishments in northern and central Nigeria has resulted in at least 1,307 students kidnapped for ransom and at least 11 killed since August 2020.

Christian-owned schools have been particularly targeted, but the lack of effective government action has meant that every school is now at risk, including Islamic ones.

Additionally, underage non-Muslim schoolgirls in Nigeria’s shari’a states are regularly abducted, forcibly converted and forced into marriage, often with the connivance of local traditional authorities.

This Thursday, 16 June, is the Day of the African Child. Join us in praying for the return of all abducted children, and for Nigeria’s children to be able to enjoy their childhood free of fear, and pursue their education in safety and peace.

Pictured on this page are the relatives of just a few of the children whose cases we are working on alongside CSW Nigeria. Lift these people to God and ask him to send their children home safely very soon.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/nigeria

With your support, we are consistently and extensively campaigning for the protection of religious minorities, and calling for the UK to take the lead in supporting a global arms embargo and the need for unhindered humanitarian access in Myanmar.

Join us this week as we continue to pray and petition for the people of Myanmar.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/burma

Chin state has faced an onslaught of rocket attacks and deliberate arson by soldiers, causing devastation to homes, businesses and churches. Many have been killed or injured and thousands have been forced to flee. Pray for the people of Chin state, and groups like the Chin Human Rights Organisation, as they struggle for freedom and fundamental rights.

Thursday 23 June In Kayah (Karenni) State, thousands have been displaced and many have been killed by the military. At least 35 civilians were burned alive on Christmas Eve last year, with sources also reporting the use of human shields and the placing of landmines around villages. Pray for courage for the people of Kayah, for all those who have lost loved ones to the violence and for the attacks to cease.

Sunday 19 June

Friday 24 June

Today is the birthday of Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s democratically elected leader.

Join us in praying for her release; as we go to print, she is currently serving a two-year prison sentence following the first of a series of verdicts against her, including for inciting dissent during the coup and for breaking COVID-19-related rules.

Today, thank God for CSW’s staff who tirelessly advocate for freedom of religion or belief in Myanmar, and for our partners, including Cardinal Charles Bo and Dr Sasa, the Union Minister of the Ministry of International Cooperation and spokesperson of the National Unity Government of Myanmar - a government in exile formed by parliamentarians elected in November 2020 - together with ethnic groups and other pro-democracy, human rights and civil society organisations and representatives of the National League for Democracy. Use Psalm 121 to aid your prayers.

Monday 20 June When the military took power in the February 2021 coup, other civilian leaders were also unjustly detained and placed under house arrest. Pray for renewed courage to fill their hearts, and for the swift release of all political prisoners in Myanmar.

Tuesday 21 June Our partners in Myanmar have asked us to join them today in praying for the protection, support and perseverance of ethnic organisations in the country as they seek to counter the military’s campaign of destruction and deadly violence.

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Wednesday 22 June

Saturday 25 June Heavenly Father, we pray that you will grant strength, courage and protection to those who are suffering in Myanmar; grant them guidance and peace for when their path seems impossible to tread; and hope for a future where they have the freedom to live out their faith without fear. Amen.

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This week please pray for Central Country.African Republic.

Week 12: 26 June-2 July ‘When they got hold of us, one of them said the church shouldnʼt be in politics.’ - Apostle Nicolas Gurekoyame Gbangou reporting the words of armed men who stopped and robbed a convoy of 300 Christians.

On 4 June last year, unknown gunmen stopped the convoy of Christians from the ELIM denomination.

They threatened the group, confiscated their valuables, and set their vehicles alight. This is just one example of continued efforts to frustrate the country’s fragile peace process.

Despite the country having taken some positive steps towards peace in recent years, armed groups continue to act with impunity in much of the Central African Republic (CAR).

Find out more at csw.org.uk/car

Sunday 26 June While the CAR has taken several positive steps towards peace in recent years, there remains an urgent need to secure justice for victims of human rights violations by holding perpetrators to account. Call on God for his justice to prevail in the country today.

Monday 27 June CSW has received concerning reports of an increasing use of landmines in the CAR, including by Russian paramilitaries.

Pray today for the safety of all citizens, and particularly for the humanitarian organisations whose work is often delayed by the presence of explosive devices.

Pray for the Freedom of Religion or Belief Ministerial Pray for.

Conference.

Country

Tuesday 28 June The majority of human rights violations, including violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief, take place in areas under the control of armed groups who act with impunity.

Ask God to bring freedom and peace to these regions, and to protect vulnerable religious and belief communities.

Wednesday 29 June ‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”’ Claim this powerful verse from Jeremiah 29:11 for the nation of the CAR today.

Thursday 30 June Today is General Prayer Day in the CAR, a national holiday for all citizens to pray for a peaceful future. Please join the people of the CAR in praying for peace today. Ask God to raise up, protect and guide peacemakers in the country.

Week 13: 3-9 July This is a vital week as the UK hosts the Freedom of Religion or Belief Ministerial Conference, where leaders from around the world will gather to discuss freedom of religion or belief. They will hear directly from those who have endured religious persecution, receive briefings and input from organisations like CSW, and discuss how they can work together towards a world where everyone is free to believe. We’re excited that world leaders are taking this issue so seriously and we pray that, as we’ve worked so hard towards this opportunity, God would make our efforts fruitful.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/ministerial

Sunday 3 July

Wednesday 6 July

The UN Refugee Agency estimates that 1.5 million Central Africans have been displaced from their homes since the outbreak of violence in 2013. Please pray that they would find comfort and shelter, and that they would be able to return to their homes in safety and peace.

There are dozens of ‘fringe’ events around the Ministerial – in schools, universities and places of worship – to help raise awareness.

One of our key aims is to galvanise the next generation. Pray that young activists would be inspired to stand with everyone facing injustice for what they believe.

It’s vital that the Ministerial goes beyond discussions and that clear actions are agreed.

Pray that leaders would be ambitious and bold in their thinking and come away with a robust plan.

Saturday 2 July

Monday 4 July

Friday 1 July

Father God, we lift the nation of the CAR to you today and ask that your kingdom would come and your will would be done within its borders. Please protect the vulnerable, feed the hungry, and restore peace and justice across the country. Amen.

Photo: BAZ RATNER/REUTERS

Several survivors of persecution have been invited to the Ministerial to share their stories.

Their testimonies help to ground conversations, so that leaders understand the realities that religious and belief communities around the world are facing. Pray that their stories will capture people’s hearts so that leaders feel compelled to act.

Tuesday 5 July Today the Ministerial begins, opening with the National Prayer Breakfast. As leaders hold discussions on key themes like blasphemy laws and mass atrocity prevention, pray for a coming together of minds, inspired thinking and viable solutions.

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Thursday 7 July Although the Ministerial is a two-day event, this entire week is an opportunity for CSW advocates to engage with foreign secretaries and other advocacy targets who have travelled to London.

Pray for opportunities and open hearts.

Friday 8 July ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.’ James 1:5 ESV. Pray for wisdom for all those who took part this week as they return home to continue their work.

Saturday 9 July Heavenly Father, thank you that you are always at work to bring your kingdom of justice and peace on earth. We pray today for leaders who will persevere to see through this work, from words to action. Amen.

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