Prayer Diary: January-April 2022

Your daily prayer guide

prayer diary

Photo: Giulio Paletta/CSW

January-April 2022

Welcome.

Pray for CSW.

“Let’s ensure we remember that our prayers are effective and they will availeth much!”

Week 1: 9-15 January In each of the gospel accounts of the feeding of the multitudes Jesus takes the five loaves and two fishes and gives thanks. Before the miracle feeding of the thousands, it’s important to remember that Jesus pauses to give thanks for a small boy’s packed lunch. This week, at the start of this New Year, let us, too, first pause and celebrate all God’s goodness and His provision.

Scot Bower

Sunday 9 January

Thursday 13 January

We give thanks today for the history of CSW, for our Founder President Mervyn Thomas, and for all those incredible people who have served the organisation during our 42- year journey.

We are extremely grateful to God, and to you, for every financial gift made to CSW. Without the sacrificial giving of our supporters we would not survive. Join us in celebrating each and every donation made, and giving thanks to the God who always provides for our needs.

Monday 10 January At the entrance to CSW’s London office there’s a simple piece of artwork which proclaims in large gold letters: “The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16 It’s the first thing anyone coming into our office sees and is a daily reminder of our reliance on prayer. It was also a favourite, and often quoted, verse of our dear friend and colleague, the late Stuart Windsor.

I remember Stuart quoting this verse regularly in the many meetings we attended together. It didn’t matter whether this was one of our daily prayer times or a budget meeting, whenever the going got tough he would always remind us that prayer ‘availeth much!’

Prayer remains our most important activity and so, whenever I’m asked how someone might help those suffering for their faith, I will always ask them to pray.

I was reminded of this recently when my counterpart in Nigeria, Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, told me that during a time of prayer with our UK team a district leader from the far north of his country happened to be in his office. Yunusa wrote, ‘He was so excited and encouraged that people outside our shores could be this concerned about our situation and devote time to pray for us… He left with a big smile on his face’.

Let’s ensure we remember that our prayers are effective and they will availeth much!

Or as The Message version puts it: “The prayer of a person living right with God is something to be reckoned with!”

Grace and peace, Scot Bower CEO

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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.

Today we recall all those whose freedom CSW has campaigned for over the years, from Professor Tarfa and Leah Sharibu in Nigeria, to Pastor Nadarkhani in Iran, to Meriam Ibrahim in Sudan. Give thanks for those already released, and for the future freedom of those still held prisoner.

Friday 14 January Thank God today for His blessing over CSW, that throughout our history we have been protected and kept safe miraculously by His grace. In the words of that wonderful hymn: “Grace has brought us safe thus far, and grace will lead us home”

Tuesday 11 January

Saturday 15 January

CSW is far more than the teams of staff and volunteers in offices around the world; this growing movement of freedom and justice includes each of our supporters. Praise God today for all those – like you– who are praying, campaigning and giving to support CSW.

To end the week, we thank Jesus for his company and, as we move into this New Year, let’s use this well-known poem by Minnie Haskins to ask God to continue to walk with us:

Wednesday 12 January Today please remember the staff team at CSW in your prayers, and give thanks especially for our growing team in the United States and Nigeria, as well as our colleagues in Latin America and Asia.

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown."

And he replied: "Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way."

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Pray for Eritrea.

Pray for our trustees, staff, local partners and volunteers.

Week 2: 16-22 January

Week 3: 23-29 January

The Eritrean government is directly responsible for a severe human rights crisis from which thousands continue to flee on a monthly basis. Eritrea’s constitution asserts that ‘no person may be discriminated against on account of…religion’, however, it has not been enacted, and every right, including the right to freedom of religion or belief, is flagrantly violated. Since May 2002 all religious practices except those associated with Catholicism, Evangelical Lutheranism, Orthodox Christianity and Sunni Islam have been outlawed; however, even members of approved faith communities can also suffer severe mistreatment.

Over the last two years, we’ve seen the need for CSW’s work greatly increase. In fact, it’s needed now more than ever.

Patriarch Abune Antonios

A campaign of arrests, ongoing since 2002, continued in 2021. In March 35 Christians were detained in Mai Serwa prison following raids in Asmara and Assab. In June two Christian were arrested in Asmara. July saw the arrests of two elderly Full Gospel Church pastors, and in September, 16 Christians were rearrested and detained in Mai Serwa prison. Find out more at csw.org.uk/eritrea

Sunday 16 January Praise God that last year the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted once again a resolution extending the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea by one year. Pray that the mandate would work effectively, and enjoy sufficient support and resources from the HRC.

Monday 17 January ‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.’ (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Pray that Christians in Eritrea, and particularly those held in detention, would know the truth of these verses today.

Tuesday 18 January In a report released in June 2016, a UN Commission of Inquiry found reasonable grounds to believe that crimes against humanity had been taking place in the country since 1991. Over five years later, accountability for these and other crimes remains elusive. Ask the God of justice to intervene today.

Wednesday 19 January The Eritrean government is implicated in widespread human rights violations in the Tigray region of neighbouring Ethiopia, including mass rape, extensive looting, massacres, and 4

Many of the individuals and faith communities we were advocating for before the pandemic have been at even greater risk. During the pandemic church leaders have been interrupted or detained while live streaming services or have had their electricity cut off to prevent them from hosting online church services. Christians providing aid have been falsely accused of conversion; while many of those unjustly imprisoned because of their faith have been at even greater risk due to the spread of COVID-19.

the forced return a of Eritrean refugees. Pray that the international community would take decisive action to bring an end to the violence, and to ensure that those responsible for possible atrocity crimes are held to account.

At the same time we have witnessed crises in several of the countries on which we work. Nigeria is a country in crisis, with escalating violence in which thousands of vulnerable citizens in the north and centre – many of them Christians – have been killed, while hundreds of thousands more have been forcibly displaced. Since the coup in Myanmar/Burma last February, we’ve witnessed the devastation that the military crackdown has wrought across the country

Thursday 20 January

Our teams have been working harder than ever to continue speaking out for all those facing injustice because of their beliefs, working for those who have been targeted even further during the pandemic, and taking urgent advocacy interventions for nations in crisis.

Pray today for military conscripts who are often forced to remain on indefinite military service where they receive minimal wages and are subject to forced labour. Young female recruits can also face sexual harassment and violations by senior officers. Many young conscripts have been sent to the war front in Tigray, despite insufficient training. Ask God to protect and provide for them.

Friday 21 January Fifteen years ago, the legitimate patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, Abune Antonios, was illegally removed from office and placed under house arrest. Patriarch Antonios is 94 years old, severely diabetic and suffers from high blood pressure. Pray that he would be released, restored and strengthened by God.

Saturday 22 January Lord God, even when it is hard to know where to start or what to pray for the nation of Eritrea, we believe that you hold the country in your hands and ask you to rise up and deliver the oppressed, the needy, the marginalised and the persecuted. Amen.

This week, we ask you to join us to pray for our trustees, staff, local partners and volunteers.

Father God, thank you for the calling and purpose you have given to all those who are part of CSW. We praise and thank you for your provision of their every need over so many years.

Thank you for calling them for such a time as this, to tackle injustice and advocate for freedom.

May all involved with CSW trust in you during this season and find new strength. May they run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.

May the leadership team and trustees hear your voice saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it’. Grant them wisdom, insight and understanding, that they may lead the organisation in line with your will and purpose.

May each member of staff be encouraged that, whatever their role, everything they do is known, seen and valued by you for the sake of your kingdom.

May you grant divine protection to all the individuals and organisations that CSW works with around the world. Thank you for their bravery in speaking up for justice and freedom, often at great cost to themselves.

We ask you Lord to intervene in the lives of all those who face harassment, discrimination, violence, imprisonment or worse because of their religious beliefs. Give power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Amen.

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Pray for Myanmar.

Your prayers are needed for Nigeria.

Week 4: 30 January-5 February ‘The murder of a Baptist minister and bombing of homes in Thantlang, Chin State are the latest examples of the living hell being delivered daily by junta forces against the people of Myanmar.

The world needs to play closer attention.’

The words of Tom Andrews, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, paint a shocking yet accurate picture of the situation in Myanmar/Burma since the military seized power in a coup a year ago. Violations of freedom of religion or belief have increased significantly since then, with religious minorities facing daily injustice at the hands of the army.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/burma

Sunday 30 January

Thursday 3 February

There have been widespread national protests since the military seized power last year, and the army and police have responded to protesters with violence.

Attacks on civilians have been widely documented in the Chin and Kachin states, among others; pray for peace in these states today.

‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) Pray this verse of hope and victory over Myanmar/Burma today.

Monday 31 January On 18 September 2021 Baptist pastor Cung Biak Hum was shot dead by the Myanmar military, as he tried to help extinguish a blaze caused by artillery fire which destroyed 19 homes in Thantlang, Chin state. Pray that Pastor Cung’s family and church community would know God’s comfort and peace.

Tuesday 1 February Today marks one year since the Tatmadaw (the Myanmar army) seized power. Since then, the country’s seen an increase in violations of freedom of religion or belief.

Pray that violence and suffering would give way to peace and security, and that everyone would be given the freedoms they deserve.

Wednesday 2 February Pray today for the country’s political prisoners. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) reported that, as of 20 September 2021, 8,289 civilians had been arrested since the coup; 6,637 of them were still in prison at the time.

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Friday 4 February

Week 5: 6-12 February Every day at noon, CSW staff members meet to pray for our colleagues at CSW-Nigeria as the security situation in the country continues to deteriorate nationwide.

We continue to receive reports of deadly attacks by resurgent terrorists and diverse armed gangs primarily of Fulani origin, and are concerned Leah Sharibu, Nigeria that the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Boko Haram fighters who continue to resist ISWAP’s authority following the death of its former leader Abubakar Shekau, and the al Qaeda affiliate Ansaru have extended operations by building alliances with Fulani militia in central Nigeria, where predominantly Christian communities continue to endure lethal violence and abductions. This unaddressed violence has metastasised, with predominantly Fulani armed groups not only terrorising Hausa Muslim communities in the northwest, but also increasingly attacking communities in southern states.

The situation is grave, but we believe that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective (James 5:16). Join us in praying for Nigeria this week. Find out more at csw.org.uk/nigeria

Sunday 6 February

‘The world needs to act.’ Pray today that the international community would listen to the words of the UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, and to the calls of CSW supporters, and apply immediate pressure on the military regime through a global arms embargo.

We are so thankful for our courageous colleagues at CSW-Nigeria who work tirelessly to advance the right to religion or belief in Nigeria through advocacy, supporting victims of violent attacks, and pioneering interfaith initiatives.

Today, let us pray for protection for them and their families as they go about their vital work at great personal risk.

Saturday 5 February

Monday 7 February

Loving heavenly Father, we lift up to you the nation of Myanmar/Burma today. Pour out your love and peace on this land that’s seen so much hatred and violence. May those who suffer so greatly at the hands of the military know your comforting presence today. Amen.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly failed to uphold the constitutional right to freedom of religion or belief and has not adequately empowered the army to protect vulnerable communities against targeted attacks. Pray that the federal and state governments of Nigeria prioritise bringing an end to every source of violence and terror in the country.

Tuesday 8 February As violence by armed Fulani assailants continues to rise in southern Nigerian states, pray for justice and for an end to the expansion of this deadly violence. Use Psalm 74 to guide your prayers, remembering God is able to work miracles in all situations.

Wednesday 9 February This month marks four years since Christian schoolgirl Leah Sharibu was kidnapped by ISWAP terrorists. She remains in captivity for

refusing to renounce her faith. CSW supporters around the world gathered online to campaign for Leah’s release and ‘Sing for Freedom’ last October. Pray for Leah and her family, and that the Nigerian authorities would act swiftly to secure Leah’s release.

Thursday 10 February Pray that the Nigerian authorities would implement the Safe Schools Initiative which aims to protect the right to an education, including by protecting students throughout the country from the threat of abduction and terror attacks.

Friday 11 February Pray for God’s comfort and provision for the wife, children of Rev Yohanna Shuaibu, the chair of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) who died from wounds received during a mob attack on his home, and for those of Revs Dauda Bature and Reverend Silas Yakubu Ali, who were killed by abductors and Fulani militia respectively.

Pray for protection for church leaders and congregations as they are increasingly targeted.

Saturday 12 February Father God, once again our hearts break for the people of Nigeria who continue to face relentless violence on a daily basis.

We pray for all those who have lost loved ones, for the safe return of all abductees, and for repentance in the hearts of those perpetrating such acts. Amen

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This week please pray for Cuba.

Your prayers are needed for the UN.

Week 6: 13-19 February

Week 7: 20-26 February

The routine and systematic targeting of religious leaders in Cuba escalated during 2021. Religious leaders are often subjected to fines, threats, harassment, and, in some cases, arbitrary detention. These leaders. and Christians across the island desperately need our prayers. In Philippians 4:6, it says, ‘in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God’. Let us lift prayer, petition and thanksgiving to the Lord for the nation of Cuba this week.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/cuba

In the Response article ‘Four years at the UN’, we celebrated how we’ve been able to use the platform of the United Nations since receiving our accreditation in 2017. We’re still so thankful for this Consultative Status, which enables us to participate at the UN as an expert voice for freedom of religion or belief – including at the upcoming session of the Human Rights Council (28 February – 25 March 2022).

Sunday 13 February Reverend Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo has been detained without trial since nationwide peaceful protests took place on 11 July. In August he was transferred to Boniato Maximum Security Prison, notorious for its terrible conditions.

At the time of writing, Pastor Lorenzo is being held in a maximum-security prison, where he has been beaten and assaulted. On 20 and 21 December, Pastor Lorenzo was put on trial, along with other protesters, and received a sentencing date in early January 2022. His wife, Maridilegnis described the trial as, ‘two days in which the truth did not prevail’.

Monday 14 February Pastor Lorenzo’s wife, Maridilegnis Carballo, and their son, David, have both been threatened for speaking to international human rights organisations about the pastor’s detention. Pray for peace and protection over Maridilegnis and her family.

Tuesday 15 February Pastor Alain Toledano Valiente, who leads the Emmanuel Church in Santiago de Cuba, has been threatened with a pending criminal investigation and subjected to continual harassment for several years. In November, his adult daughter, Esther, was summoned for questioning. Pray protection and resilience over Pastor Alain and his family, and other church leaders across Cuba who are repeatedly threatened, harassed and targeted.

Wednesday 16 February Reverend Ibrahim Figueroa Fonseca is serving a nine-month prison sentence. In June he attempted to make a complaint about an 8

Pastor Lorenzo and family

unfair,extremely large increase in the electricity rate for churches and was subsequently detained. Pray for Reverend Figueroaand all of those detained unjustly, that the Cuban government would grant their immediate and unconditional release.

Thursday 17 February We are seeing seeds of change in Cuba. Many religious groups have publicly condemned the government’s use of violence against peaceful protestors and have called for the release of those who have been unjustly imprisoned. On 15 November, some Catholic priests and nuns peacefully protested in different parts of the country despite threats against them. Praise God for their courage. Pray for protection over them, and in particular Father Castor Alvarez Devesa, who is awaiting trial because of his participation in the 11 July protests.

Friday 18 February ‘I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.’ (Ephesians 3: 17-19). Pray these verses over Christians in Cuba today, that they would know the love of God that surpasses knowledge.

Saturday 19 February Father God, we thank you that you are sovereign over all peoples and nations. We lift Cuba to you today. In your power would you bring breakthrough. Lord, protect the prisoner, bring peace to the fearful, and change the hearts of rulers. Strengthen Christians in Cuba through your Holy Spirit we pray. Amen.

As long as COVID-19 restrictions allow, our UN Officer Claire Denman, will be one of the people representing CSW in Geneva. She would be so encouraged to know you are praying for her, and has asked you to pray over three specific areas below. You can also tag her in an encouraging message on Twitter: @_ClaireDenman.

‘Please pray for our team at the next session of the Human Rights Council, where there will be a special focus on freedom of religion or belief.’

Father God, we thank you for the opportunity to speak up for freedom at the Human Rights Council. Please grant wisdom and boldness to all who will be presenting evidence, especially Claire, our team of advocates and the Special Rapporteurs. We particularly lift up the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, who will be appointed at this session. Amen.

Almighty God, we thank you for the many UN experts who have spoken out against the human rights abuses taking place in China. We pray for investigations and practical actions to be taken to stop the abuses and hold perpetrators to account, once and for all. May words turn into concrete action, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/un

‘My hope is for a better understanding of the right to freedom of religion or belief at the UN and among Member States.’

Lord, we know that if the right to freedom of religion or belief is being violated, other human rights are often being violated as well. We pray that those with the power to make a difference will see the value of this fundamental freedom. Lord, help them to prioritise, protect and uphold it at the UN. Amen.

‘The wheels of change often move slowly, especially within institutions like the UN. My desire is that we see momentum on the situation of human rights in China, for example, and concrete actions taken by the UN.’

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Pray during Lent.

Your prayers are needed for Mexico.

Week 9: 6-12 March In 2021, CSW had the privilege of meeting over 40 indigenous men and women across Mexico who are facing discrimination and/or violence because of their religious beliefs.

They shared their daily struggles as well as their hopes for the future. We see hope arise from affliction in Lamentations 3:21-23 as the prophet Jeremiah proclaims: ‘I still dare to hope when I remember...the faithful love of the Lord never ends’. Throughout this week, please pray for God to strengthen religious minority communities in Mexico with daring hope.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/Mexico

Sunday 6 March Many religious minorities in Mexico are verbally and physically harassed when they travel to places of worship on days like today. Please pray for God to fill the hearts of perpetrators with love and respect for those who do not share their religious beliefs.

Week 8: 27 February-5 March

Monday 7 March

This Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season in which the Church has traditionally encouraged her members to take on the spiritual practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We're called to look both inwards - to reflect on our own spiritual lives - and outwards – to others in need of our compassion and support.

We thank God for a recent shift towards dialogue between two Protestant families and the local authorities in La Mesa Limantitla, who have harassed and pressured these families to renounce their faith since 2019. Please pray for peace, reconciliation and lasting solutions for these families and the wider community.

As we begin this 40-day pilgrimage in preparation for the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, join us in looking outwards. Beyond our own communities and churches, to all those around the world who find themselves suffering for their beliefs.

Pray this prayer of compassion and solidarity for all those facing injustice every day this week: Lord Jesus Christ, you spent your life on earth showing kindness and compassion to people different to yourself; to those not of your kind. Give us the grace this Lent to do the same.

You healed lepers.

You ate with tax collectors.

You showed mercy to adulterers.

You befriended Gentiles.

You offered forgiveness to sinners.

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In all this, you proved yourself to be a true friend to the other.

Grant, we pray, Lord, that we might have the same mercy and compassion towards the others in our world. Those who do not believe what we believe, but face injustice for practising their beliefs.

Help us, Lord Jesus, to love those not of our kind, as you taught us to.

In your precious and powerful name, we pray.

Amen.

Tuesday 8 March Last year, CSW interviewed over 25 indigenous women from religious minority communities in Mexico. On International Women’s Day, today, please pray that God would strengthen these women, who often face unique challenges because of their limited education and usual responsibility for domestic and care work. Ask God to use CSW’s research to bring about lasting change in their communities.

Wednesday 9 March Rafaela from Guerrero state told CSW: “We feel sad because we do not know if they will help us. The [local] authorities always

refuse.” Ask God to move the hearts of the local, state and federal government authorities to pursue justice for those being denied it because of their faith.

Thursday 10 March Many indigenous communities in rural Mexico have limited access to healthcare, and religious minorities are often denied access to services that are available. Pray that God would move individuals to offer practical and financial support to religious minority families suffering from sickness, and for this discrimination ultimately to end.

Friday 11 March Seven Protestant families in El Encanto have been living without water services since 2016, sewerage facilities since 2018, and electricity since 2020, because they refuse to cooperate with religious majority activities. Please pray for the local authorities to have a change of heart and reinstate these essential services.

Saturday 12 March Lord God, we thank you for religious minority communities in Mexico who choose faith over fear each day. We join the apostle Paul in praying: ‘May the God of hope fill [them] with all joy and peace in believing, so…[they] may abound in hope.’ Romans 15:13.

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Pray for Cuba.

Pray for Iran.

Week 10: 13-19 March

Week 11: 20-26 March

On 15 March 2015, Taliban suicide bombers targeted two churches in Youhanabad – a predominantly Christian area of Lahore. They detonated their bombs, killing 17 people and injuring over 70 others who had gathered to worship on Easter Sunday.

You will likely be aware of the dangers faced by Christians in Iran, and by Christian converts in particular. But they are not the only religious minorities at risk. Sunni Muslims, Baha’is and Sufi Dervishes are also viewed with suspicion, and some have faced torture, execution, imprisonment or harassment.

The tragedy sparked violent protests in which a mob attacked and killed two Muslim men, who were wrongly suspected of being involved in the church bombings.

Photo: Saad Sarfraz Sheikkh /CSW

In response to this lynching, the government arrested over 100 young men with insufficient evidence. The authorities appeared to use this as an opportunity to target religious minorities, as 41 Christians were imprisoned for five years, during which two died. The rest were acquitted in January 2020.

Many different families and communities were impacted by the series of incidents in Youhanabad: the church attacks, the violent protests, the lynching and the unjust arrests that followed. Ask God to bring comfort and peace to everyone who still feels the pain of grief, six years on.

Monday 14 March Pakistan is a beautifully diverse country, yet religious minorities are vulnerable to discrimination, violence and accusations of blasphemy. Pray today for healing and understanding to grow between all religious communities in Pakistan.

Tuesday 15 March Today is the sixth anniversary of the twin suicide bombings in Youhanabad, Lahore.

Spend two minutes in silent reflection for the 15 people who lost their lives, the many who were injured, and all those who lost loved ones that day.

Wednesday 16 March Romans 12:15 reminds us to ‘weep with those who weep’ (NLT). With this in mind, pray today for the families of the two Muslim men who were lynched during the 12

Find out more at csw.org.uk/iran

Sunday 20 March

violent protests. May they find peace and comfort, six years on.

Today, pray that those in positions of power – both nationally and locally – would work towards a more inclusive Iran, that their hearts would be changed as they recognise the harm caused by suppressing the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.

Thursday 17 March

Monday 21 March

Many of those who were unjustly arrested after the Youhanabad lynching were the breadwinners of their families. We thank God that they were eventually acquitted and ask that he continues to provide for their families, who endured five years of difficulties.

Happy Persian New Year! Today is the start of Nowruz, which means ‘new day’ and signifies the arrival of spring. Pray that this new year would also see advances in fundamental rights and freedoms, including in freedom of religion or belief, for all citizens.

Friday 18 March

Tuesday 22 March

Lift up in prayer all those who are vulnerable in Pakistan because of their religion or beliefs. Pray that the Pakistani government will increase their commitment to protecting places of worship for people of all faiths so that terrorist incidents – like the Youhanabad attacks – never happen again.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

(Ephesians 6:16)

For updates on this developing situation visit csw.org.uk/pakistan

Sunday 13 March

Minority religious communities are treated as a threat to a theocratic systemfounded on a strict interpretation of Shi’a Islam.

Saturday 19 March Father God, we lament at the series of terrible incidents sparked by the church bombings in Youhanabad. We lift up the many communities who were affected, and ask that you replace any anger, bitterness or division with forgiveness, understanding and peace. Amen.

Pray this verse over Christians in Iran today – particularly for Christian converts who are especially targeted for attack, harassment or arbitrary arrest.

Wednesday 23 March Arbitrary arrests and arrests on false charges remain a threat to people from minority faith communities, journalists and human rights defenders. Ask God to strengthen and sustain all prisoners of conscience, including Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, Pastor Matthias Haghneijad, and human

rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, sentenced to a total of 38 years imprisonment for defending women arrested for peacefully protesting compulsory veiling laws.

Thursday 24 March Today is the International Day for the Right to Truth Concerning Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims.

Pray for the continuing exposure of the human rights violations that are underway in Iran, for justice and healing for the victims and their families, and accountability for perpetrators.

Friday 25 March Members of the officially unrecognised Baha’i faith have suffered over 40 years of discrimination, including in access to education and burial sites. Pray today for Baha’is to be recognised officially and accorded their rights and freedoms as citizens.

Saturday 26 March Almighty God, we lift up those in Iran who are being targeted because of their religious beliefs or political views,or for defending human rights. We pray for an end to the many injustices, and that every Iranian citizen would be free to follow their chosen religion or belief, and to peacefully hold dissenting views without experiencing harassment and mistreatment. Amen.

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This week please pray for Central Country.African Republic.

Your prayers arePray needed for.for Country India.

Week 13: 3-9 April “Attacks on churches and Christian houses are now a routine occurrence… Whichever government is in power, hatred and attacks against Christians will continue.” - Arun Pannalal, President of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum.

Photo: BAZ RATNER/REUTERS

India remains a nation divided. Intolerance and violence towards religious minorities remains widespread, with perpetrators emboldened by a culture of impunity and a government which espouses a fiercely Hindu nationalist rhetoric.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/india

Week 12: 27 March - 2 April The Central African Republic (CAR) is a secular, democratic country which guarantees freedom of conscience and worship its current constitution.

However, this doesn’t meet the full definition of freedom of religion or belief described by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Seleka rebel alliance seized control of the country in March 2013, which led to widespread human rights violations in the years that followed – including the right to freedom of religion or belief. Many perpetrators still haven’t been held to account for their actions. Although democracy was restored in 2016, violence and instability remain.

To find out more, visit csw.org.uk/car Below are two verses to pray over the CAR and two areas of concern to pray into. You may want to pray through each one on alternate days this week.

‘My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.

He is my stronghold, my refuge and my saviour—from violent people you save me.’

(2 Samuel 22:3) The prevalence of violence in the CAR and the increasing use of landmines is particularly alarming in the CAR. On 12 June 2021, the sultan-mayor of Koui was killed when his vehicle hit a landmine on the way to discuss 14

a possible disarmament with a rebel group known as 3R. Over a dozen more have been killed by landmines in other regions of CAR. Lord of peace, we pray that you will protect the nation’s citizens and leaders from these rebel armed groups and cause all their weapons to fail – particularly their use of landmines. We know that you can change even the hardest heart, so we ask you to miraculously transform these individuals from the inside out. May they turn away from violence and towards peace, in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

‘Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.’ (James 3:18) There are concerns for the safety of peacemakers in CAR, especially since a convoy of approximately 300 ELIM Christians was attacked by unknown gunmen on 4 June 2021. Among them was Apostle Nicolas Gurekoyame Gbangou – a founding member of the Interfaith Peace Platform in CAR – who was warned that ‘the church shouldn’t play politics.’

Father God, we thank you for placing people of peace like Apostle Nicolas in the Central African Republic. We ask you to shield him and all those involved in civilian peace initiatives from further attacks and empower them to use their skills effectively. May they bear good fruit from the seeds that they plant in peace.

Amen.

Sunday 3 April

Wednesday 6 April

Mob violence by Hindu nationalists remains rife in India. On 29 August between 150 and 200 armed fundamentalists attacked an estimated 60 Christians gathered for a peaceful worship service. Pray that peace would reign in these communities, and that justice would be served in this and other cases like it.

The vital work of NGOs, including many Christian and Islamic charities, has been severely impeded by amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act which came into effect in 2020. Please pray that this would be lifted, and that these organisations would have their vital funding streams restored.

Monday 4 April

Thursday 7 April

Declare this verse over the hearts of every Christian in India today: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ (John 14:27).

Today, please pray for members of the Tribal and Dalit communities who have faced endemic discrimination for decades. Those who convert to Christian and Islam can face particular economic challenges. Ask God to protect and provide for them today.

Tuesday 5 April Praise God for the life of our friend and colleague Nehemiah Christie, a Christian leader and human rights defender who passed away from COVID-related illness in 2021.

Nehemiah was a proud defender of freedom of religion or belief for all. Ask that God would raise up many like him across India today.

Friday 8 April Last year, Pastor Alok Rajhans of the Christ Service House was killed in an attack on his church in Luasingha village in Odisha. After his death, his son Ujjwal Prakash Rajhans pledged to continue his father’s ministry. Please ask God to richly bless him today.

Saturday 9 April Father God, today we pray for India. Where there is division bring reconciliation, where there is inequality bring justice, and where there is violence bring peace. May the nation rise up as a proud beacon of religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence. Amen.

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Photo: Afolabi Sotunde/REUTERS - stock.adobe.com

We believe in the power of prayer to bring change.

CSW is a human rights organisation advocating for freedom of religion or belief. As Christians we stand with everyone facing injustice because of their religion or belief.

T +44 (0)20 8329 0010 @CSW_UK /CSWUK csw.org.uk

PO Box 99 New Malden Surrey, KT3 3YF United Kingdom

Scan the QR code to give today Registered Charity No. 281836