Prayer Diary: April-July 2024

Your daily prayer guide

prayer diary April-July 2024

During Holy Mass at a church in West Java, Indonesia. Photo: Guilio Paletta/CSW.

Pray with us this Easter.

Your prayers are needed for Indonesia.

Week 2: 7-13 April Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority country. There are six recognised religions: Islam, Roman Catholicism, Protestant Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Confucianism.

Religious practices outside of these are not protected, and nor is the right to atheism.

Week 1: 31 March-6 April My name is Chibuzor, CSW’s UK Parliamentary Liaison Officer.

For me, the Easter story is about a relentless quest for restoration, unity and intimacy between God and his people.

We were once walking side by side, face to face in the garden, God’s perfect design. Then came sin and separation; a gulf growing wider and wider. What could resolve the deep void between God and his creation?

He knew from the very beginning that the only way to restore intimacy was to send himself. To become the very bridge he needed us to cross.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings...

(Hebrews 10:19-22a) Jesus bled on Good Friday, and his blood bought us freedom. His blood cleansed us. His blood covered us. His blood made us righteous, closed the great divide, and overpowered our enemy.

From hopeless to hopeful. From sorrow to joy. From dark to light. From far to near. Our access to the Father has been granted!

Now we walk with God again, albeit in different circumstances… We’re not yet in a perfect garden, but a world where persecution, tests and trials persist. Yet now we walk through the darkest valleys with God by our side. He is our strong tower, our hope for years come, our shelter from the stormy blasts, and our eternal joy.

Now we have direct access to the Most Holy Place, let’s use that wonderful privilege to bring before the Lord those who are suffering because of their beliefs. Easter is a time of increased visibility and vulnerability for Christians in many countries, including those featured in this Prayer Diary. Please join me in 2

speaking justice, freedom, hope, perseverance, peace and victory over these places in the mighty name of Jesus: Heavenly Father, s I pray this Easter – a time of renewal A and hope – I turn my heart and prayers towards those who are enduring hardship and suffering. ord, I am grateful for the sacred L access we have to your presence, made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus. I draw near to you, asking for healing, peace and restoration for those who are suffering for their beliefs. Lift their burdens and refresh their spirits by your pure and living water.

I n these challenging times, help us all to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess. Remind us of your unwavering faithfulness – your love and power to overcome even death – and let that truth inspire hope and resilience in those facing trials. May your presence provide strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Christians – the largest religious minority – face several obstacles to practising their faith, including intimidation, violence and being obstructed from building new places of worship.

Ask God to protect and draw near to them today, wherever they gather, reminding them of his love and faithfulness.

Learn more at csw.org.uk/indonesia

Sunday 7 April

Wednesday 10 April

Registered religious groups must obtain formal approval to build new places of worship. The process involves getting at least 60 signatures from the wider community. This can cause issues for religious minorities in areas that are largely inhabited by those of another faith. Pray for interfaith harmony and the repeal of this regulation.

When the third boat arrived in Aceh, locals responded with hostility and tried to push it back out to sea. Where tensions are rising, may compassion and peace increase even more. Pray for practical solutions that enable all refugees to reach a place of safety and welcome.

Monday 8 April Christians in the city of Cilegon have to drive 45 minutes to reach the nearest church building. The Batak Protestant Christian Church had plans to build a local church, but regional officials halted them in 2022 – even though the church had gathered more than enough signatures to proceed.

Pray that the authorities would change their minds and all unjust barriers would be lifted.

Tuesday 9 April Rohingya refugees, the majority of whom are Muslim, are arriving in Indonesia more frequently, desperately fleeing the war in Myanmar and overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh. Three boats carrying nearly 600 people arrived in Aceh Province across three consecutive days in November.

According to reports, some collapsed onto the sand after a month at sea. Ask God to supply all their needs today.

Thursday 11 April Indonesia’s oppressive blasphemy laws expanded under Joko Widodo’s presidency.

One of the changes means that leaving a religion or belief will become a criminal offence, coming into effect in 2026. Pray that these laws would no longer be used as a weapon against religious or ethnic minorities.

Pray a special blessing over new converts to Christianity.

Friday 12 April Lift up in prayer Muhammed Kece – a Christian YouTuber who is in prison for alleged blasphemy. It was reported that he was beaten and tortured by fellow inmates following his arrest. His ten-year sentence was later reduced to eight years through a successful legal appeal. Pray that further appeals will lead to his early release.

Saturday 13 April Indonesia has recently held a general election.

Pray that the incoming leaders and authorities would uphold human rights for all citizens, including the right to choose or change one’s religion or belief.

3

Pray for India.

This week please pray for Sudan.

Week 3: 14-20 April

Week 4: 21-27 April

Vijayalakshmi is a 29-year-old community healthcare worker in the village of Uppaladinni, Karnataka State. Her work involves going door to door to raise awareness about basic healthcare, but some villagers objected that a Christian woman was allowed to enter their homes. They threatened her family and tried to get her fired.

‘The extremists have always wanted to destroy the churches in Sudan, particularly our church, the Evangelical Church, and there is no better time than the current one.’ – Rev Yahia Nalu, Chairman of the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Synod

Video footage shows Mr and Mrs Chavhan surrounded by villagers in Uppaladinni

Vijayalakshmi was falsely accused of forced conversion, and the allegations went viral. The police called a meeting on 10 January to try to resolve the situation. But when Vijayalakshmi was given the mic to share her grievance, a large crowd attacked her and her husband, Ashok.

Lift up Vijayalakshmi and Ashok in prayer, as well as other families from the same church who have been threatened and harassed. Find out more at csw.org.uk/india

The RSF has been responsible for persistent and egregious human rights violations during the past year of conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which has plunged Sudan into a spiralling humanitarian crisis. Find out more at csw.org.uk/sudan

Sunday 14 April

Thursday 18 April

Sunday 21 April

Although the police assured Vijayalakshmi that she would not be fired, she continued to receive death threats following the incident.

Pray that she would be free to continue her important work in the community without fear.

The Indian government is using the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) to hinder the work of non-profit organisations, particularly those viewed as a threat to the state. Pray for favour for charities which have been affected by financial cuts to foreign donations, due to cancellation of their FCRA licence, and are now struggling to meet the needs of the people they are supporting.

Ask God to protect the Christian community in Wad Madani, who have been targeted since December 2023, and help them repair their buildings and find refuge. May he bring them peace at this time of fear and uncertainty.

Monday 15 April On 3 January, the community chief in Uppaladinni directed local utility services to cut off the electricity and water supply for three families – leaving them without basic services for at least four days. Ask God to guard and continually provide for these families, who were warned that they would be killed if they remained Christians.

Tuesday 16 April The harassment of Christians in Uppaladinni illustrates the growing hostility towards religious minorities across India. Pray that the authorities would address this concerning trend as a matter of urgency.

Wednesday 17 April ‘And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.’ (Daniel 6:23b) Pray that the same God who divinely protected Daniel in the lion’s den would protect Christians in India today.

4

On 12 January, extremists set fire to the Evangelical Church in Wad Madani, which was the largest church in Gezira State. Thankfully the church was empty at the time. Our sources believe the attack could only have happened with the knowledge and permission of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have complete control the area.

Friday 19 April Some Christian education institutions have been forced to remove religious symbols from their buildings and introduce Hindu rituals, under threat of violence from far-right Hindu groups. Pray that those who work in these places do not succumb to fear and that the threats will amount to nothing, and ultimately cease.

Saturday 20 April Father God, you are the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and the Prince of Peace. We ask that you establish peace across India – especially during this year’s election season, when there is a heightened risk of communal violence and discrimination against minorities. Where there is threat, violence and division, we ask for compassion, healing and harmony across the nation. Amen.

Monday 22 April By mid-December, the RSF had taken full control of Gezira State. Since then, there have been reports of severe human rights violations; civilians have been violated and killed, hospitals attacked, and homes have been looted. Pray for an end to these atrocities.

Tuesday 23 April ‘I will save you from the hands of the wicked and deliver you from the grasp of the cruel.’

(Jeremiah 15:21) Pray that the Lord, the rescuer, would deliver Sudan from the grasp of war, destruction and unjust leaders.

established for Sudan by the UN Human Rights Council in October. Pray that it would receive the support it needs to work swiftly and effectively to hold Sudan’s warring parties to account.

Friday 26 April ‘We need everyone’s solidarity and prayers...’

Turn to p.5 of Response magazine and read the prayer requests of Reverend Yahia Nalu, Chairman of the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Synod.

Saturday 27 April Almighty Lord, you make wars cease to the ends of the earth (Psalm 46:9). We pray now for a lasting ceasefire in Sudan, remembering those who are bearing the brunt of this terrible conflict. Rise up, Lord, and deliver this nation from the clutches of cruel, power-hungry warring parties. In your powerful name we pray. Amen.

Wednesday 24 April Pray today for women and girls in Sudan who have been victims of sexual and gender-based violence during the conflict. Ask God to bring them physical and emotional healing, and to ensure that justice is served for the abuses that they have suffered.

Thursday 25 April Give thanks that an international, independent fact-finding mission was

Damage to the Evangelical Church in Wad Madani.

5

Your prayers are needed for Egypt.

This week please pray for Cuba.

Father Alberto Reyes Pías

The temporary church building in Misha’at Zaafaranah before and after the arson attack of 6 January.

Week 6: 5-11 May At the start of the year, some of the CSW team attended the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, DC. During the summit, we moderated a panel discussion in which Father Alberto Reyes Pias (a Roman Catholic parish priest in Camagüey, Cuba) spoke about the worsening situation on the island. Father Reyes shared how violations of freedom of religion or belief have become accepted as normal, and called for spiritual solidarity. The prayers below have been adapted from his presentation:

Week 5: 28 April-4 May Next Sunday (5 May), the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt will celebrate Easter. Join us in praying for peaceful, safe and joyful celebrations, reflecting on the verse below: ‘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) It is especially important to pray for Christians in Upper Egypt. This region is seeing a rise in mob attacks on churches and Christian homes, with extremists determined to prevent Christians from practising their faith.

For example, on 6 January a temporary church building in Minya Province, Upper Egypt, was destroyed after a local mob set it on fire. It had been built on land belonging to the church, and local Christians had been using it as a place of worship for four months, after receiving no objection from the security services to their request to construct the church.

On 18 December, an extremist mob had attacked a church building site in another village in Minya Province, where workers were digging to lay foundations. The Coptic Orthodox community had recently received a permit from the government to build a church, as they did not have one and had to commute elsewhere to worship.

Even homes that are newly built or under construction are at risk of being attacked, if the perpetrators suspect they may be used for any form of worship.

6

Tragically, the country’s financial crisis and severe levels of poverty provide fertile ground for extremists to recruit others to their cause.

Please pray: • For a safe, peaceful and joyful Easter for the Orthodox community as they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.

• For an end to mob attacks on churches, church building sites and Christian homes and properties.

• That the God of all comfort would be close to Christians who have been attacked in recent months. Some were fearful of going outside following the incidents.

• For wisdom for President Sisi and his government. Pray they would crack down on sectarianism and promote principles of equal citizenship.

• That the Egyptian economy would recover.

Ask God to provide for those living in poverty and hinder recruitment by extremist groups.

Find out more about Egypt at: csw.org.uk/egypt

Sunday 5 May

Thursday 9 May

It is not normal to have an Office of Religious Affairs led by the Communist Party, overseeing and attempting to control every single movement of religious groups. Pray for the elimination of this institution, and that it would be replaced with transparent and fair administrative processes.

We need to know that there are others who will not play along with official propaganda, who will denounce anything that binds our spirit and suppresses our actions. Pray for encouragement for all Cubans involved in defending human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. Ask God to reassure them that they are not alone.

Monday 6 May It is not normal for religious leaders to be harassed for defending the innocence of political prisoners and for assisting their families. Praise God for the courage of religious leaders who, despite threats, continue to visit the families of political prisoners and to welcome them into their congregations.

Friday 10 May It is not normal to depend on permits for any public expression of faith. Pray for transformation in Cuba and a new system that will allow individuals and communities to live out their faith freely, both in private and in public.

Tuesday 7 May

Saturday 11 May

It is not normal for priests, nuns, and laity who, moved by their faith, speak up for the people who face harassment and defamation. Pray that the Department of State Security will cease its targeting of religious leaders who raise their voices on behalf of justice.

We need to know that there are others who, day by day, pray for us to the God who unites us, asking for the desired freedom, and forgiveness for those who oppress us… Consider all the prayer points from this week. Pray once again for freedom in Cuba, as well as for the perpetrators of oppression.

Wednesday 8 May We will continue to fight, despite the high price, but we need to know that we are not alone, that there are others who will speak up when we are silenced, who will defend the truth. Pray for more people to stand with Cubans who continue in their struggle for freedom.

Find out more about Cuba at: csw.org.uk/cuba

7

Pray for the people of Nigeria.

This week please pray for China.

Week 7: 12-18 May

Week 8: 19-25 May

Some of our advocates met with Joseph* on a recent visit to Nigeria. At first they hardly recognised him, but soon realised that he had taken part in CSW training workshops on trauma and self-care a year earlier. Yet now he seemed completely different!

Years may have passed, but we have not forgotten Pastor Zhang Shaojie. This summer marks ten years since the pastor was unjustly sentenced to 12 years in prison. He was charged with ‘fraud’ and ‘gathering a crowd to disturb public order’, but was clearly targeted for his church leadership role.

Before, Joseph had spoken in a whisper and struggled to hold eye contact due to the trauma he experienced when he was abducted for ransom by Fulani assailants. Now he was a smiling young man, and it was clear even from the outside the difference that had been made in his life.

May Joseph’s story fill us with hope and faith that healing is possible for many others like him in Nigeria. Find out more at csw.org.uk/nigeria

Sunday 12 May Give thanks for the ways our psychosocial workshops have helped people in Nigeria, including the transformation seen in Joseph’s life. More training will be taking place later this year, so please pray that every participant living with trauma will be equipped, supported, and filled with hope for a brighter future.

Monday 13 May Within the first two weeks of 2024 alone, there were at least 230 incidents of abduction for ransom – most of which involved multiple victims. Then in March, 287 school children were kidnapped in Kaduna State. Pray that the government and security services would work intensely to tackle the rate of abduction, which is beyond concerning.

Tuesday 14 May Today is the 21st birthday of Leah Sharibu.

Leah has been held captive by ISWAP terrorists ever since she was abducted from her school over six years ago. Though the previous Nigerian administration promised to ensure her release, no progress has been made. Pray for renewed efforts to secure Leah’s freedom.

Ask the Lord to draw near to her and her family today.

Wednesday 15 May On Christmas Eve, at least 186 villagers lost their lives when Fulani militia attacked 25 Christian communities in Plateau State. The 8

Pastor Zhang’s physical and mental health has suffered in detention, with reports of meagre food rations and sleep deprivation. Yet, despite this, in a letter to his family in 2021, he revealed that he felt peaceful.

Sunday 19 May

attacks were part of ongoing violence which began in April 2023 and continued into 2024.

Ask God to comfort those who are grieving, provide support to those who also lost their homes or livelihoods, and bring an end to this violence.

You may recognise Pastor Zhang Shaojie from our Connect & Encourage booklet.

Consider writing a card or letter of encouragement to Pastor Zhang as you pray for his physical and mental health, and spiritual endurance.

Thursday 16 May

Monday 20 May

The Fulani militia is an armed group made up of men from this predominantly Muslim tribe. In 2014 the militia was named the fourth deadliest terrorist group in the world by the Global Terrorism Index. Pray for miraculous changes of heart in these individuals, and that vulnerable communities across Nigeria would be protected from further deadly attacks.

In recent years, a number of Christian schools and home education institutions have been the targets of the government’s crackdown on religious education.

Some Christian teachers and heads of institutions have been arrested, and many church schools are subjected to evictions and harassment. Thank God for their incredible courage and pray for an end to the crackdown.

Friday 17 May Fulani kidnappers are inhabiting the forests surrounding the federal capital, Abuja. They have attacked neighbourhoods, broken into homes and – in some instances – kidnapped entire families for ransom, including Muslims who are not from their ethnic group. Pray for urgent and effective action from the Nigerian government to address this lawlessness.

Saturday 18 May In Amos 5:15 there is a call to ‘hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts.’ Pray that the Lord would raise up leaders at every level who seek good, not evil. Ask God to instil justice in their hearts, and a passion to preserve freedom of religion or belief for all. *name changed for security reasons

Tuesday 21 May Two weeks from today will mark the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Take a moment to remember the victims, and the pain and suffering of their families and friends. Pray for those who have paid a heavy price for refusing to forget the truth, and who continue to stand for justice.

Wednesday 22 May China has begun a propaganda campaign to rebrand the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) as a tourist hotspot. But the evidence is overwhelming: atrocities have been committed against religious and

ethnic minorities in the region – including Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities – which may amount to crimes against humanity. Pray that the international community takes a stand and holds China to account.

Thursday 23 May There has been a growing number of incidents where people who report ‘illegal religious activities’ to the authorities receive cash ‘prizes’ of up to 10,000 yuan (roughly £1,100). Ask God to change the hearts of those seeking to report others for personal gain.

Friday 24 May Today is the Catholic World Day of Prayer for the Church in China. Pray especially for Catholic clergy who have been detained and forced to undergo ‘patriotic education’.

Some remain missing after being repeatedly arrested and detained for decades, including Bishop James Su Zhimin.

Saturday 25 May Bishop Su Zhimin has only been seen once since being recaptured in 1997 after reportedly escaping from custody. He is 91 years old. Pray Psalm 71:3 over him and all Christians who have been deprived of their liberty: ‘Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.’

Find out more at csw.org.uk/china

9

This week please pray for Myanmar/Burma.

Pray for Mexico.

Week 9: 26 May-1 June

Week 10: 2-8 June

‘If human rights are to matter at all [in Mexico], they must apply to even the smallest child in the most remote village.’ These were the words of a Zapotec pastor and human rights defender in Oaxaca.

Psalm 19 says that ‘the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands’. But in Myanmar/ Burma, they all too often seem to tell a different story.

Mexico guarantees freedom of religion or belief in its constitution. However, in practice the misapplication of the Law of Uses and Customs (which is meant to protect traditional ways of governing) can lead to the harassment, exclusion and persecution of minority religious communities.

This week we’ll be focusing our prayers for these beautiful, brave individuals and their communities.

Sunday 26 May

Wednesday 29 May

Pray for indigenous religious minority groups who often face discrimination, including the loss of local rights, access to education and exclusion because of their religion or belief.

Pray that they might be able to play a full part in community life.

Pray for all those forced to leave their homes and live as internally displaced people because of their faith. Pray that they will know Christ’s comfort with them in exile – but also that they will one day be able to move back to their villages which, in many cases, have been their families’ homes for generations.

Monday 27 May Pray for religious minority leaders in indigenous villages. They carry the responsibility of leading groups facing discrimination, whilst often being targeted themselves. We think especially of Pastor Rogelio in Hidalgo State, whose house was recently destroyed by members of his village in attempt to pressure him to leave the community.

Tuesday 28 May Pray for families in Mexico who have been denied access to water, to electricity, and to government support programmes because of their faith. Pray a special blessing over the women who have been disproportionately affected, like Consepción Gómez Santiz in El Encanto, Chiapas State.

Thursday 30 May Pray today for the families and churches affected by the violence of warring organised criminal groups and who don’t have freedom to hold regular services.

Friday 31 May Pray for the work of CSW in Mexico, particularly our in-country team, Impulso18.

Give thanks for the success of our training programmes, which equipped journalists, human rights defenders, and government officials to better understand and uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief.

Saturday 1 June ‘Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.’

(Psalm 103:2-3 NLT) Pray that the Lord would do good things for Maria Concepción from Hidalgo State. She continues to recover from being violently attacked at the end of 2022, and has asked specifically for prayer for her eyesight which is deteriorating.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/mexico

(L-R) Perla, Maria Concepción, her daughter Nicolasa, Nicolas, Pastor Rogelio

10

Since seizing power in February 2021, the military regime has rained destruction from the skies through regular airstrikes targeting schools, hospitals, places of worship, and other civilian infrastructure. These and other attacks – particularly in ethnic minority areas – have killed an estimated 50,000 people, including 8,000 civilians, and forced over 2 million people to flee their homes. Find out more at csw.org.uk/burma

Chan Thar church after the fire.

Photo: Myanmar Now

Spend some moments this week reflecting on the sky and praying for an end to these atrocities in Myanmar. There are seven prompts below, so you could try praying at a different time each day.

are weary, like the dawn of a new day. Lift up Christians and other religious minorities, who have long experienced violations of their freedom of religion or belief, and even more so since the coup.

If there are clouds, notice how quickly they move and change. Pray that the dark clouds over Myanmar – war, injustice, oppression – would also pass, giving way to peace, miraculous transformation, and the end of military rule.

If it is evening, pray for safe places of shelter for all who have been forced from their homes. Over 1.95 million people are displaced within Myanmar, while over a million more have fled to neighbouring countries where they frequently experience a hostile reception.

In Bangladesh, nearly one million Rohingya refugees are living in overcrowded and poorly resourced camps, whilst in Indonesia, Rohingya boats have been pushed back out to sea.

If there is sunlight, pray for those working to shine a light on the crimes of the military junta. Pray for CSW’s advocates, our documenters and contacts within the country and in exile, including the Free Burma Rangers, who carry out vital humanitarian work in ethnic minority areas. Pray that the international community will recognise what is being exposed and take robust and coordinated action.

If there is rain, pray for those who are weeping; those mourning the loss of loved ones, homes, health, safety, or the future they once imagined. Remember the predominantly Catholic village of Chan Thar where, in January 2023, the military torched and destroyed a 124-year-old church and at least 120 homes.

If it is early morning, ask God to bring a fresh wave of hope and strength for those who

If there are birds flying, remember the political prisoners whose freedom has been taken away, as well as all those who cannot fully enjoy their right to freedom of religion or belief. We think of Reverend Dr Hkalam Samson, who was handed a six-year prison sentence in April 2023. Rev Samson is a Kachin Baptist leader and outspoken voice for human rights. These unfounded charges are an attempt to silence him.

If you can see the moon and stars, consider the vastness, greatness and steadfastness of the Lord. Give thanks that he is the creator and sustainer of all things, and ask him to help every person who is suffering.

11

Pray for the people of Pakistan.

20 June: World Refugee Day.

Week 11: 9-15 June Next week marks the 10th anniversary of a significant Supreme Court judgement in Pakistan. It called for the rights of religious minorities to be protected, but what impact has it had over the past decade?

‘No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark...’

Warsan Shire

Ten years have passed, and the court’s orders are yet to be implemented. The country continues to see persistent violations of freedom of religion or belief. Minority groups still face regular harassment, and are often targets of blasphemy accusations, mob violence, or forced abductions. Even children face systemic discrimination in education settings.

Join us in praying that Pakistan’s new government – formed after an election marred by controversy and disruption – would do more to defend the rights of every citizen.

Kiran, abducted in 2016 and forced to marry at just 13 years old

Find out more at csw.org.uk/pakistan

Sunday 9 June Pray that Pakistan’s new government would immediately work to form a National Commission for Minorities, in accordance with international human rights standards.

This would serve to empower the voices of minority groups across the country.

Monday 10 June Give thanks that two Christians, Rocky and Raja, were acquitted of blasphemy on 1 March. A court ruled that the brothers had been framed by two people who held a personal grudge.

You may remember that this false blasphemy allegation had a devastating impact, sparking a mob attack on the Christian community in Jaranwala last August. Pray for restoration.

Tuesday 11 June Christian and Hindu young women and girls are regularly abducted, forcibly married and forcibly converted. Call on the God who rescues to make a way for every girl to be safely returned home.

Wednesday 12 June Pray that the new government would take practical measures to end abduction and forced marriage, and that it will act decisively 12

to prevent the forced conversions of women and girls from minority communities.

Thursday 13 June It has been announced that from 2025, students from religious minority communities will be given the opportunity to study their own religion instead of Islamic Studies or Ethics, as is currently the case. Pray that these plans would be realised and signal the start of a fairer educational system in the country.

Friday 14 June Over the last year, there have been countless incidents of hate speech and incitement to violence against the Ahmadiyya community.

These incidents have been perpetrated by both state and non-state actors, and in both online and offline spaces. Pray that this hate speech and violence would transform into peace, and that the government would ensure the rule of law is established.

Saturday 15 June Heavenly Father, we lift the government of Pakistan to you today. Fill every member with wisdom and justice to establish a new way forward and a fairer future. May they stay true to their election promises and work to protect the freedoms of all citizens. Amen.

Week 12: 16-22 June According to the 1951 UN refugee Convention a refugee is a person who ‘has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.’

Religious intolerance is among the root causes of forcible displacement in a number of the countries on which we work. Many people are forced to flee their homes because their religion or belief makes them a target for severe discrimination, including violence, torture and even death.

‘He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.’

(Deuteronomy 10:18) Father, teach us how to love like you. Fill our hearts with compassion for those who are in need, including refugees and asylum seekers in our communities and those whose stories we hear. When we struggle to find the words to pray for ongoing situations around the world, hear our cries, oh Lord. Thank you that you are a very present help in times of trouble. Amen.

‘From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in

Syrian refugee camp in the outskirts of Athens.

Photo: Julie Ricard/Unsplash

your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.’ (Psalm 61:2-4) God our rock and salvation. Please help those who are still in danger, even after fleeing to another country. We think of North Korean refugees in China, who are being arrested and forcibly repatriated; Iranian Christians experiencing discrimination or forcible return in Türkiye; Eritreans fearing abduction for ransom in Ethiopia, Cubans and Nicaraguans attempting perilous journeys to freedom, and Rohingyas facing intense hostility in Indonesia. Provide a secure place for them to rebuild their lives and heal from the trauma they have experienced. Amen.

‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ (Matthew 25:35-36) Thank you, Lord, for everyone who works tirelessly to bring practical help and humanitarian assistance to those who need it most – despite the dangers and barriers they face. We pray for your provision and protection for all who are serving the most vulnerable around the world today. Amen.

13

Pray for Iran.

Pray for the Central African Republic.

Week 13: 23-29 June

Week 14: 30 June-6 July

‘What gives me hope is that there's more awareness of these things than there has ever been…

So I see hope, more than there has been. But the situation is as bad as ever, if not worse.’

– Mervyn Thomas, CSW Founder President

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a secular and democratic state, but violations of freedom of religion or belief are prevalent. Following years of conflict, progress towards security, peaceful co-existence and reconciliation remains slow.

Humanitarian needs remain high, and civilians continue to bear the brunt of violence committed by armed factions.

In February we were in the UK Parliament for an incredibly moving event. It marked the launch of a joint report by Article18, CSW, Open Doors and Middle East Concern, entitled ‘Faceless Victims’.

We are thankful for this opportunity to shed light together on the suffering of Christians in Iran.

We are particularly grateful to Rev Farhad Sabokrooh and his wife Shahnaz, whose powerful testimonies brought several attendees to tears.

Learn more at csw.org.uk/iran

Sunday 23 June

Thursday 27 June

Give thanks for the awareness raised by this collaborative report, and for everyone who bravely shared their experiences. Pray that all who attended – politicians, journalists, and anyone with the power to make a difference – will continue to be stirred to action by what they heard.

Ask God to move in the hearts of the Iranian authorities today. Pray specifically that they would reopen closed churches, return confiscated properties, and permit Farsispeaking Christians to worship in their mother tongue.

Monday 24 June The report revealed that more Christians were unjustly arrested in 2023 compared to the year before – yet fewer names and faces could be publicised. The vast majority chose not to publicise their situation, in the hope it may help their cases. Remember these ‘faceless victims’ in prayer today.

Tuesday 25 June Last year, more than 100 Christians were arrested during a three-month period, before a further wave of arrests over Christmas. Pray that this concerning pattern of arrests would not be repeated in 2024.

Friday 28 June The government of Türkiye continues to return Iranian refugees and asylum seekers. Pray that they would end this policy, and release all Iranians who are currently detained pending forced repatriation.

Saturday 29 June Heavenly Father, you are the God who sees.

We pray especially for those who cannot widely share their experiences of injustice.

Encourage them today, that you know them from their mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13); that you know every hair on their head (Luke 12:7); that you know their needs before they even ask (Matthew 6:8). Amen.

Wednesday 26 June As well as Christians, other religious minorities experience discrimination and harassment in Iran, including Baha’is, Sufi Dervishes, Sunni Muslims, and atheists. Pray that anyone unjustly imprisoned for their religion or belief would be immediately, unconditionally and permanently freed.

14

Find out more at csw.org.uk/car

Sunday 30 June Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group continue to commit widespread violations of humanitarian law and human rights, including extrajudicial killings, torture and rape. Pray urgently for this to end, and for the protection of civilians.

Monday 1 July 46% of CAR’s population remains extremely vulnerable. Violence has forcibly displaced one in five Central Africans either internally or externally, and assistance efforts have been hampered by logistical constraints and security concerns. Pray for the necessary resources to reach those who have been displaced, and for unhindered humanitarian access in all areas of the country.

Tuesday 2 July On 21 December 2023 at least 23 people, including children, were killed and several were wounded during attacks on Nzakoundo village in the north of the country. Pray for comfort, peace and adequate protection for the victims’ families, and for the communities as they rebuild their lives.

Wednesday 3 July Ask God to bless the efforts of those involved in the United Nations (UN) peace keeping mission.

Pray especially for additional support to ensure long-term disarmament and reintegration of armed groups, as steps towards lasting peace, security and sustainable development.

(L-R) Shahnaz Jizan, Fiona Bruce MP, Mervyn Thomas, Rev Farhad Sabokrooh

A member of the Anti-Balaka armed militia, 2017.

Photo: REUTERS/Baz Ratner

Thursday 4 July At the start of the year, CAR underwent its quadrennial human rights review at the UN. Praise God that key issues were raised, including the right to freedom of religion or belief; attacks on women, children and journalists; and the need to make accountability a reality. Pray that these recommendations will be accepted and enacted.

Friday 5 July Residents of the Kilometre 5 area of the capital, Bangui, went on strike in May 2023. They were protesting what they described as ‘the continuous harassment, kidnappings, torture, and intimidation’ in the area – and in the entire country – by Wagner mercenaries. Pray for all who are courageously taking a stand against the violations committed by all warring parties, asking God to protect them.

Saturday 6 July President Touadéra’s controversial electoral victory in 2023 and a contentious new constitution strengthened his office at the expense of democracy and rule of law.

Subsequent targeted harassment and arbitrary detentions of dissenting political figures – and even business and military figures – do not bode well for free and fair local elections in October.

Pray for justice and peace to prevail.

15

Our manifesto #13

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.

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

PO Box 99 New Malden Surrey, KT3 3YF United Kingdom Registered Charity No. 281836