At this time when peace is a word that’s used in everything from cards to carols, let’s remember those for whom peace is a very real and desperate need. Not everywhere this year will have a peaceful Christmas: so it’s vital that we pray for peace at this time. 

• Saturday 10 December
  

Christmas can be a particularly dangerous time for the church in northern Nigeria, where celebrations are often targeted. In April a splinter group from Boko Haram, an Islamist terror group, reaffirmed its intention to target Christians as well as government officials. Please pray that Christians would be able to worship peacefully and without fear. 

• Sunday 11 December
  

Earlier this year the Colombian government and the guerrilla groups signed a historic peace agreement to end the country’s 52-year civil war. But as we go to press, a very close public vote saw Colombians reject the peace deal. We won’t stop, though: we’ll keep working towards reconciliation and justice for the victims. Pray for peace across Colombia and for unity as all those involved work out the next steps.

• Monday 12 December
  

Another place where Christians often cannot worship peacefully is Indonesia: congregations are sometimes locked out of their churches and must meet outside, where they’re the targets of abuse. Please pray for peaceful worship for these congregations during the Christmas period.

• Tuesday 13 December
  

The Middle East hasn’t been far from our minds this year, due to the devastating scenes of violence from Syria and Iraq. Many people have fled their homes because of the extreme violence: some risking their lives crossing into Europe by boat while many others have walked, in one of the largest forced migrations in decades. Pray that a spirit of peace would cover the Middle East.

• Wednesday 14 December
  

Please pray for Burma as the country continues to step forward into a new, more democratic era following their elections. Burma was until very recently ruled by a brutal military dictatorship, so pray for government officials as they work towards a more peaceful and just future for all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. 

• Thursday 15 December
  

Every year at Christmas time the Iranian authorities launch a campaign of arrests and harassment, that has been nicknamed the government’s ‘Christmas present’. Pray for safety and peace for Christians during this year’s celebrations.

• Friday 16 December
  

Please pray for all our partners around the world who work in often difficult and dangerous circumstances, and at great risk to themselves, but are courageous in all they do to work for religious freedom in their countries.

• Saturday 17 December
  

Father God, as we remember the peace that you brought at Christmas, we pray for those for whom this Christmas will be far from peaceful. Watch over their celebrations, Lord, and dwell among them as they gather. Amen.