Almost a year ago, credible reports emerged that over 500 North Korean refugees had been forcibly repatriated to North Korea from China. Most were civilians and many held religious beliefs.
Those returned to North Korea frequently face torture, imprisonment, and in some cases even public execution. Those found to have had contact with Christians are known to face particularly harsh punishment.
Praying for North Korea can sometimes feel impossible, given the gravity of the widespread human rights violations in the country. But we believe in a God who can move mountains, part oceans and – even more incredibly – move human hearts.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/NorthKorea
Sunday 22 September
‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ (John 1:5) Pray that Christ’s transformative light will overcome the darkness of the North Korean regime.
Monday 23 September
Today is Save North Korean Refugees Day. Pray for the protection and safety of those who have been forcibly returned to North Korea or who remain at risk in China. Pray that countries like China would have a change of heart and stop repatriating refugees.
Tuesday 24 September
Many North Koreans have a window to the outside world through foreign media smuggled into the country, including by radio and on USB sticks. Pray that God would keep these information flows open and secure.
Wednesday 25 September
Ten years ago, the UN Commission of Inquiry reported that there was no parallel in the world to the human rights abuses happening in North Korea. Today, the situation is even worse. We thank God for those who are shining a light on the grave abuses taking place in the country, and pray that the international community would not shy away from holding North Korea to account.
Thursday 26 September
The inquiry found ‘an almost complete denial of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion’. Pray that citizens would have their fundamental freedoms restored and be able to practise a religion or belief of their choice without fear.
Friday 27 September
Many Christians end up in kwanliso (prison camps) in conditions that are, as you can imagine, utterly appalling. Though these Christians have vanished from the eyes of the world, pray they would know and feel that God’s presence is with them.
Saturday 28 September
Lord, today we pray for the people of North Korea. Move powerfully to protect them and grant them true freedom, peace, justice and opportunity. Amen.