‘We are concerned that the remaining Christians will be forced to leave, which would be a big loss for us all.’
In September, the commander of an Islamist militia confiscated 500 acres of land belonging to Christian farmers in Ras Al-Ein in northern Syria. The town is currently under the control of a coalition of these militias, which are supported by the governments of Qatar and Turkey.
In June, an army commander promised to protect the few remaining Christians in the area, but this has not been followed through.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/syria
Sunday 10 November
Pray today for Christians in Ras Al-Ein, that their land would be returned to them, and they would no longer face hostility and harassment from the Islamist groups that control the area.
Monday 11 November
Pray that the governments of Qatar and Turkey would cut all funding to militias responsible for violence and human rights violations, and that the international community would in turn hold these governments to account for their own complicity in these injustices.
Tuesday 12 November
‘The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.’ (Psalm 34:7) Pray that Christians in Ras Al-Ein and across Syria would know and see this protection in their lives today.
Wednesday 13 November
It has now been more than a decade since the Islamic State declared a caliphate in Syria. The group may have lost control of the territory it once held, but the impact of its atrocities continues to be felt today. Pray for healing and justice.
Thursday 14 November
The Syrian government continues to incarcerate thousands of political prisoners, and there are concerning reports of torture in Syrian detention centres. Pray for the release of all who should not be detained, and that the human rights of all prisoners would be respected.
Friday 15 November
Above all else there remains an urgent need for a comprehensive ceasefire and a sustainable political solution to the conflict. Pray that God would make a way for this to be achieved, even where the international community may not see one.
Saturday 16 November
Lord God, we thank you that you still rule and reign over Syria. We ask for justice and reconciliation today, that you would remove from positions of influence those set on violence and division, and raise up peacemakers to lead with truth and integrity. Amen.