Our prayers this week are for the full, complete truth to be revealed, particularly in cases of gross human rights violations and grave breaches of humanitarian law. And where evidence has already been uncovered, we pray that the truth will lead to justice.
Sunday 23 March
The UN Human Rights Council is currently taking place in Geneva. Pray that world leaders will be stirred to action as they hear the research, analysis and recommendations from CSW’s advocates.
Monday 24 March
Key date: International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and the Dignity of Victims.
Light a candle today as we honour the memory of those who have been disappeared, abducted, tortured or even executed in connection with their religion or belief. Pray for the truth to be brought to light and for the comfort of their loved ones, waiting for answers in what may feel like darkness.
Tuesday 25 March
Three South Korean missionaries have been detained incommunicado in North Korea for over a decade now. They are Pastor Kim Jung-wook, Pastor Kim Kook-kie, and Pastor Choi Chun-gil. Pray for their freedom, for news of their whereabouts, and that they would be allowed to contact their families and lawyers.
Wednesday 26 March
Kyu Li and Cheol-ok are sisters. They haven’t seen each other since they escaped North Korea separately in the late 1990s. In April 2023, while trying to leave China to be reunited with her sister, Cheol-ok was apprehended and sent back to North Korea. Pray for her fate and whereabouts to be revealed. Kyu Li said: ‘Every day I just miss her…One day I will find her. If she’s alive.’
Thursday 27 March
Ask God to bless the efforts of the UN fact- finding mission for Sudan. It has already reported that both warring parties (the RSF and SAF) are responsible for appalling violations, which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Pray that the full extent of their crimes will be made known and increase the pressure for justice and peace.
Friday 28 March
It’s estimated that over 2,500 Yazidi women are still missing dating back to 2014, when Islamic State swept across vast swathes of Iraq and Syria, seeking to convert or enslave all those deemed to be ‘non-believers’. Pray that the international community will step up efforts to find and liberate those who are held captive by terrorists.
Saturday 29 March
‘Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.’ (Proverbs 12:19 NLT)
Thank you, Lord, for everyone who works to establish the truth. We pray for lies to be exposed, and that even the most powerful perpetrators will be held to account. Draw near to the victims, survivors and their families with your Spirit of peace and restoration. Amen.