Sunday 15 March
Anti-conversion laws are currently in force in ten Indian states. At the time of writing, two more are awaiting presidential assent to come into effect. Pray that the Christian and Muslim communities against whom these laws are disproportionately enforced would be protected in these states.
Find out more atcsw.org.uk/india
Monday 16 March
Last year, Uttarakhand State introduced significant amendments to its anti-conversion law, imposing harsher punishments on several offences and granting police powers to make arrests without warrants. Pray that this law would not be misused to target religious minorities. Pray ultimately for its repeal.
Tuesday 17 March
In September, a mob of 60-70 villagers in Mukaram, Chhattisgarh State, attacked the home of the only Christian family in the community, forcing them to flee 15km to a neighbouring village. Ask God to provide for Sodi and Gangi Deva and their two children today.
Wednesday 18 March
‘My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens…’ (Isaiah 48:13a) Pray that Christians worried by the Hindu nationalist path India has taken in recent years would be reassured of God’s dominion over all the earth.
Thursday 19 March
In October, assailants attacked a bus carrying a group of Christian missionaries in Jammu and Kashmir. No-one was harmed, but several police officers were pictured failing to intervene. Pray for an end to the authorities’ indifference and occasional complicity in attacks on religious minorities.
Friday 20 March
Members of the Dalit community who convert to Christianity or Islam face a form of double marginalisation because of their caste status and religious identity. Pray that they would feel known, seen and sustained by the Lord today.
Lent prayer
Saturday 21 March
Jesus is mocked and mistreated by soldiers (Luke 22:63)
Father God, we know that when you walked this earth you experienced the same kind of mockery, mistreatment and even physical assault that has been suffered by far too many Christians across India. We pray that these Christians would know your strength and solidarity in whatever they are facing, resting in the certainty that you are far more powerful than the Hindu nationalist agenda that has taken hold in the country today. Amen.