Egypt continues its turbulent journey to democracy following the fall of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011, after 30 years in office. Since then, widespread protests and harsh crackdowns by successive regimes have left thousands dead or injured. Christians and other religious minorities have experienced increasing harassment and violence at the hands of Islamist extremists, particularly following the removal of President Morsi.

An interim government is currently in the process of drafting a new constitution to lay the foundations for a united, peaceful future for all Egyptians, whatever their religion, beliefs or gender.

This week please:

• Pray for peace and protection for Coptic Orthodox Christians as they hold their Christmas celebrations this week, and for protection for Pope Tawadros;
• Pray that the interim government would rule justly during this transitional period, upholding the rights of all citizens, including its opponents;
• Pray for an end to the continuous violence, which has seen around 1,000 people killed and many more injured in clashes between Muslim Brotherhood supporters and security forces;
• Pray for effective protection for Christian communities, many of which have suffered attacks and extortion by Muslim Brotherhood supporters;
• Ask God to give courage to Christians, enabling them to rebuild their lives after over 130 churches and homes, businesses and establishments were attacked and destroyed;
• Pray for peace in the troubled Sinai region amidst the rise of extremist Islamist groups;
• Pray for wisdom for the international community as it considers its role in helping Egypt towards a peaceful future characterised by equality of citizenship.