We recently talked to two members of our Advocacy team about how they deal with stories from our work where there have been both good and bad results; for example, when we rejoice that a prisoner has been freed, but they live under continued restrictions. This highlighted the need for continued prayer, even for cases that seem ‘closed’ or to have come to a happy conclusion.

Sunday 5 May

Today, pray for Vietnamese human rights lawyer Nguyen Van Dai, asking God to meet his needs to enable him to continue his human rights work from exile in Germany. He was imprisoned for his work fighting injustice, and was released into exile in 2018.

Monday 6 May

Pray for protection for Asia Bibi and her family following the dismissal of the blasphemy charges against her. Asia Noreen, better known as Asia Bibi, was falsely accused of blasphemy in 2009 and had been on death row in Pakistan since 2010. Her acquittal at the end of 2018 prompted widespread protests in Pakistan and an appeal against the verdict – praise God that her acquittal was upheld by Pakistan’s Supreme Court in January.

Tuesday 7 May

Mario Felix Lleonart Barroso and his wife Yoaxis are Cuban human rights activists who were forced to move to the US for the safety of their family. They’re still very active in campaigning for religious freedom in Cuba: pray that God would continue to bless their efforts and provide them with the resources they need.

Wednesday 8 May

Some of our Advocacy staff told us that they pray, ‘Heavenly Father, be with us as we use our skills to help this person and be what they need at this point in time. Bring them through this experience and end the injustice, for them and for others like them who face similar discrimination, hostility and persecution.’ Join them in committing their cases to God with this prayer.

Thursday 9 May

When we focus on the bittersweet nature of the news we sometimes receive, it’s important to remember to thank God for his provision and goodness. Today, thank God for the ways in which he’s blessed CSW’s work in 2019 so far.

Friday 10 May

‘You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.’ Psalm 32:7 Pray this verse over all those we work with today.

Saturday 11 May

Heavenly Father, thank you that you are sovereign even when the news we receive isn’t exactly what we’d hoped. We pray for your hand over the outcomes of all our cases, and for your protection and guidance over all the people we work with. Amen.