Sunday 1 March

On 19 September, Christian human rights defender Zhang Zhan was sentenced to four years in prison on unfounded charges of ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’. This is the second time she has received this exact sentence. Please pray for her immediate and unconditional release.

Monday 2 March

Zhang Zhan has gone on hunger strike and been force fed at the detention centre multiple times across both periods of her detention and imprisonment. Ask the Lord to sustain her physically, mentally and spiritually.

Tuesday 3 March

In October, at least 30 people were detained across seven cities as part of a crackdown on Zion Church, one of the largest unregistered churches in China. Eighteen of them went on to be formally arrested in November, including the church’s senior pastor, Ezra Jin Mingri. Pray for their release today.

Wednesday 4 March

‘The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.’ (Psalm 37:23-24) Ask God to grant Christians in China confidence in their walk with him today.

Thursday 5 March

It has been over three and a half years since a UN report concluded that China had committed ‘serious human rights violations’ and possible crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim communities in Xinjiang – but accountability is still lacking. Pray for justice today.

Friday 6 March

China is responsible for acts of transnational repression. This includes its harassment of Chinese nationals living abroad, and its policy of forcibly returning North Korean defectors back to North Korea, where they are almost certain to face imprisonment and torture. Pray that governments would grow bolder in standing against these actions.

Lent prayer

Saturday 7 March

Jesus’ unjust arrest (Matthew 26:50)

Lord Jesus, today we remember how you were seized by soldiers in the garden of Gethsemane and taken away to trial, though you had done nothing wrong. With humble hearts, we thank you for taking the punishment we deserved. We remember now those who have been unjustly arrested, detained or held captive because of their beliefs. Draw near to comfort and sustain them, and make a way to set them free. Amen.

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