Thank you for joining us in prayer this Lent. Over the next few weeks, we will be reflecting on Jesus’s journey to the cross and praying especially for those who may be more vulnerable at this time of year, because of their beliefs. 

CSW is a human rights organisation advocating for freedom of religion or belief. As Christians, we stand with everyone facing injustice because of their religion or belief. 

Download a printable copy of these prayers here

Saturday 21 February 

Jesus wept (John 11:1-44) 

Lord Jesus, as you wept with your friends while Lazarus was in the tomb, so we ask you to be with those whose loved ones have been killed in Colombia. Encourage them in their faith, knowing that you are the resurrection and the life. You have power even over death. Now move in power over this nation – even as criminal groups seek to instil fear and seize control. Bring peace, life and freedom to Colombia throughout this season of Lent. Amen. 

Saturday 28 February 

Pilate’s failure to release an innocent man (Mark 15:13-15) 

As we remember this part of Jesus’ journey to the cross, we reflect on the imperfect and unjust leaders of this world. Lord, we pray that you will raise up leaders with integrity – at local, national and international levels – who will listen to evidence and use their power for good. We pray for unjust verdicts to be overturned, in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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 – in countries like China, Eritrea and Iran. Draw near to comfort and sustain them, and make a way to set them free. Amen. 

Saturday 14 March 

Peter under pressure to deny Jesus (John 18:17) 

Lord Jesus, we consider how your friend Peter denied you three times whilst fearing for his own life and freedom. We also give thanks that you forgave and reinstated him. Today we are moved to remember that Christians in Mexico are facing similar pressures to renounce their faith, including within indigenous communities. We thank you that you are close to the marginalised and the oppressed. Please protect and provide for the displaced, the vulnerable and the overlooked in Mexico today. Amen. 

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. 

Saturday 28 March 

‘Why have you forsaken me?’ (Matthew 27:46) 

Lord Jesus, you know what it is to suffer. You are the suffering servant, who understands the pain of those living under oppression in North Korea. Bring your strength, comfort, power and hope to those who feel forsaken. We think especially of those in prison camps, those who have fled the country, and Christians who may be following you in secret. Show them that they are not forsaken. Amen. 

Holy Week 

Who will you pray for this Holy Week? Perhaps there is a story in Response & Prayer Diary that stands out to you, or a particular country or person that has been on your heart for a while. 

Here are seven verses to guide your prayers – especially for Christians who may be more vulnerable as Easter approaches. 

Sunday 29 March 

‘For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.’ (Romans 3:23–24) 

Monday 30 March 

‘But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.’ (Ephesians 2:4–5) 

Tuesday 31 March 

‘But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.’ (Isaiah 53:5) 

Wednesday 1 April 

‘For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.’ (Titus 2:11) 

Thursday 2 April 

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28) 

Friday 3 April 

‘He forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.’ (Colossians 2:13b-15) 

Saturday 4 April 

‘Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…’ (Philippians 2:9-10a) 

Rachel from CSW’s External Affairs Team says: 

‘I’m particularly thinking about Christians in Colombia. I remember a when pastor told us last year: “I wanted to call the churches to a season of prayer and fasting for peace in our country… but it is too risky.” 

It stirs me to pray, knowing that we can stand in the gap for them. ‘I’m praying through these verses, that they would be refreshed in the hope of the Gospel. 

As Christians we believe there is something more than this world can offer. A brighter hope; a surer future. Perfect justice; perfect peace. A saviour who is familiar with suffering. It’s difficult to hear what’s happening in the world – often in painful detail – but it helps to recentre my mind on God’s word. He is eternally triumphant, and one day every knee will bow.’ 

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We hope that your heart has been stirred to continue standing with those who face injustice for what they believe. Here are three ways you can continue to take action:

Join us in prayer: csw.org.uk/prayer 

Speak up for justice: csw.org.uk/campaign 

Give to help make religious freedom a reality: csw.org.uk/give