Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:8-10

It’s nearly time for presents! For many people – especially children – this is their favourite part of Christmas, and it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement of giving and receiving presents. This is just a small reflection of the joy God feels at giving good things to his people – but the presents God gives can often be something a bit less material and a lot more spectacular. This year, God has delivered people from prison, raised the profile of religious freedom, and empowered us to work at the very highest political levels.

As we head towards the home stretch to Christmas, let’s thank God for the gift of his grace in the cause of religious freedom this year.

This week, please:

• Thank God for the success of our lobbying actions: one third of UK MPs in the House of Commons were lobbied by their constituents to attend our religious freedom toolkit launch;
• Thank God for the 850 people who signed up to pray during the China Week of Prayer;
• Praise God for the release of other prisoners, such as Gao Zhisheng in China and Pastor Ksor Y Du in Vietnam;
• Thank God for the thousands who prayed and campaigned for the Sudanese pastors imprisoned earlier this year, after which they were released;
• Thank God for the recent Latin America conference that saw many people encouraged and informed by sharing their experiences of persecution;
• Praise God for the opportunities CSW has had this year to speak at the UN about freedom of religion or belief;
• Thank God for his provision in 2015, and for the knowledge that he has even better things planned in 2016!