This week, we would like you to pray for Burma. While the election of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party in November was an amazing victory, the military – who for decades controlled the country – remains very powerful. This means that the NLD government needs to find a way of cooperating with a military regime that has led decades of oppressive rule. It’s going to be a real challenge steering the country from decades of oppression to true democracy, so let’s petition the God of miracles to secure Burma’s future as a country of peace.

Please also pray for Cardinal Bo, Archbishop of Rangoon, who is a dedicated defender of human rights, especially freedom of religion, and long-term friend of CSW. He will be visiting the UK this month.

This week please pray:

• For Burma’s new president, U Htin Kyaw, as he takes office as the first civilian president in over 50 years;
• For wisdom for Aung San Suu Kyi in her capacity as Burma’s new Foreign Minister and the ruling party’s ‘state counsellor’;
• Asking God to strengthen and encourage political prisoners who are paying such a high price for expressing their views;
• That restrictive laws on freedom of religion or belief would be repealed before they can further harm freedom of religion or belief in Burma;
• Please pray for health, strength, energy and wisdom, and continuing courage and protection for Cardinal Bo;
• That this time of transition would mark the beginning of a new era of peace in Burma;
• Thanking God for the changes that have already taken place in Burma.