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‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed.’ 2 Corinthians 4:6-9 Reverend Yunusa Nmadu, CEO of CSW-Nigeria, used the Apostle Paul’s words to describe the plight of Christians in northern Nigeria, at our Pursue Justice Live event this year. Every day this week we’re bringing you quotes from his talk as we pray for Nigeria.

“Christians in northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt are suffering unimaginable hardship at the hands of Muslim fundamentalists, Boko Haram terrorists and Muslim Fulani herdsmen forces…The failure of duty bearers in Nigeria to uphold the constitution, especially in the area of protecting the religious rights of her citizens, is total.” Pray Psalm 91 over Christians in these areas – that God would be their refuge and protection.

On Nigerian Independence Day, please pray for those in government in Nigeria, that they would take effective action to protect all vulnerable communities, regardless of their religion or belief; and that in the words of the national anthem, they would work hard to ‘build a nation where peace and justice shall reign’.

“The blood of Christians has so saturated the ground that the earth no more soaks it. People are poured into mass graves – repeatedly. The blood of men, women, children is crying out for justice.” Pray for justice to roll on like a river, and righteousness like a never-failing stream (Amos 5:24).

“The world needs to be clear about the extent of persecution and the need for legal redress so that terrorists and criminals will not triumph, and in order that the church that is being ‘crushed’ will not be ‘destroyed.’” Ask God to hear and answer the cry Christians in the north and the Middle Belt (Psalm 126).

“Fifteen-year-old Leah Sharibu is [still] with her captors merely because she refused to deny her faith. The young girl watched 104 Muslim girls released upon the negotiation of the Nigerian government with the terrorists, while she was left behind because of the profession of her faith.” As we go to print Leah is still being held by the Islamist terror group. Please pray for her safe and swift release.

“In Benue State alone, the governor, Samuel Ortom, said that 1,878 persons were murdered between 2013 and 2016, 750 were seriously wounded, 200 were missing, and 99,427 households were affected with billions of naira [the currency of Nigeria] worth of property destroyed.” Pray for these households: that God would provide them with resources and somewhere safe to live.

Heavenly Father, we lift the nation of Nigeria to you, and especially Christians in the north and Middle Belt. We know that although they are persecuted, you, Lord, have not abandoned them. Grant them heavenly protection and supernatural endurance, and move powerfully on the hearts of those in government, convicting them to ensure justice and protection. Amen.