Many of us will remember seeing the devastating images on the news in February, after parts of Syria and Turkey were rocked by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake. Over 59,000 people were killed and 121,000 others were injured in the earthquake and aftershocks.

For the people of northern and western Syria, the earthquake added to a humanitarian crisis in a region which has endured years of heavy bombardment by the Syrian government and backed by Russia.

Even as people try to rebuild their lives, reports have emerged that the Syrian and Turkish governments are blocking and delaying humanitarian aid from reaching the region.

Más información en csw.org.uk/Syria

Sunday 13 August

Please continue to pray for those in Syria and Turkey still dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake. Ask God to comfort those who are grieving, to shelter those who lost their homes, and to heal those still recovering from their injuries.

Monday 14 August

The earthquake led to the suspension of sanctions on the Syrian regime in order to assist with humanitarian efforts. Pray that this does not impede efforts to hold President Bashar al-Assad to account for violence and violations against his own people.

Tuesday 15 August

Pray that the international community would also hold other regimes, like those of Russia and Turkey, responsible for their part in the past 12 years of conflict and human rights violations in Syria.

Wednesday 16 August

‘The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.’ (Psalm 145:9)

Pray that the people of Syria would know God’s goodness and compassion in every difficulty they are facing today.

Thursday 17 August

In December 2022, CSW received multiple reports of the vandalization of Yazidi cemeteries during a Yazidi religious festival. The Yazidi community remains highly vulnerable, particularly in areas under Turkish control where Islamist groups operate with impunity. Pray for their protection.

Friday 18 August

This year marked the tenth anniversary of the abduction of two senior Syrian clergy: Archbishop Boulos (Paul) Yazigi of the Greek Orthodox Church, and Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Pray for answers and closure, as their whereabouts remain unknown to this day.

Saturday 19 August

In Jeremiah 33 we see a promise of restoration to the land of Judah – that it would once again be filled with sounds of joy and gladness. Lord, we want to see your restoration in Syria today. Out of the rubble of the earthquake and the years of conflict, we pray for hope and justice to rise. Amen.

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