Prayer Diary: Inspiring Women

This week marks International Womens Day on Thursday. At CSW, were privileged to work with many inspiring women all over the world who stand up for freedom of religion or belief despite the additional layer of difficulties added because of their gender, including misogyny, fewer educational opportunities, and fewer chances to raise their voices. Please join us in praying for them this week: for God to bless them and their work, and in hope for a future of equality and justice

Prayer Diary: Egypt

Thank you so much for praying for Egypt faithfully over the years. Though the situation there remains very difficult, we know that your consistent entreaties to God mean so much to those you pray for, and make a significant difference in the lives of those who are suffering. This week, please join us in bringing Egypt to God in prayer once more.

Prayer Diary: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a beautiful island and a common holiday destination: however, everyday life for the islanders is far from idyllic. Violent extremist Buddhist groups, hate speech, and crimes against religious minorities going unpunished these are just a few of the issues that need your prayers.br

Prayer Diary: China

Only in religious faith can the inherent depth and height of the human heart, its joy and sorrow, its behavior, destiny and protest, the development of human nature, and the significance of human conscience be grasped in a meaningful way. These are the words of Gao Zhisheng, a Christian human rights lawyer in China who was disappeared last year. Imprisoned and beaten multiple times for his work defending human rights, Gaos case is just one example of the dire state of human rights, especially freedom of religion, in China.

Prayer Diary: Cuba

This week were focusing our prayers on Cuba. Though the international attitude to the island has shifted over the years, many Christians in Cuba face a daily reality of police visits, pressure from local government authorities, and, if theyre children, bullying at school from both children and teachers just because of their faith. Its a situation of often almost unbearable pressure: please hold Cuban Christians in your prayers this week.

Prayer Diary: Nigeria

Thank you so much for your prayers for Nigeria last November for the International Day of Prayer and Red Wednesday. So many of you joined us in a month of prayer and solidarity for the persecuted Church in Nigeria, and were incredibly grateful for your support!

Prayer Diary: Burma

Were so grateful for your continued prayers for freedom and democracy in Burma. Last year Rakhine State exploded in violence as the Burma Army began to attack the Rohingya, a mostly Muslim ethnic group that the Burmese government refuses to recognise as citizens. This means that they have almost no rights, and the attacks against them have escalated into horrific proportions, with thousands shot and killed and many more forced from their homes. The Rohingya badly need your prayers this week.

Prayer Diary: Faith and a Future

Time and again, through the course of our work, weve met children who are suffering because of their faith. This suffering often goes unseen, and these young people pay a very high price: with their education and their future.br

Prayer Diary: Egypt

Though Egypts president has made encouraging signs of reconciliation towards the Christian) community, the everyday reality for most of Egypts minorities can be very different. This week, please join us in praying for them and for Egypt as the nation struggles to address the terrorist threat.

Prayer Diary: Pakistan

CSW has been working in Pakistan for over 20 years: long term advocacy, training and fact-finding that wouldnt be possible without your faithful prayer and support. Life is increasingly difficult for Pakistans religious minorities, but thanks to the length of time weve been working there CSW is able to work quickly and effectively in response to emergencies and human rights abuses and it all begins with your prayers!

Prayer Diary: Mexico

This week, were praying for Mexico, where communities are often split along religious lines. Majority Catholic communities use harsh measures to try to force Protestants living among them to conform to the majority. But its not just Protestants who are under threat: Mexico is also the most dangerous country in the world to be a Catholic priest.

Prayer Diary: Sudan

Sudan is an extremely difficult place to be a Christian: the government wants the country to be 100% Islamic, and is using a variety of tactics to suppress other faiths. Christians often face harassment and violence for practising their faith peacefully, and are actively obstructed by the government.