As we enter Holy Week and meditate on Christ’s passion and death, let us bring before God all those currently suffering for their religious beliefs, particularly those in the darkest of situations who are desperately praying for change. May we remember that through his death on the cross, Christ has given meaning to suffering. And let us pray with confidence, knowing that our Lord is never far away.

Sunday 5 April

‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ (Matthew 27:46) Remember those held hostage because of their faith, for whom this opening verse of (Psalm 22), which Christ echoed on the cross, must ring true. The psalmist ultimately declares confidence in God’s deliverance; pray that those unjustly detained would likewise know that God will never abandon them.

Monday 6 April

‘I thirst.’ (John 19:28) Remember all those facing the gravest of injustices on account of their beliefs, especially those who thirst for huge institutional change in their countries. Pray that they wouldn’t lose hope in God’s power to transform even the worst situations.

Tuesday 7 April

‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ (Luke 23:34) Pray today that all those who cause suffering to others on account of their faith would come to recognise what they’re doing, and would have a profound and immediate change of heart.

Wednesday 8 April

‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’ (Luke 23:43) In the hour of his greatest suffering Christ offered comfort to the good thief. Pray that all those facing unimaginable suffering on account of their beliefs would be comforted by Christ today.

Thursday 9 April

‘Woman here is your son…Here is your mother.’ (John 19:26-27) Pray for all those around the world whose family members have been detained or have disappeared because of their beliefs. Ask Christ to strengthen and sustain them as they desperately wait for news of their loved ones.

Friday 10 April

‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ (Luke 23:46) Jesus humbly offered up his suffering to the Father. This Good Friday pray that Christians who are denied their religious freedom would be able to join their sufferings with Christ and, following his example, offer them up as a loving sacrifice to God.

Saturday 11 April

‘It is finished.’ (John 18:30) Loving Lord Jesus, with your very final words you declared the completion of your earthly ministry by which you made salvation possible. May your words – words of victory and not of sorrow – bring profound comfort to all those we work for. Amen.

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