‘Attacks on churches and Christian houses are now a routine occurrence… Whichever government is in power, hatred and attacks against Christians will continue.’ – Arun Pannalal, President of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum.

India remains a nation divided. Intolerance and violence towards religious minorities remains widespread, with perpetrators emboldened by a culture of impunity and a government which espouses a fiercely Hindu nationalist rhetoric.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/india

Sunday 3 April

Mob violence by Hindu nationalists remains rife in India. On 29 August 2021 between 150 and 200 armed fundamentalists attacked an estimated 60 Christians gathered for a peaceful worship service. Pray that peace would reign in these communities, and that justice would be served in this and other cases like it.

Monday 4 April

Declare this verse over the hearts of every Christian in India today: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ (John 14:27).

Tuesday 5 April

Praise God for the life of our friend and colleague Nehemiah Christie, a Christian leader and human rights defender who passed away from COVID-related illness in 2021. Nehemiah was a proud defender of freedom of religion or belief for all. Ask that God would raise up many like him across India today.

Wednesday 6 April

The vital work of NGOs, including many Christian and Islamic charities, has been severely impeded by the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act which came into effect in 2020. Please pray that this would be lifted, and that these organisations would have their vital funding streams restored.

Thursday 7 April

Today, please pray for members of the Tribal and Dalit communities who have faced endemic discrimination for decades. Those who convert to Christianity and Islam can face particular economic challenges. Ask God to protect and provide for them today.

Friday 8 April

Last year, Pastor Alok Rajhans of the Christ Service House was killed in an attack on his church in Luasingha village in Odisha. After his death, his son Ujjwal Prakash Rajhans pledged to continue his father’s ministry. Please ask God to richly bless him today.

Saturday 9 April

Father God, today we pray for India. Where there is division bring reconciliation, where there is inequality bring justice, and where there is violence bring peace. May the nation rise up as a proud beacon of religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence. Amen.

Download a printable copy of this week’s Prayer Diary.