Sunday 9 August

Father Vincent Pereira is a Roman Catholic priest from Uttar Pradesh. After preaching in church that Christianity was the only true religion, he was accused of hurting the religious sentiment of the Hindu community. He was criminally charged in 2024. Thankfully the Supreme Court halted all proceedings in April 2026 – but Father Pereira and many others still need our prayers.

Learn more at csw.org.uk/india

Monday 10 August

A rising tide of intolerance continues to claim lives in India’s tribal communities. Pray that the government would act urgently and wisely to address this – especially in Odisha State, which has seen a surge of violence and hostility towards Christians.

Tuesday 11 August

Take a moment to remember three Christians from a village in Keonjhar District, Odisha State. Jitendra Soren, his wife Malati and their 15-year-old daughter were brutally murdered in January by members of their extended family.

Wednesday 12 August

Jitendra and Malati Soren are survived by an elder married daughter, a younger daughter who managed to escape the attack, and a son who was away studying at the time. Ask God to be their comforter, their strength and their shield.

Thursday 13 August

The Soren family’s conversion to Christianity was not welcomed by their relatives, who accused them of black magic and believed their new faith was causing illness in the family. For weeks before the murder, they warned them not to go to church or face death. Yet the anti-Christian motive was left out of the police report. Pray that the case would not be dismissed as a land dispute, but that truth and justice will prevail.

Friday 14 August

It’s not only Christians who are extremely vulnerable in India. There has also been heightened hostility towards Muslims since the Bharatiya Janata Party came into power in 2014, promoting a Hindu nationalist agenda. Pray for practical measures to protect all religious minority communities, and heal societal divisions.

Saturday 15 August

Lord, we cry out against the injustice in India – that changing your faith could cost your freedom, or even your life. Please protect all who are in danger because of their beliefs. Uproot the culture of impunity so that no perpetrator escapes punishment, and others are discouraged from similar crimes. Amen

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