International Women’s Day Revisit our 2022 report: csw.org.uk/LetHerBeHeard

Sunday 8 March

On International Women’s Day, pray for indigenous religious minority women who are marginalised in multiple ways, including by their ethnic and linguistic identity, their socio-economic status, their gender and their religious beliefs. Ask God to show them how much he loves and values them.

Monday 9 March

On 6 October the body of Roman Catholic priest Bertoldo Pantaléon Estrada was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds inside his vehicle, over 65km from his home parish. Please pray for his community, and for a full investigation to ensure that justice is served.

Tuesday 10 March

Our friends at the Catholic Multimedia Center told us that killings like that of Father Pantaléon Estrada are often quick to fall out of coverage in the Mexican press. Pray for greater, sustained attention on the vulnerability of religious leaders working in Mexico today.

Wednesday 11 March

‘The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.’ Pray Psalm 147:11 over church leaders working in difficult contexts in Mexico. May they know the Lord’s delight in their efforts today.

Thursday 12 March

It is almost two years since over 170 Protestant Christians were forcibly displaced from the villages of Coamila and Rancho Nuevo in Hidalgo State. Most are now living in a village in the neighbouring state of Veracruz. Ask God to provide for them and protect others from experiencing similar violations. Find out more at csw.org.uk/mexico

Friday 13 March

Pray that God would move the hearts of those in positions of authority to improve understanding of freedom of religion or belief – particularly among indigenous communities. May they not shy away from challenging the culture of impunity in which violations often take place.

Lent Prayer

Saturday 14 March

Peter under pressure to deny Jesus (John 18:17)

Lord Jesus, we consider how your friend Peter denied you three times whilst fearing for his own life and freedom. We also give thanks that you forgave and reinstated him. Today we are moved to remember that Christians in Mexico are facing similar pressures to renounce their faith, including within indigenous communities.

We thank you that you are close to the marginalised and the oppressed. Please protect and provide for the displaced, the vulnerable and the overlooked in Mexico today. Amen.

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