Galatians 6:9-10 calls us to ‘do good to all people.’ It’s true that there is an emphasis on our fellow believers. But, as the Bishop of Truro explained in his article on p.14 of Response, the command to ‘do good to all’ is certainly not exclusive. Here are four prayers to pray throughout this week.

‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Father God, we are impatient for freedom and justice for all, and long for suffering to come to a swift end. Yet we know that meaningful, systemic changes take time. Grant us today a fresh determination to keep pursuing a world where everyone is free to believe – no matter how long it takes. Amen.

‘Therefore, as we have opportunity…

Thank you, Father, that each of us has a part to play in campaigning for freedom of religion or belief for all. Give us opportunities to share with our friends, churches and communities the stories of those who are facing injustice. Give us the words to share why we, as Christians, speak up for people of all religious beliefs and none. Amen.

‘…let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.’ (Galatians 6:9-10)

Lord, it breaks our hearts to hear of any human suffering. We think especially of Pakistan, which saw 78 documented cases of girls being abducted and forced to convert last year: 38 Christians, 39 Hindus, and 1 Sikh. We lift them all up to you, asking for their miraculous, safe return to their loved ones, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ (John 3:16)

Father God, may our actions reflect the breadth of your love for all people around the world – the love that sent Jesus to the cross, his arms open wide to all humanity, so that everyone could have the opportunity to choose him.

Use us to bring injustices to light, to amplify the voices of the oppressed, and to call for urgent intervention for people of all religions and beliefs – without discrimination. Amen.

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