Sunday 2 November
Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Let’s join in prayer with Christians in Afghanistan and around the world, uniting our voices for freedom and peace and justice.
Monday 3 November
Christians and Ahmadi Muslims report that they worship primarily in private or ‘nondescript’ places of worship to avoid discrimination and harassment in Afghanistan. Ask God to protect them from targeting and make a way for everyone’s fundamental rights and dignity to be respected.
Tuesday 4 November
Pray for the safety of the Hazara people; one of the largest ethnic minorities in Afghanistan. Predominantly Shi’a Muslims, they face systematic discrimination and recurring periods of targeted violence and enforced displacement. Those who flee to Pakistan are likely to face discrimination for belonging to the Shi’a branch of Islam.
Wednesday 5 November
The de facto Taliban regime has introduced harsh measures which hamper the daily lives of women and girls. Women and girls are banned from working, from getting an education, and from visiting most public spaces. Pray that the world would speak up and pressure the Taliban to lift restrictions that UN experts have described as ‘gender apartheid’.
Thursday 6 November
Pray for the many Afghan refugees who have been repatriated from Pakistan and Iran. Christians especially are at extreme risk of persecution by the Taliban, who do not recognise the nation’s religious diversity. Under their strict Sharia interpretation, they believe these Christian converts to be apostates and therefore liable to be killed.
Friday 7 November
With many countries discouraging asylum seekers, we pray that people would realise the desperation that drives Afghan refugees to flee their homeland and seek safety abroad. Ask the Lord to guide leaders with wisdom and compassion, opening hearts and borders to those in urgent need.
Saturday 8 November
Today we remember all who were affected by the devastating earthquake of 31 August, in which more than 2,000 people lost their lives. Pray for vulnerable minority communities who may continue to face discrimination at the hands of the Taliban in the aftermath of this tragedy.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/afghanistan