Heavenly Father, we lift the up the nation of Nigeria to Your loving care. We pray for all citizens to be united against the perpetrators of violence and terrorism. We pray for peace and justice to reign over the undivided land and healing for all victims of terrorism and their families.

This week, please:

• Pray for victims of January’s Bomb blasts in Bauchi and Kano states,northern Nigeria, in which over 180 people died, and for those suffering as a result of other atrocities.
• Remember the needs of Christians who have been displaced by violence and threats. Pray that indigenous Christians can stay in their homelands. Pray especially for Christians in Yobe, Borno and Kano.
• Ask God to dismantle the Boko Haram network, expose its benefactors and bring them to justice, and bring a definitive end to the bombings, threats and killings.
• Pray that the national and international authorities would make the combating of religiously-motivated violence a priority, and for an end to impunity.
• Pray for congregation of St Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla,where over 35 died during the 2011 Christmas Day bombing.
• Pray for all those involved in interfaith cooperation. Pray that these efforts would be effective in ending violence and reprisals and bringing religious communities together as they recognise their overriding common citizenship. Pray for CSW and our Nigerian partners as we work for peace, reconciliation and religious freedom.