‘We recognise that the road to peace is long, tedious and dangerous, albeit encouraging.’ – Pablo Moreno, Director of the Colombian Council of Evangelical Churches Peace Commission

This week marks five years since the Colombian government announced a peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP). Despite this deal bringing an end to more than 50 years of conflict, the progress of peace has been slow and remains very fragile.

Colombia continues to experience violence from illegal armed groups – violence which threatens to return the country to open conflict. These groups are also largely responsible for attacks on church leaders and human rights defenders. Find out more at csw.org.uk/colombia

Sunday 22 August

Ask God to protect members of indigenous communities, who are being attacked, detained or forcibly displaced for converting away from traditional beliefs. Pray for swift government action to change discriminatory laws and protect freedom of religion or belief for every citizen, including indigenous Colombians.

Monday 23 August

Pray today for religious minority children in indigenous areas, who are being discriminated against in the classroom or face difficulties enrolling in school at all. May they be able to enjoy their right to an education, alongside their right to follow a religion or belief of their choice.

Tuesday 24 August

Five years ago today, the Colombian Congress announced their peace agreement with the FARC-EP. Although the country is far from peaceful, we thank God that this deal brought an end to the 52-year armed conflict and which sought to prevent thousands more lives from being lost.

Wednesday 25 August

In light of ongoing violence from illegal armed groups, pray that the Colombian government will work with increased urgency to fully implement the 2016 peace deal. May they fulfil their promise of peace by voting for policies that uphold the agreement, rather than undermining it.

Thursday 26 August

In some areas, members of illegal armed groups threaten and pressure church leaders and their families to actively cooperate with them in different ways. Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on these Christian households so that peace reigns instead of fear.

Friday 27 August

Pray today for a miraculous change of heart within the leaders of illegal armed groups. We call for transformation that leads them to cease their violent attacks on civilians immediately.

Saturday 28 August

Lord of peace, we urgently pray for an end to the violence and violations in Colombia. Comfort and protect every citizen as they wait for the promises of the peace agreement to become reality. Amen.

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