Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: March 25, 2023
‘Why? What crime has he committed?’ asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!’ (Mark 15:12-15)
Pontius Pilate knew that Jesus had done nothing to deserve death. He had the power and opportunity to release a prisoner, as was customary during Passover, yet he chose not to release the innocent one.
Around the world today, there are many leaders who fail to act justly. Instead of protecting and upholding freedom of religion or belief for all, many are failing to intervene where human rights are being violated. And in the countries CSW works on, the perpetrators of injustice are often the very people who are meant to uphold the law.
For the fifth week of our Lent series, join us in praying for leaders and authorities.
You may have a particular country or government on your heart, or you may want to visit csw.org.uk/ourwork and pray for the leaders of one of the countries CSW works on. For example, Xi Jinping in China; Kim Jong-un in North Korea; the military junta in Myanmar/Burma; President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, in Nicaragua.
Please pray:
- That the Holy Spirit would work powerfully in the hearts of leaders who are perpetrating human rights violations, causing dramatic transformation and an end to their crackdown on freedom of religion or belief.
- For increased international pressure that brings change and holds governments to account.
- For police officers, prosecutors, judges and others in positions of legal authority around the world. Pray that God will raise up people with integrity, who will listen to evidence and use their power for good.
- For unjust verdicts to be overturned – especially for those targeted because of their religion or belief, or for defending the rights of others.