Source:  www.csw.org.uk

Date:  February 5, 2022

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)

This proverb speaks of the strength, power and protection found in God’s name alone – a place of safety for those who run to him.

Today we pray for the people of Myanmar/Burma, a year on from the military coup which plunged innocent civilians into a humanitarian crisis.

After a year of bloodshed, displacement and atrocities at the hands of the Tatmadaw (the army), we pray again for a turning point and an end to military rule.

‘Even churches are not safe from attacks’

While everyone in Myanmar is suffering the consequences of the coup, Christians have been targeted with particular intensity. Congregations have been driven out by fear and fighting, their churches destroyed or taken over as army bases. At least five church leaders have been killed in Chin state alone.

A Catholic leader in Kayah state said: ‘Fear is instilled in the hearts of people. Even churches are not safe from attacks.’

Meanwhile Muslims – especially Rohingyas – continue to face grinding persecution at the hands of a military regime driven by extreme Burman Buddhist nationalism.

‘So let us redouble our prayers and our efforts’

It’s hard to know where to begin to pray, but one of the most urgent needs is for cross-border aid.

  • Pray particularly for Chin, Karenni and Karen states, where the situation is particularly desperate. 

You can also use this summary from last week’s blog to help you pray: 

  • Pray for those in prison, 
  • Pray for the displaced, 
  • Pray for the bereaved, 
  • Pray for those in danger, 
  • Pray for national leaders,
  • Pray for religious leaders across faith communities…and
  • Pray for the international community to act