Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: November 11, 2023
I cry to you, Lord; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.’ (Psalm 142:5)
Under the weight of recent news, the words we offer in prayer may seem weak or insufficient. But let us remind ourselves that the Lord is a strong deliverer, a place of refuge and provider of perfect peace.
Pray for peace in Sudan
Attacks on civilians have been commonplace ever since violence erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seven months ago.
The warring parties are currently involved in peace negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. However, the violence shows no sign of subsiding.
Credible reports are now emerging of new massacres in Darfur, with over 700 people from African tribes killed in one instance. The urgent need for peace cannot be overstated.
Churches and buildings destroyed
On 1 November the SAF shelled and completely destroyed the largest, second oldest church in Omdurman. The church was used by the Episcopal and Evangelical denominations.
Two days later in the capital (Khartoum), five nuns and several children were injured in the bombing of Mariam Home, a building belonging to the order of Comboni Catholic missionaries.
Meanwhile, there are continuing reports of widespread sexual violence targeting women and girls, attributed repeatedly to the RSF.
In summary, please pray:
- For comfort, healing and protection for all those affected by recent violence in Darfur, Omdurman and Khartoum.
- For an end to the targeting of women and girls, medical staff, human rights defenders, humanitarian workers, other civilians, hospitals, and places of worship.
- That the international community will not forget the people of Sudan, but will increase pressure for a ceasefire, and ensure the SAF and RSF are held accountable for violations.
- For strategies to emerge which will ensure lasting peace.