SUDAN: FIVE WAYS TO PRAY

Please pray for Sudan. The country is currently caught up in a violent power struggle within the military leadership. Over 200 people are reported to have been killed. SUDAN IS NUMBER 10 ON THE OPEN DOORS 2023 WORLD WATCH LIST. It’s a land where Christians face extreme levels of persecution. This conflict will only make a terrible situation harder for the follows of Jesus.

On Saturday, April 15 fighting erupted in Sudan’s capital city, Khartoum and other areas between the regular army and a paramilitary force called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The fighting came after days of building tension as members of the RSF were redeployed around the country in a move that the army saw as a threat.

Sudan’s previous leader, President Omar al-Bashir, was ousted in 2019 after mass street protests calling for an end to his near-three decade rule. A joint military-ivilian government was established but was overthrown in another coup in October 2021. There are fears that Sudan will return to the authoritarian years of the former president – which could also mean that the death penalty for leaving Islam, which was abolished in 2021, could be reinstated.

What is happpening in Sudan and how is it impacting Christians?

Fikuri*, a research expert for East Africa told us, “Christians are fearing that Islamists may exploit this crisis, and then once in power, they can bring back all those laws and even do whatever they want. We really need to pray for Christians because the future is not bright.”

Sudanese believers praying

“Christians are fearing that Islamists may exploit this crisis, and then once in power, they can bring back all those laws and even do whatever they want.”

Fikuri*, a research expert for East Africa

A prayer for Sudan

Father God, we lift up Sudan and pray for stability in the region.
May those who covet power and those who seek to fight choose to walk the path of peace.
Bring justice and healing to this divided land, we pray.
Out of this darkness, we pray that light will come.
We pray for a government that respects equality and religious freedom.
May Your church in this land reflect Your humility, forgiveness and love,
And so act as a signpost to the possibility of a different way of life.
Bring hope for those who feel helpless,
Healing for those who have been wounded,
And safety for all those who feel afraid.
Amen.

FIVE WAYS TO PRAY FOR SUDAN

• The situation is a struggle for power. Pray that the military and the RSF will concede to peaceful talks rather than fighting.
• Sudan has made some positive moves towards religious freedom in recent years. Please pray that the outcome of any conflict will lead to greater freedom and not a return to authoritarian rule.
• In times of darkness and conflict the church can have a powerful witness. Pray that the followers of Jesus in Sudan will continue to be a voice of peace and hope.
• Those who convert to Christianity face enormous pressures to give up. Please pray that believers will not lose heart and will really experience the presence of God.
• Open Doors local church partners support persecuted Christians in Sudan through discipleship training, economic empowerment and helping them to prepare for persecution. Pray for safety and energy for our local church partners as they seek to bring hope and support to Christians at this time.