Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. (Luke 22:63 ESV)
Jesus, an innocent man, was treated like the worst of criminals. Not only did the guards punish him physically, but they also tried to break his spirit through mocking and humiliation.
For the third week in our Lent series, we’re praying for those who are behind bars because of their religion or belief – and especially those who are subjected to violence, torture or inhumane treatment.
As we pray, let’s remember that Jesus was also familiar with pain.
Pray for Myanmar/Burma
The number of political prisoners arrested in the two years since the coup has increased dramatically in the past month. It now exceeds 20,000, with over 16,000 still in prison.
This includes activists, political leaders, journalists…and anyone else the military regime perceives as a threat or critic.
Among them is courageous human rights defender, Reverend Dr Samson. He was arrested as he attempted to board a flight to Thailand for medical treatment last December. Since Rev Dr Samson is one of the most prominent and outspoken Christian leaders in Myanmar, it’s believed he was targeted to prevent him airing his views outside the country.
Tomorrow is the Global Day of Prayer for Myanmar/Burma, so please pray:
- Giving thanks for those who stand up for human rights in Myanmar, at great personal risk, to expose the brutal violations of the military regime.
- For the release of all political prisoners in Myanmar and around the world, including Rev Dr Samson. Pray for their protection from violence and mistreatment.
- For God to work powerfully in the hearts of those in authority – such as the military junta and prison guards – that they would exercise compassion and justice, instead of brutal control and oppression.
- For urgent intervention to end the desperate humanitarian crisis and protect Myanmar’s vulnerable religious and ethnic communities.