Alan Jamieson is the General Director of Arotahi, the New Zealand Baptist mission arm.
As you may be aware from the news media – Bangladesh needs our prayers.
After protests by students and subsequent riots, the Bangladesh Prime Minister of 17 years, Sheikh Hasina, left the country, and an interim government is yet to be established. In this leadership vacuum, unrest, rioting, and looting have been widespread. Most are targeted at religious minorities, especially Hindus, who make up 7% of the population. Christians, too, have been targeted, homes have been looted, and properties burnt.
We, as Aotearoa NZ Baptists, have a 139-year relationship with the Bangladesh church and people. We have New Zealanders there now, as well as staff and friends, who are requesting our prayers.
Can you please pray for Bangladesh this Sunday as part of your service?
In Timothy, Paul urged us to pray for governments and that there may be peace –
“I urge, then first of all that request, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1)
Below is a sample prayer
Living and Loving God
We pray today for the people and churches of Bangladesh.
Lord, you have asked us to pray that people may live peacefully.
So, we pray for violence, rioting and looting to stop and for stability and calm to return.
We pray for Professor Muhammed Yunus, as he heads the interim government, that ethnic and religious minorities will be protected.
We pray for just and fair elections leading to a government the people can trust and a government that will care for all the people of Bangladesh.
We pray that the voice of the poor, the powerless and the isolated will not be lost.
In this time, may your people and your church in Bangladesh shine.
Give them the boldness to share lovingly what they have with those in need, to offer compassion, and not be afraid to speak of the forgiving love and Lordship of Jesus.
We pray for Christian leaders in Bangladesh, especially those leading the Bangladesh Baptist Fellowship with whom we, as NZ Baptists, have worked so closely for so long.
Lord, please prompt us to continue praying for Bangladesh in the week ahead.
In Jesus Name we pray – Amen
Photo by Bornil Amin on Unsplash
