Bangladesh Christians Unite in Prayer for their Nation.

Around 2,000 Bangladeshi Christians from various denominations gathered together on Monday to pray for their nation in the wake of growing Islamic fanaticism, which has left a trail of bloodshed across the country over recent months.

The ecumenical prayer service was held simultaneously in the Archdiocese of Dhaka and in the Diocese of Khulna.

Fr Kamal Corraya, who is based in Dhaka, spoke to AsiaNews about the event. “We live in fear because every day ordinary folks become victims of Islamic militants. For this reason, we urged Christian leaders to call on humanity to wake up. All mankind cries because no one is safe in this country.”

“Today, Bangladesh’s Christian community is united in this prayer that we offer to God Almighty,” said Mgr D’Rozario, archbishop of Dhaka who led the prayers.

“Let us pray that this will become a country of unity, peace and harmony,” he added. “Let us pray that dormant humanity become aware of the violence, murders committed in secret, and the persecution. May Almighty God bless [the terrorists] so that they change their minds.”

“There is no place for violence in the teachings of Jesus Christ,” said Paul Shishi, moderator of the Protestant Church of Bangladesh.

One believer present at the prayer meeting said: “I feel comforted by this prayer. I hope the terrorists stop persecuting us, and that we may live in peace.”

• Give thanks for the uniting prayer of believers across denominations in Bangladesh. Pray that they will be encouraged in their faith through this prayer time, and also encouraged to continue to join together on a regular basis to pray for their nation.
• Pray for Christians and other minorities in Bangladesh who have been targeted recently by violence. Pray for protection for them, and for peace in the streets of this nation.
• Pray for the Bangladesh government as it seeks to find ways to address the issue of rising fanaticism. Pray for good government, that seeks to protect the rights to freedom of worship for all people.
• Pray for those who condone the violence, to encounter Christ Jesus and realise the truth of His Gospel and come to faith in Him.

Colossians 4 vs 2: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Source: http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/, http://www.persecution.org/2016