Our church partners in Pakistan have requested prayer in the wake of attacks on Christian homes in the village of Korian in the district of Toba Tek, Punjab.
Our partners note that there are reports of injuries and deaths are feared, but no causality report had been issued when they communicated with us. They describe the situation in Korian as "grave."
Please pray for those whose homes have been destroyed and whose lives have been disrupted. Pray for those who have been injured or killed. Pray for those who live in fear. Pray for those who provide support.
Pray that the violence against Christians will cease and the people of Pakistan might learn to live together in their differences.
Here is a prayer to adapt or use:
Eternal God,
stand with the Christians of Pakistan
whose homes have been burned,
whose lives have been shattered,
whose sense of security has been violated and taken away forever.
Provide strength and courage as they seek to begin anew.
Provide comfort as they grieve.
Provide healing for their wounds.
Move the people of Pakistan and the world
to respond with gracious care to those who are in need.
Guide religious and government leaders of Pakistan
to respond with acts that ensure the safety of all the people.
Where violence has grasped some people's hearts,
break its hold.
Where intolerance is the call of the moment,
fill people with your love.
Draw the people of Pakistan together
that all might live in justice and know peace.
We pray in Jesus' name.
Amen.