Day 9 – Issue 16

Be Still Know

Matthew 25:35 NLT

For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.

Every week the news has fresh images of refugees fleeing the chaos of the fighting in Syria and Iraq. Many are Christians who have inhabited the region from the earliest centuries of the Church’s existence. There’s a danger the Christian community may well be persecuted out of existence by those with hatred and callous political ambition in their hearts and minds. Most Western politicians seem uncertain how best to respond. National fears about who might be entering European countries within this wave of humanity battle with our common humanity to extend hospitality.

A Christian population in Iraq estimated at 2 million in 2003 is now reckoned to be 180,000. The collapse of the Christian presence and witness is astronomical. Those who choose to remain or who cannot leave cities overrun by IS/Daesh have to hide, agree to convert to Islam or pay Jizya, an unaffordable unbeliever’s tax.

Pope Francis has coined the phrase, ecumenism of blood. It reflects St Paul’s own words that when one part of the body suffers we all suffer. We are called prayerfully and practically to support our brothers and sisters in the Middle East as the Church faces this darkest of hours.

As we enter into the Godspace today, lift up the persecuted Church, especially across the Middle East, in your prayers. Encourage your church to find ways to support both those forced to flee the terrors of war and also those remaining behind, that there will always be a permanent worshipping Christian community throughout the war-torn Middle East.

QUESTION: How fearful are you of the ‘threat’ from mass migration? Bring such fears to God and ask that you might see with God’s eyes.

NOVENA PRAYER: Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we pray for all those who have left their homes to flee from war. We pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ