“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,” 1 Timothy 2:1.

“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,” Ephesians 6:18.

Nepal is a landlocked Himalayan country, bordered by India and China. Its economy relies heavily on foreign aid and tourism.

In 2008, its first Constituent Assembly abolished the 240-year-old monarchy and declared Nepal a federal democratic republic.

While rooted in their ancient traditions and religions, the Nepali continue to search for hope and enlightenment. They have one of South Asia’s highest per capita usage of social media.

A recent ban on social media brought young people to the streets, but they also came with pent-up grievances over social inequality. At least 34 people were killed in clashes and more than 1300 have been injured across Nepal between the police and protesters.

The root cause of the “Gen Z Protests” was the public’s frustration with the perceived corruption of government officials and their families, their displays of wealth, as well as allegations of mismanagement of public funds.

Demonstrators set fire to the parliament building, and government buildings and houses of political leaders were attacked and vandalized around the country.

For the past 10 years, Nepal has been ruled by the same three elderly leaders (Prime Ministers) on a rotating basis.

Between them, they have led the country on twelve separate occasions. Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli and several other ministers have since resigned.

The wife of former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal is in critical condition after getting trapped in their burning home. The military has now taken control. Tribhuvan International Airport in the capital, Kathmandu, has just reopened.

Church Leaders are distraught and traumatised by the events.

One Church Leader we spoke to broke down and cried: “I have no words to express the sadness in my heart.”

He pleaded with us to stand in the gap and pray for the country during this difficult time. It appears that all church activities and Christian institutions are temporarily closed.

There are also reports that several Christian communities and churches were threatened during the political protests and violence.

Most people in Nepal see Christianity as a Western religion that undermines traditional culture and society, and appeals only to lower castes.

Converts from Hinduism and Buddhism face increasing pressure from their families and community, and are viewed as deviating from the faith of the ancestors.

The state media and government officials see growth in conversions to Christianity as dangerous and think the Christian faith will destroy Nepalese culture.

The Church has grown rapidly since 1951, when missionaries were allowed into the country, and congregations have been spreading all over the country.

A main reason for growing numbers has been prayer for the sick and the resulting healings.

However, the government introduced a strict anti-conversion law in 2018; Christians now navigate a fine line to speak of Christ.

As a result, local and foreign Christians have had to limit their evangelistic activities.

Home Group Prayer

Father God: We lift up our dear brothers and sisters in Nepal as the country goes through this tremendous upheaval.

May you grant them peace, strength, and courage, so that their faith would remain strong and not buckle under pressure.

May they continue to place their hope in The LORD.

May there be unity in and among the Nepali Churches as they face this crisis together.

May they ground themselves in the living hope of Christ.

May there be a complete end to the violence, and may a just and upright government to be set in place.

May the nation’s leaders demonstrate wisdom and humility, and let justice, unity, and hope prevail.

May tensions quickly ease and the everyday life of citizens be restored safely and peacefully.

May there be comfort and healing for the families who have lost their loved ones.

May your angels surround your people, and protect them from all harm and danger, and from fear and uncertainty.

May you grant wisdom and guidance to them as they continue faithfully to serve you and minister to the community.

May there be peace and protection over all the people.

In the name of Jesus we pray.

Amen.

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Materials used by kind permission of the original author.

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