UK-based Christian and Muslim NGOs have issued a joint call for people to pray for those affected by the situation in Yemen, described as the world’s “worst humanitarian crisis”.
While there is some hope that a ceasefire brokered last month – promising to restore the port of Hodeida and allow food and medicine into Yemen – may hold, some 14 million people in the country, which has been embroiled in almost four years of war, are now facing starvation and it’s estimated that some 85,000 children may have already died from extreme hunger since 2015.
The chief executives of Christian Aid, CAFOD, Tearfund, World Vision UK and Islamic Relief have joined in calling for prayer for the situation.
Amanda Mukwashi, the CEO of Christian Aid, said the crisis cannot be forgotten.
“The people of Yemen are crying out for hope; and we urge people of all faiths to join with us in praying for the hearts of international governments to be moved to further action, and for positive change to come to Yemen.”
The leaders are calling for churches and mosques in the UK to spend some time on Friday and Sunday in prayer for Yemen.
They’ve also released four prayer points for people to prayer around including for peace for the people of Yemen, for wisdom for those involved in diplomacy and a resolve to bring about an end to the conflict, for the religious authorities in all of the nations involved to speak truth to power and “for the people of the UK to be stirred to act to raise awareness of the plight of those living in Yemen – men and women we believe are made in the image of God, just like us”.
They’ve also released a sample prayer:
Giver of Life,
Who hears the cries from Yemen;
of mothers choosing between medicine or food,
of parents grieving children lost to starvation,
of those who have given up everything in hunger.
Hear our cries for hope, for change, for peace
In your mercy,
Break political deadlocks,
Soften hardened hearts,
Change closed minds,
Open unhearing ears.
Let people come before power
Let life be holy again
Let your justice and peace
Shape the nation of Yemen
And the lives of all people
Amen/Ameen
