Twenty years ago, on 4 June 1989, the Chinese Army used tanks and guns to end peaceful mass demonstrations on Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Since mid-April, hundreds of thousands of people- students, workers, intellectuals- had demonstrated daily for press freedom, democratic elections against corruption. Thousands of students went on a hunger strike to underscore these demands. The images of tanks moving against unarmed citizens were broadcast around the world.
In China up to today, it is not possible to talk openly about the events of 1989, and nobody is allowed to openly mourn the victims. Chinese Christians are using the anniversary of the massacre to ask us for our intercession.
INTERCESSION
God of Life- we pray for all people who were involved in the Chinese Democracy movement 20 years ago; strengthen our hope for change. Help them not to become discouraged and cynical. Give them patience and perseverance in all that they are doing for change in China.
God of Comfort- we pray for all those who have lost a loved once during the massacre 20 years ago. Comfort them in their mourning. Be close to them with your power and love. Grant them strength to continue to stand for injustice.
God, Lord of this world- we pray for the Chinese government and for the leadership of the Communist Party. Move their hearts, Lord, give them courage and strength to admit their injustice and their mistakes to make a new start. We ask for the freedome of those who have been impresoned for their political activities.
God, Father of all- we pray for all people in China. Help them not to forget their new-found prosperity that life is more than food and drink. Give them your grace and power to stand up for justice and truth.
Amen.
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