[Today’s Prayer] Assad's remnants clash with government forces in Syria… 162 civilians killed

As the remaining forces supporting former dictator Bashar al-Assad caused bloodshed in the western coastal region of Syria, the government forces began to suppress them harshly.

According to AFP on the 7th (local time), the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), headquartered in the UK, reported that as of that day, Syrian government forces executed 162 civilians, including women and children, in the western coastal area.

Alawite regions such as Latakia and Tartus, located on the Mediterranean coast, were key support bases for the Assad regime. Even after rebel forces led by the Islamic militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) ousted the Assad regime and established a transitional government in December last year, Assad supporters remained in the area.

Syrian government forces are conducting military operations in the area after 16 soldiers were killed in an ambush by pro-Assad forces in a village in Latakia the previous day.

Source: News

God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work, he stops all people from their labor. (Job 37:5-7)

Loving God, we hear the sad news that remnants of Assad's forces have unleashed a bloodbath in Syria that has claimed the lives of 162 civilians.

In the midst of all the fear and sorrow in the hearts of the families and people left behind, may they be comforted by your compassionate grace. Pour peace into their hearts with the love of Your cross that endures forever.

Lord, there is blood shed and constant strife in the land of Syria. Please change the hearts of those who are filled with anger and hatred so that innocent people will no longer be victimized.

Lord, just as Job trusted in You in the midst of his suffering, may the Syrian people look to You, and may You pour out faith in You who is working through suffering to do new things.

May this faith be increased in the Syrian church that You have left behind, so that it may transcend fear and bring the gospel to the Syrians who are dying without knowing You.

Not only the Syrian church, but the global church wants to take on this task. Let us pray together with tears for the suffering of Syria and open the way for us to go and share the gospel.

May the Syrians be a blessed people, as Isaiah 19 says, making disciples of all nations and preparing the way for the coming of the Lord!