A prayer for West Papua

On Thursday 14th June, Indonesian police gunned down Mako Tabuni, secretary-general of the KNPB (West Papua National Committee); triggering violent riots in Jayapura. Hannah Kitchen, a member of Edinburgh SPEAK group (long supporters of the Free West Papua Campaign) has written a short prayer for us to reflect on the chaos:

Here is a prayer for West Papua.

 

Father/Mother God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.

You are familiar with suffering and the pain of your children doesn't escape your gaze of compassion.


We ask for you to set people free in West Papua. We pray for the ones who have been oppressed and in fear for so long. We pray for those in power, who are giving the orders for violence out of greed or fear of scarcity, or prejudice.

May your kingdom of justice, peace, joy and forgiveness transform the situation. Bring courage and peace to those in the independence movement.


We see that one reason Indonesia clings to the country is because of its resources. Extracted by companies meeting our demands for more. We repent. Please have mercy.

Please bring your healing and your making things right and new.


In Jesus' name

Amen.


'Indonesian Police kill Papua separatist Mako Tabuni' - BBC News

Letter from Benny Wenda - FreeWestPapua.org