Pray for the South Sudan (UPDATED with prayer points)

The Bishop of Salisbury has called for prayers for the South Sudan, particularly because of the reports of an overnight curfew and indications that the government has put down an attempted coup.

Bishop Nicholas said, “Yesterday we were getting reports of gun fire in the city and this morning there are also reports of refugees seeking shelter from the UN.”

“Many of us in the Diocese of Salisbury pray each day for both the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan, and for both Republics. In this run-up to Christmas, with all the hope Christ brings of God’s peace in a fragile world, we pray for them particularly during this further outbreak of violence.

Prayer Points
British Christians currently in Juba have asked us to focus our prayers particularly on the following issues.

1. For political stability; for wisdom and the right kind of authority for the South Sudan's leaders, for the security forces to use a minimum of violence, and for progress towards a true, just and lasting settlement.
2. For the many people who have been injured and the families of those who were killed in the cross-fire and revenge killings.
3. For the role of the Church leaders – who were involved in facilitating yesterday’s talks – and that their influence helps to bring calm and sense to the situation.
4. For the way forward to be found in effective dialogue rather than violent conflict.
5. For shops to be able to open tomorrow so people can get supplies and water can be distributed.
6. That the violence won't spread to other towns and especially that it won't escalate into a tribal war.

Inform your prayers (UPDATED)

Gurtong.net: Religious Leaders Urge Parties Involved In Juba Clashes To Use Democratic Means (includes comment from Archbishop Daniel). http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/14164/Religious-Leaders-Urge-Parties-Involved-In-Juba-Clashes-To-Use-Democratic-Means.aspx

Sudan Tribune: Three killed in Bor as Juba fighting spreads http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article49215

Sudan Tribune: South Sudan says military clashes contained, despite continous gunfire http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article49214

The Guardian: South Sudan president says military has foiled coup http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/16/south-sudan-capital-gunfire-coup-reports-machar

BBC: South Sudan quashes coup attempt, says President Kiir http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25396853