On February 1, the Myanmar military detained democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior officials from the ruling party.

The military alleged that the National League for Democracy (NLD)’s party’s landslide victory in November’s elections was marred by fraud, and declared a one-year state of emergency. Martial law has been imposed.

In the six weeks since, the country has plunged into violence, with security forces opening fire on civilian protesters.

A United Nations expert warned of crimes against humanity by the military in its attempts to stay in power, including “acts of murder, enforced disappearance, persecution, torture”.

In the deadliest day so far, 74 protesters were killed on Sunday March 14, followed by 20 people the next day. Observers fear the death toll may be much higher, with hundreds detained and unaccounted for.

Dreadful déjà vu

The current violence has brought a sense of déjà vu for Myanmar-born Pastor Go Shin Maung, 44.

He told Salt&Light that he was 12 years old when the military cracked down on pro-democracy protests in 1988. Thousands are estimated to have died in what has become known as the 8888 Uprising.  

Born in the Chin State of Myanmar, he spent most of his life growing up in Yangon, where he attended Bible College. He subsequently moved to Thailand, where he and his wife started the Myanmar-speaking Maesai Grace Church in Chiang Rai.

Prayer support is crucial in Myanmar’s latest struggle for freedom, says Pastor Go. He suggests four points when praying and interceding for the people of Myanmar:

1. Pray for end to violence

We can pray for the military to stop torture and killing, and that they will open their hearts to their fellow countrymen, said Ps Go.

Pray for peace to prevail in a country torn by conflict.

2. Pray for restoration of democracy

Myanmar has been ruled by a military junta in many of the years since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1948. It was last under military rule from 1962 until 2011. 

“As a country, we have been under this kind of dictator rule for far too long. The people have spoken that this is not what is wanted anymore,” said Ps Go. 

Pray that the military will cede control and hand power back to the elected government.

Pray also for the release of the detained democratic leaders, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint.

3. Pray for the Church 

Churches in Myanmar have been active in supporting the movement for freedom, says Ps Go.  

A few church leaders and youths who have joined the protests have not made it home. Others were taken by the military from their homes in the middle of the night. They returned after a few days badly bruised and visibly disoriented. 

Last week, Ps Go received a late-night call from a friend who works in a church in Yangon. His friend feared that the military would come for him. 

“Pray for strength and courage for the church,” Ps Go said. Pray that the church will stand steadfast and be a beacon of hope and love during this time. 

4. Pray for Myanmar’s future

“Our children can not grow up like how we did. They can not grow up like this,” said Ps Go.

We can also pray for the future generations of Myanmar – that there will be healing from the scars caused by the violence and chaos. Pray for hope and freedom to prevail. 

Finally, we can pray that our brothers and sisters in Myanmar will remember the power of Christ even in their struggles, said Ps Go.

Referring to 2 Corinthians 3:17,  Ps Go said: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there we will find freedom and liberty.” 

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