Our colleagues in the Sudan Advocacy Action Forum invite us to join our sisters and brothers in Sudan in prayer for the upcoming referendum scheduled for January in Southern Sudan.
Dear Friends of the Sudanese people,
As you know, communications within Southern Sudan is an extraordinary challenge because of the lack of mail, e-mail and telephone service in most areas. As a result of an exceptional effort, the Presbyterian Church of Sudan has arranged for a prayer for the referendum in Southern Sudan to be conducted in all of its services this Sunday. Following the service their pastors will lead their congregations around their church buildings in an action that brings to mind the Lord's direction for Joshua's march around the walls of Jericho.
This referendum provides the people of Southern Sudan the opportunity to choose between unity or separation from Northern Sudan.
Please add your voices and those of as many as you can invite. Pray this or another prayer for Sudan on July 18th that we may amplify the prayers of the Sudanese people!
God of the ages, your children in Sudan have known hunger; they have experienced violence; and they endured trouble and toil. Through it all, you have been with them, sustaining them, supporting them, bringing them thus far on their journey. Remind all your people of Sudan of your presence as the day for the upcoming referendum in South Sudan draws near. Touch them by your grace that they might live in hope. Guide your church that all may witness boldly and faithfully to the Good News of Christ's Gospel of love during this time. Lead the citizens of Sudan to become well-informed as they prepare to make critical choices that will have far-reaching impacts. Fill their hearts anew with your Holy Spirit so they may turn from all forms of violence. Inspire them to honor, respect, and care for one another. Guide their leaders to plan and conduct a referendum that is free and open and honest. As they exercise their vote, may they do so in safety and may all clearly speak their will. May the results of the election be honored by all. God who does new things, open all the people of Sudan to new possibilities for shaping their lives and country. God who creates and loves a diverse human family, help all transform long-time animosities and seek the well-being of all. God who establishes justice, give the people of Sudan courage to challenge injustice and to work together to build a Sudan in which all have enough to eat, blessed peace prevails, and justice is known throughout the country. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
May God hear our prayers!
Learn about Presbyterians in ministry with the people of Sudan.