Prayers are always in order for the people of Sudan. Prayers are particularly in order as January, 2011 draws near. A referendum on self-determination for the people of South Sudan is scheduled for January 9. On that same day, a referendum is also scheduled for the Abyei region of Sudan where the people will vote on the question of whether to retain Abyei's special administrative status in the north or become part of Southern Sudan. Our sisters and brothers in Sudan are in prayer now and will continue in prayer until, through, and after the referendum. In Sudan and in the United States, a number of faith communities will come together in a Season of Prayer in the month before the election. Specifically, we are invited to pray for thirty minutes on:
- Friday, December 3
- Friday, December 10
- Friday, December 17
- Friday, December 24
- Friday, December 31
- Friday, January 7
- Saturday, January 8
- Sunday, January 9
- Monday, January 10
Our sisters and brothers in Sudan will pray at 6:00 p.m. in their country. In the United States, we would join them by praying at Noon (EST); 11:00 a.m. (CST); 10:00 a.m. (MST); 9:00 a.m. (PST). Many in Sudan plan to engage in the spiritual discipline of fasting on January 7 through 9. If this is a spiritual discipline that speaks to you, consider joining them.
Pray wherever you are; pray individually or gather with your community or an ecumenical community or an interfaith community; pray in a manner you feel comfortable praying. Find prayers to use or adapt.
Insert these collects into the prayers of the people during Sunday worship between now and January 9.
Learn about Presbyterians at work with our sisters and brothers in Sudan.
Learn about PC(USA) mission co-workers in Sudan.
The Sudan Advocacy Action Forum provides situation updates and additional resources.
View a video about peacebuilding work in Sudan supported by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Download or view the Reconcile: Women’s Peace Building in Sudan video.
Please take a moment to let us know how you participate in this Season of Prayer.
God bless the people of Sudan; God bless all the people of the world.