Please join the people of South Sudan in prayer for reconciliation in their country.
A National Day of Prayer for Reconciliation in South Sudan will take place on Monday, July 8, 2013, the eve of the anniversary of the country’s independence.
The theme will be Lamentation, leading to repentance and personal conversion/transformation. From July 1-7, there will be prayers with different groups (e.g. government, organised forces, women, youth, etc).
On Friday, July 5 the Muslims will take up the prayer in their mosques, and on Sunday, July 7 the Christians will take it up in their churches.
On Monday, July 8, a national time of prayer will be held in the Juba Stadium, and prayer will also take place in each State capital.
The initiative grows out of an awareness of the need for reconciliation in the Republic of South Sudan. H. E. Vice President Riek Machar raised this concern and H. E. President Salva Kiir appointed a Committee for National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation. Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul of the Episcopal Church of Sudan chairs the committee with Bishop Emeritus Paride Taban of the Roman Catholic Churchas Vice-chair. The Committee includes a number of other Christian and Muslim religious leaders, a representative of each state, and representatives from civil society.
Prayer concerns may include:
- Justice that leads to peace for all the people of Sudan
- An end to violence
- The transformation of hearts
- The safety of Reverend Idris Joshua Idris Nalos and Pastor Trainee David Gayin and all who have been detained
- Jonglei state and other places that have known inter-tribal violence
- Good leadership and governance
Here is a sample prayer that you may adapt or use:
God of grace,
God of justice,
God of peace,
you create us to live together,
to honor and respect one another.
Hear us as we pray for South Sudan.
With our sisters and brothers,
we give thanks as they celebrate their independence.
With our brothers and sisters,
we pray for your presence and guidance
as they seek to live together.
Comfort all who mourn the death or injury of loved ones.
Keep safe Reverend Idris Joshua Idris Nalos and Pastor Trainee David Gayin and all who are detained and their families.
Speed the day when they will be released.
Protect the women who are targets of sexual violence
the children and the most vulnerable.
Grant all your children
the grace to see each other as sisters and brothers
and the courage to turn from violence and break cycles of vengeance.
Renew within the leaders of South Sudan
the vision for a just and peaceful country
that leads to the wisdom to govern wisely.
Provide the leaders and peoples of South Sudan with
strength to work for justice for all;
passion to seek reconciliation and peace;
and all that is needed for the living of these days.
God of grace,
God of justice,
God of peace,
you create us to live together,
to honor and respect one another.
Bless South Sudan and her people,
we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Learn about Presbyterians at work with our sisters and brothers in South Sudan.
Join the Sudan Advocacy Action Forum.
Pray between now and July 8.
Pray on July 8.
May God lead the people of South Sudan to justice, peace, and reconciliation.