Pray for Zimbabwe this Sunday
From Christian Aid;
"We are a wounded people in desperate need of healing. We cannot pretend that nothing has happened.'
I share with you today the words of Bishop Levee Kadenge, national convener of Zimbabwe Christian Alliance. Many of us have watched the news in recent days and want to stand in prayerful solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe.
Bishop Kadenge has called upon the Anglican community to send messages of hope and steadfastness to people across Zimbabwe, the cholera outbreak has crippled the nation and his country is ‘under siege and full of distress.' Christian Aid's partners are there right now, continuing to work on the ground with people in desperate need.
This Sunday pray with us ...
Prayer for Zimbabwe
Leader: Lord of justice and wisdom, in whom we place our hope, we bring before you the crisis facing the country of Zimbabwe. We pray for immediate aid, wise leadership and an end to injustice at this critical time, as disease and extreme food shortages threaten to grip the nation.
Congregation: Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Leader: As you work through your Spirit and through your people, we ask for your provision to meet the needs of the people of Zimbabwe as disease and extreme food shortages threaten to grip the nation.
Congregation: Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Leader: As Zimbabwe moves into its rainy season over the coming four months, we ask that you will act to minimise the spread of cholera throughout the region. We pray for the swift repair of broken sewer systems and removal of rubbish from the streets, for the provision of clean water supplies to those communities without it, to help stop the spread of this highly communicable disease.
Congregation: Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Leader: We ask that you empower those who provide the essential treatment and care that the increasing number of people hit by the epidemic need to survive.
As extreme food shortages begin to take hold with some people eating only every two or three days, we pray that you will quickly bring nourishing food to those people who need it.
Congregation: Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Leader: At this critical time, we pray for the provision of immediate aid from the international community to Zimbabwe and that it may reach its destination quickly and without hindrance.
As we stand alongside the people of Zimbabwe in prayer, we passionately oppose the social injustice and oppression affecting their nation. We pray for your protection, healing and close presence there.
Congregation: Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Leader: Father, you are able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine - we pray that you will act quickly and effectively.
Together: In Jesus name we pray. Amen
Some Parishes will be supporting their own Denominational Appeal at Christmas and Christian Aid do not want to deflect you from this - but if anyone in your Parish wishes to respond to the situation in Zimbabwe you can do so through the Belfast Christian Aid office at 30 Wellington Park, Belfast BT9 6DL. Telephone (028) 9038 1204.