Day of prayer and fasting for South Sudan and DRC on Friday
Anglican provinces around the world have responded positively to Pope Francis’ call for an ecumenical day of prayer and fasting for peace on Friday 23 February. There will be a particular focus on South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Diocese of Down and Dromore has been linked with Maridi Diocese in South Sudan since 1999, sharing together in mission with The Diocese of Albany, USA through CMS Ireland.
Bishop Harold has encouraged all in the diocese to participate this Friday. He said:
“The people of South Sudan, and in particular the church in Maridi under Bishop Justin, have a special place in our hearts. We have been humbled by their demonstration of courage, compassion and forgiveness in the most dangerous of circumstances and I commend them to you as you pray and fast this Friday.”
A prayer by the Archbishop of Cape Town, the Primate of Southern Africa, Thabo Makgoba
Loving God, Prince of Peace, we pray today for our sisters and brothers in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo;
We pray for the victims and survivors of violence in those nations,We pray for refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries, and for the millions of people crowded into camps for displaced people,We pray for their politicians, that they will learn how to become servant leaders, dedicated to the interests of their people.
Lord Jesus, you are our hope,Our faith in you grounds us in hope,It gives us certainty that peace can be made,It strengthens our resolve that peace must be made,And hope helps us to triumph over all.
We pray that the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan,Will focus on the hope that you inspire,Hold one another’s hands,Look upon one another, eyeball to eyeball,And resolve to build united, peaceful nations.
This we pray in your precious name,
Amen
For background, read the Anglican Communion News report here.