Pray with Lesotho, November 23, 2025
Lectionary Selection: Luke 23:33-43
Prayers for Lesotho
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
At Calvary, between two criminals, our Saviour hung on the cross, not as a victim of fate but as the King of mercy. In this moment of deep suffering, Luke’s Gospel opens to us the heart of God, a heart full of forgiveness, compassion, and saving love.
When Jesus prays, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” He speaks not only of those who crucified Him but also of all of us who fall short of God’s grace. His words remind us that divine forgiveness is greater than human sin. Even at the cross, mercy flows freely.
Then, from beside Him, one of the criminals finds courage to believe. He looks upon Jesus and says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” What a simple but powerful prayer! Though he has nothing to offer, he opens his heart in faith, and Jesus answers with the most beautiful promise in Scripture: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
In that exchange, we see the Gospel in full. The guilty finds pardon; the dying finds life; the rejected man finds a home in God’s kingdom. The cross becomes a throne, and Jesus reigns as the King who saves through love, not through power.
This story invites us to believe that no one is beyond God’s reach. In our communities, homes, and workplaces, wherever pain or sin has left its mark, the voice of Christ still calls out, offering forgiveness and new life “today.”
A Lifting Prayer for Lesotho, the Church, and God’s People (based on Luke 23:33–43)
Gracious and Merciful God,
At Calvary’s hill, where Jesus’s prayer says, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” You turned suffering into salvation, darkness into light, and despair into hope. We come before You in humility and hope. May that same redemptive power heal our land and renew our hearts.
We lift our beloved country, Lesotho, into Your loving hands. Lord, forgive us where we have fallen short and heal the wounds of our land. Bring unity where there is division, justice where there is oppression, and peace where there is turmoil. May Your grace flow through our mountains and valleys, reviving our people with the spirit of truth, compassion, and love. Pour out Your spirit of peace and unity upon our leaders and people, that we may live with love, truth, and righteousness guiding our steps.
Heavenly Father, we lift before You the work entrusted to the Executive Secretary’s office of the Lesotho Evangelical Church in Southern Africa (LECSA). Guide our hearts and minds to serve with integrity, wisdom, and humility. Let every decision we make, every word we speak, and every act we perform bring glory to Your name and growth to Your kingdom. Strengthen our pastors, elders, and members to live faithfully and serve courageously in the mission You have given us.
Lord Jesus, You promised paradise to the one who turned to You in faith. Remember the people we serve, those burdened by poverty, sickness, and despair. Bring them comfort, healing, and renewed hope. Teach us to forgive one another, to lift each other up, and to walk together as one people under Your cross of love.
In Your mercy, Lord, transform Lesotho through Your saving grace.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Rev. Masilo Martin Phate (Executive Secretary)
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