Prayers for the Start of the Academic Year in Africa

As institutions around the world embark on another academic year, the Africa Office of Global Ministries honors the sacred bond we share with our educational partners. Bound together in mutual learning and support, we recognize that our growth is intertwined with theirs. In these spaces of deep inquiry, students, faculty, staff, and leadership all teach and learn from one another on the path of faith and life. In thanksgiving for these cherished relationships, we recognize the following institutions and unite in prayer for them.

Educational Institutions

• Kgolagano College (Botswana)
• Congo Protestant University – Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo)
• St Paul’s United Theological College (Kenya)
• Ricatla United Seminary (Mozambique)
• Inanda Seminary (South Africa)
• Theological Education by Extension College (South Africa)
• Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation (Zambia)
• Theological Education by Extension in Zambia (Zambia)
• United Theological College – Harare (Zimbabwe)

A Prayer for Liberation, Learning, Love, and Strength

Divine Creator and Sustainer God,

We lift up these sacred places of learning – their students, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities – asking for Your protection, wisdom, and guidance as we navigate the unique challenges before us together. Bound as diverse members of one living Body of Christ, we honor the enduring partnership that unites our hearts and missions across every border.

Grant us liberation from systemic barriers, financial burdens, and ideological constraints, opening shared pathways where knowledge, truth, and human dignity can flourish fully without fear. In the true spirit of Ubuntu, we affirm that our humanity is inextricably bound up in theirs – that we are who we are because of who we all are in You.

Instill in these institutions a relentless passion for learning, enriching minds with critical insight, divine wisdom, and a spirit of mutual discovery that serves the common good and lifts up our interconnected communities.

Root all our collective endeavors in love, fostering environments of grace, equity, and radical compassion that bridge differences, heal divisions, and celebrate our shared calling in Your kingdom.

Equip these schools and leaders with steadfast strength and resilience to navigate hardship and dismantle systemic adversity. Fortified by our shared journey of faith, may they remain enduring beacons of hope, justice, and human flourishing for generations to come. Even as we confront intensified challenges born of long-standing evils, grant us the deep assurance of scripture: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9)

We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus, who is indeed the Risen Christ! Amen!