Pray for Colombia on Sunday, April 27, 2008
Lectionary Text and Prayers for Colombia: John 14:15-12
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.
On April 27 and 28 churches all over Colombia, the United States and Canada will be praying (prayer and worship resources at http://peaceincolombia.org/prayerday08.htm) and acting (ideas for action at: http://peaceincolombia.org/actionday08.htm) for peace in Colombia, as part of the annual Days of Prayer and Action for Peace in Colombia. The Commission for Restoration, Life and Peace (CRVP) of the Evangelical Council of Colombia (the Global Ministries partner organization in Colombia) has asked us to join in this important effort. CRVP Coordinator Ricardo Esquivia writes: It is the prophetic message, just prayer and active solidarity that enables the Word to become flesh amongst us, realizing God’s plan for abundant life. God’s power is here, it is active, and it is within God’s people. But just as seeds need water to sprout, Christians require prophecy and prayer to free their power. It is time to clamor, to prophesy, to pray and to act!
Prayer:
Gracious God of Peace, we pray for the millions of innocent victims of Colombia’s civil war; may they know peace, may they experience justice. We pray for the Colombian conflict to be solved through peaceful political negotiation, for guns to be silenced, hearts to be softened and wounds to be healed. We also ask for wisdom and courage as we discern how best to act for peace. May our sisters and brothers in Colombia feel our prayers and see our actions this week. Thank you for sending us an advocate for times such as these. Amen.
(Prayer by Michael Joseph)
Global Ministries International Partner in Colombia:
- CEDECOL – The Council of Evangelical Churches of Colombia. Global Ministries partners closely with the Restoration, Life and Peace Commission and the Christian Women’s Network for Life and Peace.
Global Ministries Missionary in Colombia:
Michael Joseph serves in Colombia with the Restoration, Life and Peace Commission of the Council of Evangelical Churches (CEDECOL), including the Christian Women’s Network for Life and Peace. He is providing a pastoral critical presence to church and lay leaders who are living in life-threatening situations.