Pray for Zimbabwe, Sunday June 22, 2008
Prayer and Action for Zimbabwe
Lectionary Text and Prayers for Zimbabwe: Matthew 10:24-39
Loving God, as we pray today we want to focus our thoughts on the work of the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) based in Geneva, Switzerland. We thank you for the continued support and advocacy of the international community to members of the WSCF in crises such as those suffering in Zimbabwe today. We thank you for the spirit of compassion that unites us.
We pray for the political situation in Zimbabwe that it may be resolved quickly and peacefully.
We pray that state officials will act out of compassion and understanding throughout this process, and not out of self-promotion and domination.
We pray that in the face of intimidation and violence people will remain firm in the truth of their convictions and will continue to vote their real desires in the re-election on June 27th.
We pray for courage and strength for the people of Zimbabwe as they face their current challenges. We know that anyone who opposes the dominant political force is under great risk, and we ask you to please keep them safe.
We pray that the Church in Zimbabwe will remain faithful to minister the Gospel in a dangerous atmosphere.
We pray for wisdom for retaining security and safety of women, children and men in Zimbabwe.
We pray for the struggles of young people who are used by corrupt politicians to advance their own needs.
We pray that the needed change must surely come through God’s own way. Help us all to sow seeds of peace with justice at this time.
We ask this of you Great God of overflowing creative energy, Jesus of vast compassion, and Holy Spirit who turns chaos into life enhancing wholesomeness.
Amen
(by Varsha Vijayakumar, based on prayers by the World YWCA for A Day of Prayer for Zimbabwe on April 28th).
Global Ministries International Partners in Switzerland:
- World Student Christian Federation: http://www.wscfglobal.org/ For recent WSCF news and activism on Zimbabwe: http://www.wscfglobal.org/news.php
Global Ministries Missionary in Switzerland:
Varsha Vijayakumar, a member of Olmsted Community Church, United Church of Christ, Olmsted Falls, Ohio, is serving a one-year term with the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) in Geneva, Switzerland. She is a human rights and solidarity Global Mission Intern.