Our Purpose:

"The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (N-T) proclaims, witnesses and shares the Good News of God’s grace in Jesus Christ."

Watchword 2013

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Prayer for Africa

Almighty God, Father of all nations,

We live in this harsh and beautiful continent of Africa,

Children of her soil, guests and visitors in her realm,

Nourished by her splendour, suffering from her cruelty,

And yet inextricably tied to her, for better or for worse.

You hear the shouts of joy from those who feel blessed to be alive,

You listen to the songs of praise from those surprised by your mercy,

You see the wrinkles on the faces of those whose life is a constant struggle,

You see the tears of those who have been robbed of everything,

You hear the cries of anger from those who feel nothing but disappointment,

You feel the weariness of those whose hopes have been betrayed again and again.

Lord, we ask and pray for our country South Africa:

Comfort those who have lost the joy of living and grant them one of the small wonders

of life,

So that they may rejoice and trust in you again.

With your healing Spirit touch those who haven’t heard a friendly word for years,

So that they may rediscover the mystery of confidence and respect.

Talk to the heart of those who only care for themselves, open their eyes,

So that they may be filled anew with compassion and sympathy.

Open the hearts and hands of those who have far more than enough,

So that they may experience the joy of giving and sharing.

Give wisdom and courage to all those who hold responsibility and power,

So that they may use it wisely for the benefit of all.

Send your Spirit to all of us, so that we may praise you for your unending grace

and mercy,

Even in the face of hardship and pain.

Speak your healing word to us, so that we, too, can find the reconciling word for

each other.

Take us by your gentle and guiding hand, so that we, too, can join hands and be

reunited in the endeavour to make this country the wonderful and amazing place

you wanted it to be when you breathed your first words of creation over our mountains

and plains, over our oceans and forests, over our people and every living

creature.

For you are the God of creation, Africa’s Father, our Lord. Amen.

(V. Lubinetzki, 8 February, 2012)

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