An earlier post focused on participating in a National Day of Prayer with the people of South Sudan in response to the violence that has plagued their country since independence and that continues to tear at the fabric of society and the people. Here’s a prayer that I wrote for that day:
God of grace, God of justice, God of peace,
you create us to live together,
to honor and respect one another.
Hear us as we pray for South Sudan.
With our sisters and brothers,
we give thanks as they celebrate their independence.
With our brothers and sisters,
we pray for your presence and guidance
as they seek to live together.
Comfort all who mourn the death or injury of loved ones.
Keep safe the Reverend Idris Joshua Idris Nalos and Pastor Trainee David Gayin and all who are detained and their families.
Speed the day when they will be released.
Protect the women who are targets of sexual violence
the children and the most vulnerable.
Grant all your children
the grace to see each other as sisters and brothers
and the courage to turn from violence and break cycles of vengeance.
Renew within the leaders of South Sudan
the vision for a just and peaceful country
that leads to the wisdom to govern wisely.
Provide the leaders and peoples of South Sudan with
strength to work for justice for all;
passion to seek reconciliation and peace;
and all that is needed for the living of these days.
God of grace, God of justice, God of peace,
you create us to live together,
to honor and respect one another.
Bless South Sudan and her people,
we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
See you along the Trail.
