Prayer cycle (9-13 June 2013): Angola, Mozambique

Intercessions

Give thanks for:

    * The United Nations, especially the World Food Program, and other organizations that work to assist the people of Angola and Mozambique.
    * The churches, which continue to provide hope to people battered by civil war.
    * The efforts to keep open dialogue between opposing communities.
    * Farmers who risk planting fields even when landmines might be present.

Pray for:

    * Rebuilding these countries devastated by civil war.
    * Those who have been left homeless or who have fled as refugees.
    * The tens of thousands of people who have lost limbs to landmines, and for all people who must deal with them for years to come.
    * Children who have never known peace, who have been traumatized and victimized by war.
    * A balance of rain and sunshine so that crops will grow.
    * Greater supplies of food and lower prices, so that the poor are able to afford to feed themselves and their families.
    * Those suffering from HIV and AIDS, their families, and their communities.
    * An end to international debt bondage.

 Prayer
 
    We sincerely thank you, O God,
    for your powerful gift of hope
    in the face of seemingly hopeless situations.
    We thank you for your peace
    in the hearts and minds of men and women
    in this part of Africa
    who believe you are the living God,
    quick to save in time of danger.
    You reign above all,
    directing the course and destiny of the universe.

Prayer text for 2007

God,
enlarge my heart
that it may be big enough
to receive the greatness of your love.
Stretch my heart
that it may take into it
all those around the world
who, with me, believe in Jesus Christ.
Stretch it
that it may take into it
all those who are not lovely in my eyes,
and whose hands I do not want to touch;
through Jesus Christ, my saviour.

(Prayer of an African Christian.)

Source: oikoumene.org