The second Advent candle represents peace and preparation. It's called the Bethlehem Candle.
This week, lift up in prayer women in Nigeria working to promote peace, political participation and freedom of religion or belief, particularly those involved with the Tearfund-supported Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA).
Sunday 7 December
Women in Zaruma, a small community in Jos, Nigeria, used to have no representation in leadership, leaving women without a voice in matters that directly affected their lives. Pray that women across Nigeria will take the initiative and claim opportunities to lead.
Monday 8 December
Thanks to training from JISRA, Constance Onye-Ezeugbo became the first woman leader in Zaruma. ‘Before JISRA, only men were involved in decision-making in my community,’ she says. ‘Now, we are 16 women.’ Pray for training and empowerment programmes that equip women with leadership skills and knowledge of gender equality. Ask that these programmes will be effective in breaking down barriers.
Tuesday 9 December
Pray for women who are advocating for inclusivity and representation, like Constance, who are leading advocacy efforts, engaging the traditional council and male leaders to push for greater female inclusion. Pray for their courage and persistence, and for success in bringing about positive transformation.
Wednesday 10 December
Zankan in Kaduna State faced deep divides between people of different faiths, which often led to violence. Through training sessions and teachings on love, the sanctity of life and forgiveness, JISRA partners equipped community members with the skills to rebuild broken relationships. Pray that women in Zankan leading peacebuilding efforts will be instruments of reconciliation.
Thursday 11 December
Pray for the safety and wellbeing of women like Abba in Zankan, who are stepping into leadership and speaking up for peace in Nigeria. Pray that women will be empowered to exercise their human rights, including freedom of expression, in places of worship and other gatherings.
Friday 12 December
Martha from Kaura, a town in Kaduna State, used to struggle to earn enough money to feed her family. After she joined the JISRA-supported savings and loan group, her life started to improve. ‘There have been other benefits from the group aside from the financial help,’ she says. ‘It has united us as we meet together as people of many faith groups.’ Give thanks that change is coming to individuals and whole communities.
Saturday 13 December
Pray for lasting change in communities where women are empowered. Constance, Abba and Martha’s stories demonstrate that when women are empowered, entire families and communities thrive. Pray that these changes will inspire other communities to embrace equality, opportunity and live in peace.
