South Sudan is the youngest nation on Earth – it celebrates ten years as an independent country today (Friday 9 July). But it has spent most of this time embroiled in a deadly civil war. The need is great in South Sudan, but we believe that God has brought us this far, and has great plans for our nation. We would love for you to continue to pray with us.
I want to focus on two practices that can help us to connect deeper with God: thanksgiving and lament. What can we praise and give glory to God for and how can we petition and cry out to God to move, just like David did in the Psalms?
During the coming week, read a prayer for South Sudan each day, incorporating it into your daily prayer rhythm. Then, on the final day, read all the prayers together.
Pray with us
God, we lament the struggles, sacrifices and pains that led to this day of independence. And we lament what happened later, when clashes killed 400 people and millions were forced from their homes. We cry out to you, God, to continue to bring reconciliation between different tribes and faith groups in the country. Amen.
We thank you, God, for the church in South Sudan – how they are promoting peace between communities. We praise you for how they have been helping people through the coronavirus pandemic – sharing tips on how to stay safe, as well as providing practical and emotional support. We bless all they do in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God, we lament that South Sudan is facing its highest levels of hunger and malnutrition since its independence. God, please urgently provide for those in need – let no one go hungry, we pray. Amen.
We thank you, God, for a new programme Tearfund launched this year to help people become self-sufficient as they farm. God, we pray for the people who will be helped; may they know your deep love for them. Amen.
God, we lament over the floods that left much of South Sudan under water last year – including Tearfund’s feeding centres, which are a lifeline for many people. Lord, we cry out for world leaders to take notice of the devastation the climate crisis is causing in places where poverty is already rife, and to take urgent action. Amen.
God, we thank you for the hope we have in you and the plans you have for the people of South Sudan. ‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”’ (Jeremiah 29:11) Lord, we declare your grace, your mercy and your favour on South Sudan. Amen.
