Last week marked the 30th anniversary of the beginning of the first general election in South Africa, where citizens of all races were allowed to take part. More than 19.5 million votes were cast and counted and the African National Congress (ANC) won a sweeping majority taking 62% of the vote. This led to Nelson Mandela becoming the first black President after a Government of National Unity was formed alongside the National Party and the Inkatha Freedom Party.
Today let’s pray for our world, for tolerance and peace, for understanding and fairness, in all that happens.
Father God, the world is so difficult to understand.
Whenever we turn on our TVs or open our newspapers there seems such an array of humankind being pitted against one another.
We pray today for those places where there is disharmony.
Where different races, those with different backgrounds and different world views are in constant conflict with one another.
Where those in power follow their own ambitions rather than considering the wellbeing of their peoples.
Where people seem unable or unwilling to understand each other and to learn to work together for the good of all.
Lord, may they learn to live in peace and companionship.
We pray for places where terrible actions are taking place and yet we don’t often hear about them.
Where inhumanity is a way of life and what should be unacceptable becomes accepted by so many.
Where people treat each other in a way that hurts you and each other.
Lord, help us to speak out against the injustice in our world and to always follow your way of peace in all our interactions with others.
Lord, help us to live with understanding in our hearts.
Help us to know your love and compassion for those around us.
Help us to see the path of unity and justice.
And help us to be peacemakers in our families, communities and the wider world.
Lord, we remember all those times that it has seemed impossible that things could change and yet through our glory change has come.
May we never stop searching for that change, may we never stop doing what we can to bring about change and may we never stop praying for your change to come in this, your glorious, world.
For we ask our prayers in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Catherine Booton
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