Thank you, Father God, for always being attentive to us, your sons and daughters, and for listening to all those who call out to you with a humble and contrite heart.
Thank you for having redeemed us from judgement and death through the precious blood of Christ, our Saviour.
Loving Father, we ask you to protect us from all illness and every evil, in the name of your beloved son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
—submitted by Elvia Sanchez Torres, Iglesia Berna Menonita, Bogota, Colombia
Pray for Gilgal Mission Trust. President Paul Phinehas writes: “Our pastors in our conference are undergoing a lot of financial crises due to lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions. From March 2020 to December 2020 all our churches were closed. All our congregation livelihood opportunities are completely shattered. Many of our congregation are daily labourers and many are working in textiles companies [where demand has dried]. Prices have gone up, but unemployment is more now. Mostly youths lose their studies and youngsters become jobless. Everyone is in a difficult situation both financially and mentally. We kindly request you to pray for us to overcome this situation.—
“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints” (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).
Bishop Safari Mutabesha, president of Mennonite Brethren Church Malawi, calls for prayer. Coronavirus cases increased drastically in December with many deaths resulting. Most of his church members are day labourers who live far from medical facilities. “Some of our members are infected (tested positive) and are staying in isolation but have no food,” he writes. Food is scarce in January and February and harvests are far off.
The national health system in Portugal has been very brave, but in January, Portugal’s case numbers rose to the highest per capita in Europe. Hospitals are overwhelmed and protective equipment is in short supply. Pray for intervention.—José Arrais
Dear Lord, as we enter this new year, steady our hearts to spread the gospel of peace. May we follow your Spirit as we work for transformation and justice in this world. Lord, give us courage to proclaim this message in word and action, especially in places where there is corruption, persecution and natural disasters. Thank you for Jesus‘ peacemaking example.
Thank you, Lord, for the unprecedented scientific collaboration and focussed development and testing that allowed a vaccine for COVID-19 to be developed so quickly. We pray for justice in vaccine distribution. May world leaders prioritize not only their own citizens but an equitable distribution of vaccines around the world as a public health good.
Praise God for the sacrificial work of health care workers who have given themselves in acts of solidarity, generosity and kindness for those who are most vulnerable, afflicted and in need. Through their practical help and pastoral and psychosocial accompaniment, they show God’s love in the midst of crisis. Thank you for these lights of hope that bring comfort and peace. Renew their faith, trust and hope.
Thank you, God, for MWC’s regional representatives who labour to represent the situation of churches in their region to MWC and represent MWC’s resources and opportunities to the churches. This work is more difficult now without large conference gatherings and opportunities to visit with church leaders. Give resources to meet the challenges when internet access is poor or relationships with leaders had not been previously established.
“The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Lord, thank you for your patience with us. May we live out our repentence. As we receive your grace, may our lives may call others to come to you.
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you?” (James 2:14). With these words, Iglesia Cristiana Menonita De Colombia speaks out against the killing of hundreds of farmers, social leaders, indigenous people, demobilized paramilitaries, and their families. They call the church to practice nonviolence as a way of life; incorporate themes of justice, reconciliation and peace in our teaching, preaching and singing; accompany those who are victims of violence; invite those who commit violence to accept the gospel’s call to repentance and a transformed life; practice solidarity. May we hear their call; may God strengthen us for the long work of seeking justice and building peace.
Meserete Kristos Church (MKC) is in the process of discerning God’s directions for the coming five years: please pray for us to complete our five-year strategic plan preparation. The situation in the northern region of Ethiopia is in a better condition than one month ago. The MKC members and the community in those areas need trauma healing. There is also a request for peacebuilding training. Pray for us to get resources to do so. Humanitarian organizations are helping the people with basic needs. MKC Relief and Development Association is looking for resources to assist people in communities where MKC churches serve.
—submitted by Desalegn Abebe Ejo
Praise God for young people with their energy and desire to learn. May they seek out wise mentors who encourage them to adapt to new ways. May they find opportunities to use their skills in service of the world. May the church welcome young people to grow in leadership and explore new ways of being faithful.
Praise God for the technologies that keep us connected while restrictions keep us apart. May the Spirit give us wisdom to follow Jesus faithfully wherever we are.
