Intercessions for the 40th Anniversary of Lesotho-Durham Link

Leader:

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the 40 years of partnership between the Diocese of Lesotho and the Diocese of Durham, and for the needs of our world.

1.  Thanksgiving for the Partnership:

Gracious God,

we thank you for the vision, faith, and friendship that gave birth to the Lesotho Durham Link 40 years ago.

We praise and thank you for:

·        the shared mission of your Church,

·        the lives transformed through this partnership,

·        the prayers, visits, and mutual support across nations.

·        the many projects achieved through the partnership over the years – forestry projects, clinics, Community Educational Centres, Child Headed Households (CHH), …

·        the infrastructure erected in Maseru and at Ha Mohatlane. Through times of joy and challenge, you have been faithful.

Silence:

Lord, in your mercy,

All: Hear our prayer.

2.  For the Church in Lesotho and Durham :

Lord Jesus Christ, Head of the Church,

we pray for the Diocese of Lesotho and the Diocese of Durham, for Bishop Rick and Bishop Molemo.

Strengthen your Church:

·        to remain faithful and rooted in your Word,

·        to proclaim the Gospel with boldness and to faithfully disciple new believers,

·        to serve communities with compassion and integrity. Renew your Church to be:

·        relevant in today’s world,

·        a light in times of darkness,

·        a voice of truth and hope.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy,

All: Hear our prayer.

3.  For Children and Youth :

Loving God,

we lift before you the children and young people of Lesotho. In a time of:

·        unemployment,

·        uncertainty,

·        and limited opportunities and resources, bring hope, direction, and purpose.

Protect them from:

·        drug and substance abuse,

·        harmful influences,

·        despair and hopelessness. Raise a generation:

·        rooted in your Word,

·        equipped with skills,

·        and committed to building a better future.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy,

All: Hear our prayer.

4.  For the Nation of Lesotho:

God of justice and righteousness,

we pray for the Kingdom of Lesotho. In the midst of:

·        political challenges,

·        corruption,

·        and economic hardship, bring healing and transformation. Guide leaders in governments:

·        to serve everyone with integrity,

·        to seek justice for all,

·        to work for development and economic growth

·        and to work for the good of all people irrespective of their political inclinations.

Strengthen communities facing poverty,

and provide opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy,

All: Hear our prayer.

5.  For Social Challenges and Protection of the Vulnerable:

Compassionate God,

we pray for all who are vulnerable in our society. Especially:

·        children at risk of abuse or neglect,

·        families struggling with poverty,

·        those affected by addiction.

·        widows and the aged Lord, bring:

·        protection where there is danger,

·        healing where there is brokenness,

·        restoration where there is loss. Empower the Church and communities:

·        to safeguard children,

·        to stand against injustice,

·        and to be agents of change.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy,

All: Hear our prayer.

6.  For the Mission and Future of the Link:

Faithful God,

as we celebrate 40 years, we also look to the future. Renew and deepen this partnership:

·        that it may continue to bear fruit,

·        that it may respond to new challenges,

·        that it may remain rooted in Christ. Inspire new generations:

·        to take up the vision,

·        to strengthen the bonds of friendship,

·        and to walk together in mission.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy,

All: Hear our prayer.

7.  Closing:

Merciful Father,

accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

All: Amen.