On January 9, 2011, the people of southern Sudan will vote on a referendum that will determine if the country of Sudan should be divided into two separate countries…north Sudan and south Sudan. It is possible that a resolution could be as good for Sudan as the election of Nelson Mandela was for the people of South Africa, or the resolution could trigger violence and be as horrendous as the genocide in Rwanda.
Recognizing this critical juncture in their history, The Sudanese Catholic Bishops Conference invites all of us throughout the world to join them and the people of Sudan in prayer. As Catholics, we believe in the power of prayer. We believe that we should always begin with prayer. Doing so includes God in our lives in a special way, and helps us to trust ultimately in the power of God’s grace to change our hearts and change our world.
As youth ministers, this is an opportunity to show teens how powerful prayer truly is. The links below are filled with resources, helping you take your teens on a journey of prayer and reflection on peace with our brothers and sisters in Sudan. Through scripture, weekly themes, reflections, daily quotations, and photos and stories of the people of Sudan, you are invited to contemplate more deeply the meaning of peace, God’s call to work for peace, the importance of peace-building in our communities and world, and ways to become an advocate for peace. It is also an opportunity to join prayerfully in solidarity with the poor and vulnerable in Sudan and people throughout the world.
Learn More:
- http://peaceinsudan.crs.org/
- http://peaceinsudan.crs.org/resources-for-teachers-students-ministry-leaders/
Prayer for Peace in Sudan
Lord Jesus, you said to us;
“I leave you peace. My peace I give you.”
Look upon us your sisters and brothers in Sudan
as we face this moment of referendum.
Send us your Spirit to guide us.
Give us the wisdom we need to choose our future where we will know your true peace.
You call us out of slavery, oppression, and persecution
So that we may have life in abundance.
Grant us peace with one another. Give peace among ethnic groups.
Help us to work together for the good of all.
We ask this in your name, Jesus our Lord. Amen
Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.
