LENT 2017 PRAYER DIARY 26 February – 16 April
Welcome to the Prayer Diary for supporters of USPG You are invited to use this as a resource for your personal prayers, or to reproduce material from this publication for use within public worship. (Please note that the views expressed here do not necessarily represent the official position of USPG.)
Above image: Kiran Bala oversees a community council run by the Delhi Brotherhood Society, India (USPG/Leah Gordon) Cover image: Venita and Lilian collect water in Senama, Zambia (USPG/Leah Gordon) ISSN 2519-4968
LIVING AN AUTHENTIC LIFE. This Lent edition of our prayer diary follows the theme of our Lent study course. In the articles and prayers that follow we want to investigate what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Our Lent study course (available online or to order at www.uspg.org.uk/lent) is titled ‘Living an Authentic Life’ and explores the idea that discipleship and authenticity are connected. To be authentic is to be truly who we are, uniquely, as God created us in our humanity. So how can we become more authentic in our lives? Primarily, by daring not to pretend. Discipleship is not about being ‘good’ but about being ‘real’. God does not love me because I try to be good – God loves me simply because I am me! God loves each of us in our woundedness, in our strengths and in our weaknesses. God is always with us. We cannot be separated from God, who knows us better than we know ourselves – so we can dare to be honest before God. God will never be shocked or surprised or reject us no matter what we do or think – we can dare to be authentic. By pretending to be ‘good’ – rather than real, human and authentic – the only person we are kidding is ourselves. Indeed, we often reject ourselves because we are afraid to believe (or experience) that God can love us for who we truly are.
26 FEBRUARY – 4 MARCH
WE ARE ALL CALLED TO BE DISCIPLES Article by Pat Donald Phillips, of the Diocese of Jamaica and Cayman Islands. The upholders of patriarchy in the twenty-first century say women cannot (should not?) be involved in many areas of life. Happily, Jesus does not think this way. Everyone – whatever their gender – can be a disciple! Jesus’ life demonstrated his liberating attitude to women: he wanted to support women and be supported by women. Sadly, the church has largely failed to adopt the same attitude – and one of our tasks as disciples is to change minds and work for a more inclusive church and society. We need to change how we think and ensure that our ‘history is also our ‘her-story’. I recently read a book about the birth of Jamaica’s labour movement and the battle for the nation’s independence. A key player was Gladys Longbridge, a young Christian trade unionist who benefited the lives of thousands of Jamaica’s hard-pressed workers. However, she is rarely remembered in this way. Instead, since her death in 2009, Gladys is mostly remembered as the devoted secretary and later wife to Jamaica’s first prime minister and national hero Sir Alexander Bustamante. This Lent, may we acknowledge that Jesus gives permission for all people – including women – to fully participate in life as disciples. www.uspg.org.uk/lent
Sunday 26 February: Sunday next before Lent Holy God, thank you for making us all in your image, each of us a precious child in your sight. Help us to recognise your dignity in all people, and work for the inclusion and empowerment of all. Monday 27 As we begin our journey through Lent this week, pray that we might support and learn from each other in new ways – valuing each person’s unique experience of God Tuesday 28 Give thanks that all people are created in God’s image: women and men, boys and girls, people of all genders. May we recognise God’s image in everyone. Wednesday 1 March: Ash Wednesday Give thanks that God can empower and equip all people to be disciples and use our gifts and talents to build a kingdom of justice, peace and joy through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thursday 2 Pray that the church worldwide might seek to follow Jesus’ example by accepting and welcoming all people without exception. Friday 3 Pray for a change in attitudes so that our children might grow up to regard all people of equal value. Saturday 4 Give thanks for programmes run by USPG and the world church to promote justice for women and girls and that seek an end to gender-based violence.
5–11 MARCH
INTRODUCING DISCIPLESHIP Article by the Revd S Balasundram, a priest in Colombo, Sri Lanka, who is training with the USPG-funded Asian Theological Academy. One of my hopes as a priest is to educate congregations in how a believer can become a disciple. I often say that a believer has not matured as a Christian until they have become a disciple. Sadly, some Christians get stuck in the role of being only a believer – they accept Christ and believe, but we are also tasked by Jesus to be disciples. When my congregations ask me what I mean, I explain there are many opportunities to participate in discipleship. We can challenge our government to give more support for education. We can urge our cities to become more environmentallyfriendly. We can make peaceful protests. We can write letters or articles. And so much more. In one church, after I had preached, two women told me there had been a protest march against child abuse and they had participated. It was very moving to hear. I am also one of the clergy in Sri Lanka who is not promoting prosperity theology. I don’t condemn the wealthy or rich, but I do challenge them, saying: ‘You are rich, you are blessed, but you also have a responsibility to share your blessings with others.’
www.uspg.org.uk/lent
Sunday 5 March: First Sunday of Lent Holy God, thank you for calling us to be disciples. Help us in this season of Lent daily to take up our cross and follow you that our whole lives may be lived to your glory. Monday 6 This year we are reflecting on discipleship during our Lenten journey. Pray that all Christians around the globe might understand more deeply what it means to be a disciple. Tuesday 7 Christ calls us to actively engage in our world (see article). Pray for the Revd S Balasundram in Sri Lanka – and Christians around the world – in our efforts to be salt and light in society. Wednesday 8 Today, we acknowledge our vulnerabilities and human frailties – but we rejoice that God is willing and able to make us whole. May we discover how to become our authentic selves – alive in Christ! Thursday 9 Whether praying quietly in private or raising our voices against injustice, may we find our true and authentic voice in God. Friday 10 Give thanks for the global church as we seek to support one another to live authentic lives in God.
Saturday 11 Pray for Christians in Sri Lanka and around the world as we seek to live in the reviving power of the Holy Spirit.
12–18 MARCH
HOW SHALL WE LIVE? Article by Maropeng Moholoa, of the Anglican Church in Southern Africa, who oversees a USPG-supported community development programme in Lesotho. We use a process of community development that empowers people to take charge of their destiny by questioning their current situation, examining the causes of poverty, and using local resources to bring change to their households and communities. Through bible studies we organise, communities come to realise that God has already provided them with the skills, resources and knowledge they need to bring lasting change. Using this process, the congregation of St Matthew’s, in Matsieng, was motivated to complete a church building that had been built over a decade ago but still lacked a roof. The congregation and community offered their services for free as a donation, and took pride completing the building without enlisting outside help. In a similar way, this process – officially called the Church and Community Mobilisation Process (CCMP) – is helping communities to engage more deeply with preventive health initiatives and income-generation projects. Working with CCMP has shown me that discipleship has a communal character. Discipleship is not just about who we are as individuals, but about how we relate to each other and are able to work together and support each other. www.uspg.org.uk/lent
Sunday 12 March: Second Sunday of Lent Holy God, day by day you call us deeper into your love as your disciples who form the body of Christ today. Thank you for your global church of which we are a part. Help us to build up your church in love and action. Monday 13 Give thanks for the USPG-supported development programme in Lesotho which is bringing congregations and communities together to tackle local challenges (see article). Tuesday 14 Pray that we might understand more deeply the communal nature of discipleship: that no-one can be a disciple in isolation – we are all members of churches or communities. Wednesday 15 Give thanks that God has given each of us skills, knowledge and resources. As disciples, may we learn how to make best use of our gifts. Thursday 16 God does not intend us to be disciples in isolation, yet relating honestly with others can also be a challenge. Pray that we might learn how to be disciples who support one another. Friday 17 Give thanks for the church’s engagement with vulnerable and marginalised communities. May all know the blessings of God’s provision. Saturday 18 Give thanks for the generosity of those who share out of their abundance. May we remember those whose circumstances mean they might struggle to share as much.
19–25 MARCH
LIVING WITH DIFFERENCE Article by the Rt Revd Michael Lewis, Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf, who reflects on being a disciple among communities of diverse backgrounds. Our diocese covers multiple countries. Our worshippers are of multiple nationalities. Some are in the land of their ancestors, but most of us are expatriate migrants. How should we be disciples? Disciples are called to be attentive to God in Christ through the liturgy, through the fellowship of the church, through the teaching of the tradition, through pondered and exchanged experience, and through prayer. In this way, we’ve tried to respond intelligently and imaginatively within the contexts in which we find ourselves. In Cyprus, we’ve seen the arrival of refugees fleeing war and misery in Syria and beyond, and have sought to engage practically by visiting, hearing their stories, and advocating for decent conditions and just treatment. In Oman, we’ve supported the mission of the Al Amana Centre which offers a safe space for Christians and Muslims to study together, share experiences and learn from each other. In Iraq, we’ve established a solid foundation of joy-filled worship to provide support for the many Internally Displaced Persons who have been attacked in their own lands. www.uspg.org.uk/lent
Sunday 19 March: Third Sunday of Lent Holy God, thank you for the faithfulness of your church living your gospel in places of diversity and difference. Help us to listen and be attentive to your voice in all places, and bear one another’s burdens in prayer and action. Monday 20: Joseph of Nazareth Pray for Christians in Cyprus, Oman and Iraq who face many challenges, with many fleeing war and persecution (see article). Tuesday 21 Give thanks for the determination of disciples in the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf to seek peace and reconciliation and, where necessary, tackle injustice. Wednesday 22 Pray that we might learn how to be disciples in communities where people of many faiths, backgrounds and beliefs are neighbours. Pray that we might learn tolerance. Thursday 23 Pray that we might learn to understand, even celebrate, diversity. Let us reflect on the idea that we are called to live in unity, not uniformity. Friday 24 Pray that we might come to understand our own biases and learn how to live with those whose values might be quite different from our own. Saturday 25: Annunciation of Our Lord Pray that the church – with our many denominations – might set an example to the world by demonstrating unity in diversity.
EXPLORING DISCIPLESHIP WITH THE WORLD CHURCH 26 FEBRUARY – 16 APRIL 2017
Jamaica and Cayman Islands: Give thanks that Jesus invites all people to fully participate in life as disciples. Brazil: Let us celebrate that Jesus has risen! Pray that all might know the joy of new life.
South Africa: Pray that Christians might comfort the brokenhearted and challenge oppressors.
Cyprus and the Gulf: Pray that we might relate to each other with understanding, while celebrating diversity.
South India: Pray that the church might show the world how to be good stewards of the environment.
Sri Lanka: Pray that all Christians might understand more deeply what it means to be a disciple.
Malawi: Pray for a USPG-supported programme to provide girls with the gift of education. Lesotho: Pray that we might understand that no-one can be a disciple in isolation.
26 MARCH – 1 APRIL
A WORLD OF INJUSTICE Article by Prof Dr Mathew Koshy Punnackad, Honorary Director of the Department of Ecological Concerns of the Church of South India Synod. Creation is a symphony in which all creatures sing and worship the Maker in tune with the rhythm of God. The rhythm of nature reflects the rhythm of God, and teaches us about the path of the disciple – if we follow nature’s rhythm, peace and harmony will follow. Jesus leads by example, showing us how to be a disciple by following the rhythm of nature. We read in the Bible that he spent 40 days and nights in the wilderness, a natural landscape essentially undisturbed by human activity. To try and disturb God’s rhythm, the Tempter said: ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ But bread is made of grain, made with seed grown in the earth; by contrast, turning stones into bread is unnatural and against the rhythm of nature. During these 40 days, Jesus learned to see God in the rhythm of nature. This is why he could say with confidence: ‘Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them...’ Therefore do not worry. The point is that when a disciple learns to read and follow God’s natural rhythm, harmony and peace will prevail.
www.uspg.org.uk/lent
Sunday 26 March: Fourth Sunday of Lent (Mothering Sunday) Holy God, Father and Mother of us all, thank you for the beauty of creation. As a mother tenderly gathers her children, so may we care for and respect all creation. Monday 27 ‘The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands’ (Psalm 19:1). As disciples, may we learn to see and honour God through the world around us. Tuesday 28 Give thanks for Creation and for the beauty of all creatures. Pray that the church might lead by example and show the world how to be good stewards of the environment. Wednesday 29 Pray that all people might learn to live in harmony with Creation and with each other. Pray for an end to the injustice that means a few have access to most of the world’s wealth and resources. Thursday 30 Pray for an end to the worldwide destruction of the environment which causes those with the least access to resources – the marginalised and vulnerable – to suffer the most. Friday 31 Give thanks for the ecological work of the Church of South India and churches around the world. Give thanks for the support of USPG for this work. Saturday 1 April Pray that Christians might understand that caring for the environment is a key aspect of our discipleship.
2–8 APRIL
COUNTING THE COST Article by the Rt Revd Margaret B Vertue, Bishop of False Bay Diocese, South Africa. Discipleship in South Africa is costly. We are called in the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim Christ and the love of God for all people – black and white together – rich and poor together – straight and gay together – young and old together. We continue a long and painful struggle against oppression. We speak out strongly against those who abuse or misuse authority. Violence and unemployment increase daily. We witness a growing discontent and anger among our young people. We hear the cries of children and mothers who are vulnerable to the evils of poverty and abuse. In this context, the church endeavours to speak truth to power, provide a moral compass, and encourage the disheartened and marginalised. Our leaders seek truth, justice and fairness. Even when darkness and tragedy overwhelms us, we remember the joy of serving the Lord – we don’t give up hope, we pray that the light will shine again. It is our prayer that the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of all people will be fulfilled every day. And we thank God for giving us a dignity that no-one can take away. For me, discipleship means being anchored in the love of Christ, committed to God’s mission, and transformed by the Holy Spirit. www.uspg.org.uk/lent
Sunday 2 April: Fifth Sunday of Lent Holy God, as we enter Passiontide today, help us to walk alongside our brothers and sisters who are marginalised, and work with them to transform unjust structures of society. Monday 3 Give thanks for courageous Christians in South Africa who draw upon their faith in Christ to tackle injustice and speak truth to power (see article). Tuesday 4 Pray that churches around the world might be anchored in the love of Christ so that they might be able to both comfort the broken-hearted and challenge the oppressors. Wednesday 5 Pray that we might have a deeper awareness of God’s love and the power of the Holy Spirit so we might stand alongside our brothers and sisters in challenging oppression. Thursday 6 Pray for those in South Africa, and around the world, who struggle with unemployment, poverty, abuse and discrimination. Pray for truth, justice and equality. Friday 7 Give thanks for our church leaders and pray that they might know God’s wisdom as they seek to encourage their congregations to live as true disciples of Christ. Saturday 8 As we acknowledge the cost of discipleship, may we also know the comfort and joy that come from resting in the love and power of God.
9–15 APRIL
HOLY WEEK Article by Paulo Ueti, a bible scholar and theologian in the Anglican Church of Brazil. It is our calling as Christians to configure our lives to be like Jesus, which is not an easy task! It requires a deep desire to be changed and to assume the work of changing the world. A crucial theological concept – and a key life experience for believers – is that God always takes the initiative and comes to meet us, no questions asked, no special behaviour required, no conditions set. Our part, as disciples, is to open ourselves up to receive and accept God’s transforming love. Out of such an experience of God’s love we are then able to love others and welcome in a manner that is non-judgemental. Discipleship is also about empowering communities to strive for transformation by struggling against inequality, violence, poverty, fear and individualism. This is our Easter pilgrimage! We are also called to encounter the Cross – which means not running away from the conflicts of everyday life, which are our teachers. So often it is during our darkest nights – when we are in crisis and feel lost – that we experience the dawn of resurrection. The fourth-century Church Father Evagrius Ponticus says we can only encounter God if we are prepared to encounter ourselves in truth. When we can acknowledge and accept our own darkness, then we are able to accept others. www.uspg.org.uk/lent
Sunday 9 April: Palm Sunday Holy God, as your Son entered his own city on a colt, the foal of a donkey, may we in humility, yet with your confidence, work to transform our communities, in your Son. Monday 10 Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling. In our consumerist world, pray that we might instead store treasure in heaven. Tuesday 11 They plotted to arrest Jesus and kill him. Every day we hear about acts of violence. Pray that the church would always seek to promote peace. Wednesday 12 A woman poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ head… They found fault with the woman. Men fight wars; men flex their muscles in the home. Pray for peace. Thursday 13: Maundy Thursday Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet. May we be so filled with God’s love that we are inspired to share that love. Friday 14: Good Friday Jesus cried out in a loud voice and gave up his spirit. Pray that all those who are suffering might know the comfort of Christ, who himself suffered. Saturday 15: Holy Saturday ‘Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.’ Pray for those who watch, wait and weep, that endurance might lead to the resurrection of hope.
SUNDAY 16 APRIL: EASTER DAY Hallelujah! He is risen! Today we celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ. ‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him.’ (Mark 16:6) He has been raised from the dead! Hallelujah! Let us praise God for the gift of the resurrection! May we share this Easter gift so that all may know the joy of new life. God has not left us alone – he has given the Holy Spirit for all people so that together we might enjoy fellowship. And as we spend time together in listening, prayer and shared work, may we learn better what it means to be a disciple and share God’s love. As disciples, may we stand shoulder to shoulder – locally and globally – in seeking and seeing God’s Spirit in everyone, not judging, but forgiving, accepting others as God accepts us. And in this way, together, might we enjoy the fullness of life. Sunday 16 April: Easter Day Holy God, in the raising of Jesus you bring new life to us all. Help us to share your new life with all people in working to build your kingdom here on earth, in the power of your spirit and in union with Christ. www.uspg.org.uk/lent
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USPG LENT APPEAL 2017 Support girls in Malawi with the gift of education Many school-aged girls in Malawi watch as the boys in their communities are bought uniforms, pens and notebooks and sent to school – but these girls see no such investment in themselves. The biggest barriers to getting girls into school are unhelpful expectations and peer pressure, the absence of girl-only toilets, and a lack of uniforms and educational materials. Imagine being 14 years old and watching your dreams of a future slip away. In response, USPG and the Anglican Church of Malawi are running a programme to increase school attendance among girls. • A gift of £16 could give a girl still stuck at home without a uniform and supplies her ticket to school – a remarkable gift. • A gift of £48 could provide eight schoolgirls worried about using the toilet while at school with access to a much-needed, private girl-only toilet . • A gift of £9 could provide a girl facing dangerous peer pressure with the safety of a newly-established after school club. • A gift of £1,200 could provide a whole school with a girlfriendly toilet with washing facilities. ‘If you educate a man you educate an individual. But if you educate a woman, you educate a family – a nation.’ (African proverb)
This Lent, your donation will provide girls in Malawi with the gift of education Many girls in Malawi are unable to attend school. The biggest barriers are unhelpful expectations and peer pressure, the absence of girl-only toilets, and a lack of uniforms and educational materials. Please make a donation today to support a programme to give girls in Malawi an education and hope for the future. www.uspg.org.uk/lent Please pray for a good response to this appeal so that many girls can be reached by this programme. Above image: Judith in front of the new girls toilet block at Msompa School, Chintheche, Malawi (USPG/Carrie Myers)