Pray for Mozambique on Sunday, August 28, 2016

Lectionary Selection: Luke 14:1,7-14

Prayers for Mozambique:
God of wisdom and grace, we come to you seeking your guidance. We hear your words regarding humility and we must admit that we fall short. We need you to show us the way of humility, the way of Jesus. Show us the way of love, O God.

We lift up the people and nation of Mozambique in prayer today. Open our hearts to the poor in spirit, a country crippled by an imperialist past, those struck lame by discouragement, and people who are blind to your Spirit. Help them to hear and accept the invitation to the table of your blessing, God. May we do our best to be examples of your fantastic love across the physical and cultural divides that separate us. Let us take the back seat and humble ourselves for the benefit of your beloved in Mozambique.

May your Spirit of giving and love abound in all people; especially in the hearts of the people of Mozambique, for whom we pray. May their leaders be humbled by your message of love and inspired to put the people first and self-interest last. Make us all instruments of your peace, O Lord. Amen.

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Mission Stewardship Moment from Mozambique:
Jesus’ words from the beginning of Luke chapter 14 have been used to inspire and teach humility for thousands of years and rightly so. The wisdom is as appropriate now as ever. We live in a culture that rewards self-promotion and most often passes by those living in humility. It takes real fortitude to live by these words, to combat the fear that your worth might not be recognized. It takes faith and peace of mind; a peace of mind granted by relationship with your Creator who knows your innermost being, knows your worth as fearfully and wonderfully made.

The cultures of the United States are not the only ones who suffer from a lack of humility. People all over the world suffer this great affliction just as badly as we do, some more so, some less. Mozambique is not immune. Any given day a public transit driver may speed by you and cut you off to save a few seconds, putting his priorities above your safety. Children in the schoolyard will fight one another for the Baobab fruit fallen from the tree instead of sharing the abundance. People will cut in front of you at the bank, or the supermarket, or the government office…

But… But, there is light amidst this lack of humility, just as we find in our own communities. In Mozambique, just like in our communities here, that light often comes from the church, where the virtues of humility and peace are taught, modeled, and encouraged. Our Global Ministries Partner in Mozambique, the United Church of Christ in Mozambique, is one of these churches. They are committed to modeling humility and peacemaking in their country both in and out of the church. They are among the leading churches of the national peacemaking movement. Individual churches are reaching out to their communities to offer farming training, disaster aid, and housing projects. In the midst of a country often struggling with drought, food shortage and political strife, churches like this continue to humbly work for the improvement of the lives of the people. Let us continue to join with them in this endeavor as we offer what we have come prepared to give.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Kim Free)

Mission Partners in Mozambique:

More information on Mozambique: http://www.globalministries.org/mozambique

Global Ministries Missionaries in Mozambique:
Kim Free serves with the United Church of Christ in Mozambique. Her appointment is supported by One Great Hour of Sharing, Our Churches Wider Mission, Disciples Mission Fund and your special gifts.

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