My Christmas prayer for Malawi is…

Today, Christians celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, who not only died on the cross for their sins but is also their link to God the Father. This is why they end each prayer with; ‘in the name of Jesus Christ’. Forget the presents, food and good company; what is your Christmas prayer for Malawi today? Akossa Mphepo poses this question to Malawians within and outside the country’s borders.

Stanley Kenani, Geneva.

I pray for Malawi to harness its positive energy so that we can emerge from the current economic crisis a stronger nation. I pray that Malawian professionals at home and abroad should come together to create a synergy for the strategic direction of our country.

We need a spirit of entrepreneurship, self-belief and a strong desire to produce more and export to many countries around the world so that we can shift from being a net-importing to a net-exporting nation.

I pray that our leaders should stop personalising development efforts and should begin to realise that Malawi is greater than an individual. God bless Malawi.

Chigo Nyasulu, Lilongwe

May God forgive the whole nation for all the wicked things we have done that have broken His heart. May He hear our earnest cry and heal our land as He has promised in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

I pray for God to drive out of this country all evil spirits. I pray for Him to instil unconditional love and unity among all Malawians in the country and abroad regardless of tribe, religion, gender, social status, age and political affiliation.

I pray for God to speak to us and provide solutions to all the problems we are currently facing as He promises in Psalm 32:8 and Isaiah 30: 21. Where there is division and misunderstanding, may He bring unity so we can all move forward and do what He wants us to do to heal this beautiful country of ours not just at Christmas but beyond.

He is a merciful, answering God and I believe Malawians will soon joyfully sing ‘Come and see what our Lord has done for Malawi’ as in Psalm 66:5 in Jesus’ name!

Zilanie Nyundo, Lilongwe.

May mother Malawi always be a haven of peace, of fair opportunity and tolerance. May the warmth for which we are famed be marrow deep and not skin shallow. In times of difficulty, may we be generous to our neighbours and kind to strangers.

With faith, grace and good humour, we can handle just about anything. It is very true that all that we need to harness our blessings is within our grasp and innovation is the best key to progress

. May we look back one day and remember this season of challenge as one we surmounted through love and kinship. My prayer for Malawi is harmony.

Habiba Rezwana Osman, Lilongwe.

I have always believed that Christmas is a season to be jolly and that Christ is indeed the reason for the season. Through my five day detention in October during the Mothers Day weekend for human rights activism, I have become more sensitive to the rights and plight of female prisoners all over the world.

I am humbled by the fact that I met sober human beings who want to be liberated.  As many people marvel at the wonderfulness of Christmas this year, I want to remember the prisoners by at least visiting them during this festive season. I pray for them and would like to cheer them up this Christmas.

Janet Zeenat Karim, Washington

Our Father and God… we know all is not right with Malawi. We deeply need a moral and spiritual renewal to help us meet the many challenges we face. Convict us of sin. Help us to turn to You in repentance and faith. Set our feet on the path of Your righteousness and peace. LORD heal our land.

Your word says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.” May this be a new era for Malawi, as we humble ourselves and acknowledge You alone as our Saviour and LORD of our land.