Praying for our nation’s moral fibre

by Letters Editor · December 26, 2014

From Sr Monica Shanley IBVM, Cape Town

It is heartening and challenging to note that in a recent speech, the secretary-general of the governing African National Congress, Gwede Mantashe, called on the churches to help restore the moral fibre of the country by their prayers.

Deliberate prayers for our nation – for peace, for honesty and leadership need to be said

Mr Mantashe pointed out that prayer is a duty of the churches and he asked Christians to pray for the president and the government. He went on to say that meetings need to begin by prayer to invoke God�s guidance on deliberations.

In our liturgies, especially our Sunday Mass,� when the crowds of believers gather to worship God, explicit prayer for the president and the government needs to be said� and encouraged on an ongoing� basis� and not in vague terms such as �for all in public office�� words which fail to touch the heart.

The glaring deficiencies in our government are evident. The power of ongoing, fervent prayer in our churches and in private will undoubtedly touch and convert hearts, and, it is hoped, will result in good governance, leading ultimately to justice, integrity and peace.