Revised March 14, 2009

 A Call to Prayer for the Sudanese People.

 We urge you to pray for the protection and safety of the people in Sudan whose lives are threatened by the Popular Defense Forces (PDP) and conservative Islamic groups.  These groups are reacting violently to the International Criminal Court’s issuance of an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.  These pro-government forces have sanctioned attacks and announced Jihad against individuals whom they believe support the ICC’s arrest warrant.  In greatest danger are the ICC witnesses against the President.  Their lives are in jeopardy and the ICC has very little ability to protect them.  They may include Sudanese  and international workers with non-governmental organizations and ordinary citizens who could somehow be fingered.  Pray that President Bashir will control his anger and end the assaults against the defenseless people of Darfur and Southern Sudan.  And pray for the restoration of humanitarian services to the millions of refugees in Darfur and Chad. 

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 O God for all the world, we pray this day for the people of Sudan as they deal with the decision of the International Criminal Court.  Grant patience, strength, and faith for this time of uncertainty.  Grant wisdom to those who sit on the court and to Sudanese leaders and people.  Turn hearts from violence and vengeance.  Draw the people and leaders together to seek peace and pursue justice for all.  Inspire nations and leaders around the world to act in ways that help further those ends.  Bless the people and the nation of Sudan. We pray in Jesus' name.  Amen

 Rev. Mark Koenig, Peacemaking, Presbyterian Church (USA)

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 Lord, we pray for the people of Southern Sudan who greatly suffered from the effects of the civil war which divided them on tribal and ethnic lines and denied them essential needs for living, their democratic rights and their freedom of choice. We pray God that you may touch their hearts to embrace unity and love for one another, that they embrace one another and reject tribalism, that the people of Sudan learn to separate issues from personalities, and that the kingdom of God dwells among and within all of them. 

We pray with special attention to the need for the Word of God to take charge of the hearts of the people of Southern Sudan, for the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and referendum in 2011 in the South when the people of Southern Sudan will determine their future, and for healing internal divisiveness and conflict and its replacement with unity of purpose.

We pray for the Comprehensive Peace Agreement to bear its fruits that were meant for all the Sudanese people. The enemies of the CPA are working so very hard day and night to destroy the CPA. Lord, may You in Your special way touch the hearts of all people so they may respect, support, and implement the CPA.

In the same way, we pray for the people of Darfur and the Darfur region. We pray for a wise International Criminal Court decision and that the aftermath of the decision does not unleash forces that impede progress toward peace in Darfur and throughout Sudan.  We pray God that You guide all levels of the Sudan Government with Your divine wisdom. May You bring Your own peace into Darfur and to its people.

We pray that government leaders govern with Your wisdom. May they respect Human Rights and may the people's choice prevail in the country. We pray for the national census results that they may be completely and honestly recorded that they may be a blessing for governing the people.

We are grateful for and pray for our brothers and sisters beyond Sudan who are praying and working very hard to help the people of Sudan achieve a just and lasting peace. Please be with them in their good work and well wishes for the Sudanese people.

Simon Chol Mialith, Peace Building Officer, RECONCILE, Yei, Southern Sudan