Prayer for Zimbabwe: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - December 25

Merry Christmas!

Sometimes it's hard to say those words. We look around and see crisis, tragedy, pain, death. We see places like Zimbabwe or we know people who are suffering and feel like we are somehow wrong for our joy.

It's important to remember for all the beauty and glory surrounding the birth of Jesus, He really did come into a pretty messed up world. Herod's murder of all boys under age 2 demonstrates just how brutal that regime was. It's easy to look at Zimbabwe or other tragic situations and want the white horse-riding Jesus, the one bringing armies from heaven (Revelation 19). That day is coming - but for now, living between the first and second advents, I have to remember that Jesus came into a messed up, broken world, to fix it one heart at a time. Matthew 2:16 reminds us that evil at Christmas is not a new story. Praise God for 1 John 3:8: Jesus came to destroy Satan's works! Let's pray for Zimbabwe today, and seek for the One whose birth we celebrate to destroy Satan's works in that land. 

My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, Your word tells us You came to destroy the works of Satan. We know that he has been working overtime to destroy Zimbabwe from within. We pray for You to intervene - through Your church, and sovereignly through either a heart change or a leadership change. We pray for the church to reject syncretism and idolatry and focus on pure love for Jesus. We pray for unity and guidance as they seek to minister to the hurting and share the Gospel. You are Victor, Lord Jesus. Demonstrate that to Zimbabwe today by shining Your light into the darkness, just as You did when You came to earth over 2000 years ago.

Prayers for Zimbabwe: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - December 24

Today and tomorrow we wrap up our journey through the nations. We will still have a week of prayers remaining, as we zoom back out from the narrow lens of countries to the broader lens of the world. I cannot encourage you enough to stay with us through that entire week!

As you celebrate the birth of Christ with family and friends today and tomorrow, please take a moment to pray for Zimbabwe ... part of the ends of the earth, and the last country on our worldwide tour. Please read pages 896-900.

My prayer for today: Lord, we thank You for the growth of the church in the middle of this failed state. We pray for wisdom for the churches to prioritize the many desperate needs they are facing. We pray for healthy churches and strong faith. We pray for leadership in Zimbabwe to turn around and start finding solutions. We pray against the state-endorsed violence. Bring humility and a servant attitude to the leadership or replace them with people who will govern for the sake of the people and the restoration of the nation. We know You are sovereign and we know you care. Lord, be gracious and compassionate to Zimbabwe. Restore education and health care; bring about fair and equitable land reform. We pray for righteousness and justice to reign in Zimbabwe. In Jesus' name, amen.