As Zimbabweans go to the polls on Monday, it will be the first election in decades to be free of the influence of long-time ruler Robert Mugabe, who was forced to resign in November.
While the run-up to the landmark event has not been marked by the violence seen in previous elections, there have been increasing reports of voter intimidation and coercion, including threats of violence.
The UN Human Rights Office has welcomed the “widening of the democratic space” in Zimbabwe since President Mugabe’s removal and has expressed “cautious optimism” for a peaceful election on July 30.
Our church partner, the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, has called for peace during the elections and voting rights to be upheld during the process.
Please join us in praying that peace prevails in Zimbabwe throughout this important election.
Please feel free to use the below text in your church or prayer group.
Prayer for Zimbabwe
Heavenly Father, we surrender the upcoming Zimbabwean elections into your mighty hands.
We pray that the gift of the Holy Spirit will guide everyone involved in this landmark election.
Give the Zimbabwean people the wisdom and serenity to choose their future leader,
A God-fearing leader who will respect and uphold human dignity and the laws of the land.
Zimbabwe has gone through many trials and tribulations over the years. Innocent people have lost lives through violence and indiscriminate killings. Lord Jesus, give people a spirit to forgive and reconcile with each other for the healing of the nation.
We pray that every person will respect and honour the outcome of the election. May your Holy Spirit touch every corner of Zimbabwe with love and understanding.
We pray that those who are not elected will humbly accept defeat, and that the winners will celebrate in peace, love and harmony.
We pray for peace amongst all the citizens, contesting parties, politicians and other stakeholders.
O God, we acknowledge you as the unifier for all the people of Zimbabwe.
We pray and trust that the election will be violence-free, and your Holy Spirit will prevail in the end.
Lord Jesus, you once said to your disciples, “I leave you peace, my peace I give you.” May these words echo in the hearts and minds of each Zimbabwean during the election period.
And may the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard the hearts of the Zimbabwean people in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
(Prayer written by a Zimbabwean Australian UCA member who wished to remain unnamed)