KENYA: Religious Leaders Pray for National Healing, Appeals for Being Each Other’s Keeper
The chair of Interfaith Council during the 2nd National Prayer day
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Religious leaders drawn from various religions in Kenya among them the Christians, the Muslims and the Hindus, on Saturday, October 10, prayed for the country thanking God for his blessings and mercy as they ask for his healing upon the nation especially during this period of Coronavirus pandemic and also appealing to citizens to care and protect each other from the virus.
This second national prayer service convened by the President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta comes months after the first one which took place March 21. The Head of State declared three days of prayer for the country beginning Friday, October 9, to Sunday, October 11 and asked the people to turn to God for thanksgiving, repentance, forgiveness, national healing and restoration.
During the prayer session, Archbishop Anthony Muheria of the Archdiocese of Nyeri and the chairman of the Interfaith Council a body that was created and mandated by the President to oversee the resumption of public worship in the country, has reminded Kenyans that “As we walk the path of prayer, the path of seeking God’s mercy, the path of listening and the path of conversion…we all need to take seriously the battle against COVID-19 and be our brother’s and sister’s keeper.”
“Let us continue praying for our nation, our leaders and for God’s blessings so that we may overcome the big threats facing us and other ills,” Archbishop Muheria pleaded adding, “As religious leaders we ask humbly that all of us we may listen to the voice of the Lord and be your brother’s keeper, be your sister’s keeper. Wear your mask and follow the instructions from the Ministry of Health, knowing it is a Godly call to care for each other.”
The Inter-denominational prayer service coincided with “Huduma day,” a national holiday in Kenya observed through national prayers that highlight service and volunteerism to the community where Kenyans are encouraged to participate in prayers and promote national unity, social justice, cohesion and sustainable development in their communities for the benefit of present and future generations.
During the prayer service that was animated by Statehouse choir, the religious leaders gave reflections on Scriptures and intercessory prayers for the country’s various needs. They also asked citizens to pray consistently in fighting hatred, corruption and tribalism which at times block prayers.
On his part, the President thanked all the Religious leaders for honouring the day and leading the entire nation in prayer.
“We have undergone very serious challenges but the war is still to be won and we need to continue asking our Creator to move with us as we move forward,” the President stated and continued, “I thank the Almighty God for keeping us safe and for helping us reach where we are today, because we wouldn’t have managed without his guidance and love. We need to recognize that.”
The Head of State also thanked all the health workers, all essential service providers and all political leaders for the unity of purpose.
