Prayer for the Nation

My dear Parishioners,

Earlier this year, there were many persons in our land who came together and marched through the streets of the town. The march was to protest a murder which had occurred! In addition to the march, there were some who were calling for the closing of the nation as well as the holding of prayer meetings at varying churches. So many persons has visions about what God had told them to do and in so doing, the problems would be solved!

It is interesting to note that the voices which seemingly cried during that time have basically gone silent. We no longer hear any calls for the closing down of the country or those other things which were suggested. It begs the question, “What has happened?

I said then and I maintain now, that we have not really gone to the root of the issues which gives genesis to the problems which confront us. I do not want to suggest for a moment that I am expecting a problem free society - I am not that utopian in practice or theory!

The root of our problems lie in such issues as political and civic leadership; political and religious tribalism; the lack of family values and proper parenting; consumerism and materialism. If we can get a foot hold into these issues, then we can begin to make effective changes in our society.

Why not ask our politicians to live more wholesome lives? Why not ask our people to love each other regardless of political persuasion? Why not address the issues of continuous teenage pregnancy which leads to the breakdown of the family through the many female-headed households? Why are our children nurtured to believe that unless they have certain brands of clothing as well electronics, they are not with the “in-crowd”? Why is it that we believe that we must possess all the latest styles and fashions as well as appliances?

I continue to challenge us to pray for this nation as well as our families. We must not wait until something tragic has happened to get our knees. We must also live godly lives and call for others to do so as well. It is hypocritical to go to God about so many “problems” and we are not seeking to change our lives. We turn God into a god of convenience when we practice such behaviour!

My friends, we should never be in the “religious show business.” And I think a lot of those who made noise were very much into this!!! We must live practical and real lives and distance ourselves from those who would seek out every opportunity to pontificate and spout their so called religious knowledge.

I pray that we would live out in Christ in our lives so that our society can really become a better place in which to live!

With every blessing,

Fr. Reid Simon