God of peace and justice, of comfort and grace,
we lift up to you the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
particularly those affected by the escalating conflict in the eastern region.
We pray for an end to the violence, displacement, and humanitarian crisis
that has left millions in need of assistance.
We remember the over 400,000 people displaced this year alone,
the 4.6 million internally displaced people in North and South Kivu, and
the countless others who have fled to neighboring countries seeking refuge.
We pray for the safety and well-being of those who have been forced to flee their homes, and
for those who have returned home only to find that their loved ones were killed.
We pray for the humanitarian workers who are risking their lives to provide aid and support.
We call upon you, O Creator, to bring peace and stability to the region, and
to inspire African and world decision makers, leaders and policymakers
to work towards a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.
We pray for global partners Eglise du Christ au Congo and the ACT Alliance and other faith-based, civil society and humanitarian organizations working tirelessly to provide assistance to those affected, and for the generous support of donors and partners.
We also pray for:
the protection of civilians, especially women and children, from violence and exploitation;
the restoration of basic services, such as food, water, shelter, electricity, and healthcare;
the wisdom and courage of leaders to address the root causes of the conflict;
the generosity and compassion of the global community to respond to the humanitarian crisis;
and lasting peace to enable local communities to rebuild and recover.
May your love, compassion, and mercy be upon the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and may your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their hearts and minds.
We pray all these through the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen