Daily Prayers for February 10
On February 10, 1990, Nelson Mandela was released after twenty-seven years in a South African prison. He had been sentenced to life imprisonment for plotting to overthrow his government as part of the African National Congress (AFM), which stood in opposition to the ruling National Party’s apartheid policies. While imprisoned he became one of the most influential black leaders of South Africa. After the apartheid policy was defeated through nonviolent struggle, Mandela became South Africa’s first black president.
O Lord, let my soul rise up to meet you
as the day rises to meet the sun.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Come, let us sing to the Lord : let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
Song “We Are Marching in the Light of God”
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving : make good on your promises to the Most High.
Psalm 50:1 – 3, 6
The Lord, the God of gods, has spoken : he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty : God reveals himself in glory.
Our God will come and will not keep silence : before him there is a consuming flame, and round about him a raging storm.
Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause : for God himself is judge.
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving : make good on your promises to the Most High.
Genesis 27:46 – 28:4, 10 – 22 John 16:1 – 15
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving : make good on your promises to the Most High.
Nelson Mandela said, “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Prayers for Others
Our Father
Lord, not many of us could sustain hope in the midst of such horrors as Apartheid South Africa. Thank you for the witness of -people like Nelson Mandela, who remind us that hope is a lifeline for those who hang by the threads of injustice. As long as there are -people held in captivity, oppressed, and denied basic human rights, help us all to consider ourselves to be hanging by the same frail threads. Amen.
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you;
may he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm;
may he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you;
may he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.
