40 Days of Prayer

Day 1 - Welcome to Mozambique (#40Days2024)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. - 2 Chronicles 32:7-8

Mozambique is one of eight countries Hands at Work is serving in across Africa. Mozambique has a population of 33,956,560 people, with 67% of the population living in extreme poverty. Ranking 185 out of 187 on the Human Development Index, there are 150,000 children living with HIV/AIDS and 1,300,000 children who have been orphaned because of this life-threatening illness. –Sources: UNAID, UNDP, World Poverty Clock

As we start 40 Days of Prayer, we invite you to join us in praying for the country of Mozambique:

  • In the midst of changes in the country and a season of transition for the Hands team in Mozambique, pray for peace and comfort.

  • Over the years, the cost of food and basic necessities in Mozambique has risen significantly. Pray that God will make a way and sustain His people.

  • “Pray for the rains to continue and that there would be a good harvest across Mozambique.” (Audrey, Regional Support Team Leader, Mozambique)

  • Ask God to pour out His spirit and pray that people would understand more of the gospel.

As you pray, remember the International Offices in Australia, Canada, Germany, the US and the UK who serve with Hands at Work to care for the most vulnerable in Africa. Pray for each of the advocates and churches in these countries that partner with Hands at Work. Pray that they will remain steadfast in their calling to serve. Pray that they will be encouraged even in times of difficulty.

#40Days2024

Day 40 - Easter Sunday

He Is Risen!

He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

– Revelations 22:20

When Jesus arose from the dead, He showed us that there is no wound too deep, no scar too unbearable, that He cannot heal. As we await His triumphant and glorious return, challenge yourself to give your heart completely to God. Ask our Father to show you what it means to fight for justice and act in faith on behalf of the most vulnerable like Mwete. In times where it seems hopeless, remember that Jesus is able, as He continues to ‘bind up the broken-hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness the prisoners’.

#40Days2022

Holy Saturday

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. – Isaiah 53:5

Imagine living in a world without hope – without Jesus. Holy Saturday allows us to empathise with those who have no hope. On this day, where Jesus’ disciples were caught between the hopelessness of Good Friday, and the hope that came on Easter Sunday, let us choose to enter into compassion – to suffer with our brothers and sisters – who today feel that sense of despair and confusion.

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Day 39 – Good Friday

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. – John 19:28-30

Today, we invite you to read John 19: 28 – 30. Jesus’ death was the most scandalous event in history, as the world tried to stop Jesus from proclaiming the good news, setting the captives free, bringing sight to the blind, and giving liberty to the oppressed. Thank Jesus for His sacrifice and for showing us the ultimate example of what it means to sacrificially give of ourselves for the sake of the Kingdom. Pray for Mwete and other vulnerable children, Care Workers, Primary Caregivers across Africa, churches and Hands at Work volunteers, to truly understand the weight of His sacrifice.

Day 38 – Jesus’ Final Days – Carrying the Cross

Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then “‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’ For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” – Luke 23:28-31

Today, we invite you to read Luke 23:26-43. Image the pain Jesus must have endured as he carried His cross. As individuals, running towards pain, suffering and persecution is something we often avoid. Pray that God will give us courage and strength to take up our cross with humility and perseverance. Pray the same for our Care Workers across Africa who daily run towards challenges on behalf of the children they care for.

#40Days2022

Day 37 - Jesus’ Final Days – The Trial

“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” – Matthew 27: 22-23

Today, we invite you to read and reflect on Matthew 26: 57 – 68, 27: 11 – 26. Image what it would have been like in the crowd during Jesus’ trial. Pray that God reveals to you the judgment or condemnation that you have cast on someone else. Spend time in silence, praying for forgiveness and restoration in our own lives and in the lives of others.