Author: CMM, Cape Town

As we enter Women’s Month, a time dedicated to honouring and celebrating the incredible contributions and sacrifices of women in our society, we are called to join women in prayer. This month provides us with a special opportunity to recognise and support the women in our communities and beyond.

Mary’s Song found in Luke 1:46-56 is a profound declaration of hope, reflecting Mary’s deep faith and understanding of God’s promises. It is for this reason that the prayer below is offered for use during this Women’s Month.

 

Our lives sing praises to the Lord our God, who is setting us free.

The Lord remembers us in our humiliation, victimisation, abuse and distress.

A time will come when those who abuse and victimise will see us and call us blessed, because of the great things the Lord is doing in our humble lives.

Holy is the Lord’s name.

From one generation to another the Lord is constantly on the side of the oppressed.

As on the day of the Exodus, the Lord stretches out with a mighty arm to scatter the abusers and victimisers with all their evil plans.

The Lord brings down the arrogant power-hungry abusers from their loftiness.

The Lord lifts up the despised daily.

The Lord fills the exploited with good things and sends the exploiters away with empty hands.

The Lord’s promises remain new and fresh to this day.

Therefore, the hope of liberation burning in us will not be extinguished.

The Lord will remember us, today, tomorrow and beyond. Great is the Lord’s faithfulness. Amen.

(Adapted from Luke 1:46-56 and from prayer by Zephania Kameeta Namibia)

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Almighty God, who sent messengers at different times to announce liberation in Jesus Christ, and to denounce injustice, oppression and the exploitation of your people, give us the sensitivity to hear prophetic voices today, that we may turn from unjust deeds to wait in happiness and penitence for Christ our Liberator. Amen.

(Anesia Nascimento, Brazil)