St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Estcourt has declared the ‘Prayer of Jabez’ as its prayer for 2023.
The ‘Prayer of Jabez’ reads as follows: “And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!’ So God granted him what he requested.” (1 Chronicles 4:10 NKJV)
Parish Priest Father Madoda Khumalo says that the church will be praying for three elements when reciting the ‘Prayer of Jabez’ – the president of the country; citizens; and the South African child.
He explains that praying for the president does not equate to praying for a certain political party, but rather an individual who would be a blessing to the country.
“Many citizens just see themselves as voters, but if we want to be a blessing to the country, there is a call for us to be volunteers,” said Father Khumalo.
He added that the church would be taking a ‘special interest’ in exploring the subject of ‘what can I volunteer to be a blessing to the South African child?’
Explaining that church is often adult-focused, he said it was time to bring the younger generation closer to God.
“Growing up in the Anglican Church, there was nothing for children – just Sunday School. Nothing said ‘you are home’ and I felt excluded. The church is now focusing on sustaining the child and we can all do this through creative arts; music; and making donations of clothes or stationery to needy children. We must not pray in isolation; we must go out into the world and let the world challenge us and let us challenge the world. You can help the South African child by praying for a spirit of volunteerism. Pray that we be blessed so that we may be a blessing to others. Also challenge others to do the same,” concluded Father Khumalo.
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