–– Chipita Sibale

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According to the 1996 Constitution, Zambia is officially a Christian nation, with 75% of the population having a Protestant attachment and 20% being Roman Catholic. This strong affiliation to Christianity has seen many declarations from political leaders. One such call is that of a “National Day of Prayer.” This holiday was established in Zambia in 2015 by former President Edgar Lungu. It has since become a national event and holiday, falling on the 18th of October.

It offers an opportunity for individuals, families, and communities to take some extra time to reflect and pray. In order to observe the National Day of Prayer, fasting, repentance, and reconciliation in a reverential manner, all activities of an entertainment nature are postponed. At the same time, bars and food outlets remain closed between 6 AM to 6 PM.

Here are some of the past themes:

•  2016: “Promoting reconciliation and healing, celebrating unity in diversity 
•  2017: Repentance; promoting peace and reconciliation–consolidating national unity in diversity. 
•  2018: Facing the Future as a Reconciled, united, and prosperous nation under God’s Guidance.
•  2023: Building Zambia for Greater Development through prayer, unity, and Hard work. 

For many Zambians, the question that lingers in their minds is: “Is this a political game or a genuine desire to call on God?” Here are a few questions about prayer we need to address: 

First, what is prayer? Prayer is the currency of our personal relationship with Christ. It is the medium of exchange between needy people and a rich God. Prayer is a dialogue between God and his people. John Calvin defined prayer as an intimate conversation of the pious with God. Prayer often involves individual and group needs and concerns. Sir Isaac Newton said, “All my discoveries have been made in answer to prayer”.

Prayer is a discipline that must characterise the life and ministry of a Christian if he or she is to be effective.

Second, why should we pray? Prayer enriches our fellowship and intimacy with God (Psalm 116:1-2 and Jeremiah 33:2-3). The Scriptures command us to pray (Lk. 18:1, Eph. 6:18, 1 Thess. 5:16-18). When we pray, we follow the example of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:35). In prayer, God allows us to participate with him in the accomplishment of his purposes and demonstration of his power. 

Third, who should pray? According to 2 Chronicles 7:13-14, there are five kinds of people that pray. If we follow this prayer, quite possibly God will be pleased to pour out spiritual blessings on our countries, and our world. 

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 says: “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land or send pestilence among my people, ¹⁴ if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Per this passage, the people who should pray are (1) those who acknowledge that there is a desperate need for spiritual awakening, (2) those who humble themselves before him, (3) those who confess their sins and repent, (4) those that call others to join with them to meet these requirements, and (5) those that pray continually and earnestly.

These prerequisites are ever-present. What leads to that burden and sense of urgency is often moral and spiritual waves that reach epidemic proportions in our society, and most painfully in our personal lives. 

Some of the moral and spiritual plagues that now swell into the millions are drug and alcohol abuse, AIDS, pornography, sexual addictions, divorce, child and spouse abuse, despair and suicide. These must move us to pray. 

So is the National Day of Prayer a political game or a sincere desire to call on God? While you wrestle with this thought, my submission is that for believers it must be a sincere desire to depend on God. 

We must therefore approach it with biblical lenses and not political ones. We must acknowledge God’s sovereignty in using human instruments like former president Edgar Lungu but we must go past him and see the one who is on the throne. The one who calls us to pray.