from spirituality.com
Prayers in post-election Kenya
Daniel Otieno Okello
Reprinted from the February 11, 2008, issue of the Christian Science Sentinel.
I am learning that spiritual thinking is the only true solution for political, social, and economic crises facing citizens of a nation at any time.
I live in Kenya, and in the past few weeks, we’ve witnessed the worst post-election violence since we gained formal independence many decades ago. The violence that erupted in different parts of the country after the announcement of the recent presidential election resulted in displacement of about 200,000 people and, at the time of this writing, approximately 500 dead, a figure that continues to grow at an alarming rate.
The European Union election observers revealed in their report that the election in Kenya was not free and fair. As I thank God that the political crisis did not degenerate into genocide, I pray to forgive any acts of omission or commission by the officers who conducted the elections.
Absolute independence and freedom come only through spiritual awakening.
I know that all power comes from God because God is omnipotent. Power is capable of being shared when people humble themselves and ask God to give them wisdom and guidance. Our leaders need salvation. Christ’s saving power comes through the renewing of minds, and this Christ-message is neither a “respecter of persons,” nor does it know limitations. This salvation turns leaders to be servants of people. It allowed Jesus to wash the feet of his disciples.
Many Africans regret that politics on our continent is often riddled with ethnic tension, and that our leaders do not trust each other. I’m praying that this tension can be healed to make room for democracy, peace, love, and unity to abide with us. I pray for an end to the massive looting and property damage that often result from a reaction to a national crisis like this one. I pray to know that we are all created in the image and likeness of God. Our real being is spiritual. Absolute independence and freedom come only through spiritual awakening.
Looming disaster and humanitarian crises can hold us captive and suggest that insecurity is more powerful than goodness. But my family and I experienced divine Love’s protection firsthand. My town, Suna-Migori, was affected by the skirmishes resulting from the elections. Food was scarce and expensive. People also avoided spending money, except on necessities. Shops were looted and people displaced. Among those people were clients who often attend classes at my business school in Suna-Migori.
Love’s provision can never dry up, be blocked or stalled.
Despite the uncertainties, some clients made their way to my house to make advance fee payments for the training services they needed from me. This was to us an example of divine Love meeting our family’s needs. Now, my family is glad that business has resumed in some parts of the country, and we are able to run some errands in the town again.
When I prayed to see signs of God’s power, I also began to notice that people who were displaced from their homes in my town received a helping hand. They were supplied with relief food and donations from benevolent organizations, which were channeled to rehabilitation centers. And the government further promised to help them settle again. This was another example of divine Love’s provision, which can never dry up, be blocked or stalled. And this same truth is applicable to those who lost possessions during the violence.
While I can appreciate the efforts of Kenya’s religious leaders and the international community to persuade our political leaders to choose dialogue, I find it helpful to look away from all fear associated with the political process. For example, in the past few weeks, people in my town have huddled around radios and televisions to gather news updates of violence across the country. But I’ve chosen to spend time reading spiritual ideas from the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures on my laptop. This spiritual study has helped keep me hopeful.
When we unite in praying for our nations, peace and justice will increasingly reign in our politics.
The Bible story of Jacob and Esau has inspired me. I read how Esau lost his birthright and was angry that Jacob had tricked him out of it. But what begins as a story of injustice becomes a story of redemption for both brothers (see Gen., chaps. 25-36). This story has implications for our lives. When we unite in praying for our nations, peace and justice will increasingly reign in our politics and during elections. God will direct our spiritual sense, and we will vote for the right leaders, at the right time and in the right way.
We cannot claim absolute freedom and independence if we go to the ballot box with mental reservations, intolerance, and anxiety. These are the roots of post-election violence, as well as election malpractice and human rights abuse. As I pray, I’m realizing that it’s not always prudent to look to politics for a solution to all our social and economic challenges. We need to look higher, to God.
I continue praying for a viable solution to Kenya’s political crisis, affirming that spiritual thinking is the only impetus in healing nations during a crisis of this magnitude. Good will claim the victory.
Daniel Otieno Okello lives in Suna-Migori, Kenya.
A higher appeal:
Science and Health:
193:32-2
King James Bible:
Acts 10:34
John 13:1-17
FAQ | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Submission Guidelines | RSS | Licensing Information
© 2008 The Christian Science Publishing Society. All rights reserved
Tags: PRAY FOR KENYA, PRAY OF KENYA
