First Lady calls on women to pray for the country

First Lady Monica Chakwera has said it is important for women to find time and gather in prayer as they bear the brunt in times of problems.

She said this at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre yesterday when she led women in the country in commemorating Women’s World Day of Prayer.

“As we continue praying, let us also remember to pray for our country. As you all know, many areas are experiencing drought, with most fields dry. Even though we have received rains in some areas, the maize cannot survive,” said the First Lady.

She added: “Let us take a proactive step and plant alternative crops. As women, we often bear the burden, so I implore you all to join hands in prayer for our country.”

Madame Chakwera further urged the women to pray for women in Palestine, refugees, the homeless as well as the sick, the dying and the grieving.

“According to this year`s theme, ‘I beg you, bear with one another in love’, the Palestinian Christian women who wrote this worship service have invited the world to pray for peace, justice and freedom of religion and freedom of movement.

“We should pray for them, that their strength becomes a beacon of resilience, enabling them to endure all challenges and pain with grace,” she said.

The First Lady further said as women, they have an advantage because they can pray to God, ask for anything and it can be granted.

“That is why in all the challenges we face we must use prayer as a weapon to change our situation.

“Just as the biblical Esther, let us pray to the point that our problems or our enemies must fear to attack us because they know we are too prayerful and their plans cannot work,” she said.

In her address, the national prayers’ chairperson Esther Grant urged women to embrace tolerance and love towards one another.

“We are pleased that prayers like these have brought about significant changes in many women’s lives. Such prayers will continue in the districts, where we will remind each other of the importance of this year’s theme,” she said.

The prayers were attended by, among others, Mama Cecilia Kadzamira, Minister Gender Jean Sendeza and Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Mia.