Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth; we thank you for leading us through the month of February, with a lot to be thankful for. We know in the past many days there has been a lot that can trouble the spirit. Here in Uganda we have come to know of those illegally abducted by security forces, detained and even tortured. Elsewhere, the coronavirus pandemic rages, claiming over half a million people in the US alone it touched that country! Our healthcare services are stretched with poorly motivated workers often as a result of funds being diverted for selfish pursuits. Young people all over are desperately looking for jobs that are slow in coming. Children have been sitting home anxious for their future. Homes are falling apart due to all the stresses. But in the midst of all, we thank you for the way you continue to watch over us all, in spite of all. And as we start this month, we want to surrender to you any fear lingering in our heart. Your word says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mathew 11:28).

And now that schools are gradually opening up, in the midst of the pandemic, we don’t know how it will all work out, but we are comforted by Psalm 121:5-8: “The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand;  the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” To the children who are preparing and are sitting their final exams, we pray that you calm them, fill them with hope and peace, and bring success to them. We pray for our leaders to exercise the authority you have given them with a fear of you that they may not lord it over people and drive them to desperateness.

We commit to you our families, receiving your word, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19). And where we have known and seen trials, troubles and tribulations, we sense victory in the days ahead, holding on to your word: “But I forget all that – it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun. Do you see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18).

This we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, King of Kings, Jesus Christ! AMEN!