How I'm praying for my friends in South Sudan

I find that every morning in my prayer time, the first thing on my heart is South Sudan. I also find that almost every Scripture seems to make me think of our friends in South Sudan and turns into a prayer for them. This morning I want to share a few verses and passages that have been very meaningful to me this last week as I pray them for our beloved brothers and sisters who are daily struggling in South Sudan:

1. Zechariah 2:13 - Be silent before the Lord all humanity for He is springing into action from His holy dwelling.
      This verse immediately stuck out to me because I find myself often thinking to myself, what is the Lord doing? It is easy to wonder where God is and why He isn't coming to the rescue of His children. But this verse reminds me: He isn't just sitting idly by. He is springing into action! I just can't see it and I don't see His plan. I need to trust. The verse says: Be silent. To me that is like saying: Be still. Wait.

2. Isaiah 54:10 - For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken, says the Lord, who has mercy on you.
       This is God's promise for the future glory of Jerusalem and yes, we do have this to look forward to.
Verses 13-14 also seem so pertinent to South Sudan: "I will teach all your children and they will enjoy great peace. You will be secure under a government that is just and fair. Your enemies will stay far away. You will live in peace and terror will not come near.

I have also begun praying for the soldiers, both government and rebel groups. The verse I prayed this morning was from Isaiah 55:6-7:

     Seek the Lord while you can find him. 

Call on him now while He is near.

Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong.

Let them turn to the Lord that He may have mercy on them.

Yes, turn to our God, for He will forgive generously.

Our recently graduated students from Gideon Theological College

And for our dearly beloved friends who are clinging to the Lord during this time of turmoil:

Isaiah 33:6 - In this day He will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the Lord will be your treasure.

Isaiah 50:10 - If you are walking in darkness without a ray of light, TRUST IN THE LORD AND RELY ON YOUR LORD.