54 Days of Prayer for the Healing of AfricaSample

# BENIN [IMAGE CONTENT] COLONISED BY FRANCE (1904-1960) Benin was historically known as the kingdom of Dahomey. It derived great wealth from trading slaves with Europeans along the coast, which was known as the Slave Coast, and was one of the most active slave trading ports in all of Africa. Local leaders sold their war prisoners to European traders. Today, as one of the world’s 20 least developed nations, Benin struggles to provide economic opportunities for its citizens. Many parents sell their children as slaves, mostly to the neighbouring nation of Nigeria, and most of these precious children will never again see home. There are 50,000 children trafficked out of Benin annually. Black market trading and smuggling are widespread as well. There is conflict in the north, on the border with Burkina Faso, where farmers are involved in land claim disputes; this conflict originated when colonisers drew up borders, cutting certain groups from certain areas. HOW DID CHRISTIANITY GET THERE? Entering the region in 1485, the Portuguese built a Catholic chapel at Ouidah in 1680, but during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, attempts at evangelisation were sporadic and ineffectual. CHURCH TODAY: Historically one of the least evangelised nations in Africa, the church has grown in recent years. However, the nation also has one of the highest rates of syncretism, specifically combining Christianity, animism, and Voodoo. The need for trained pastors to disciple the growing number of Christians is severe. There is also a great need for media ministry in Benin, as most of the nation is illiterate. Nearly half of the languages in Benin do not have a Bible to inform the 60 total people groups of the loving nature of God. ### PRAYER POINTS * Pray for deep healing, repentance, restitution and restoration regarding the wounds caused by slavery and colonialism. * Pray for justice and righteousness to grow in Benin. * Pray that the curse of modern-day slavery will also be broken over Benin—for great repentance, healing and restoration. * Pray for a revival that purifies the Church and sees Christians honouring God alone. * Pray also for many sangomas to experience the power of Jesus and turn to Him. * Pray that the church of Benin will fulfil Jesus’ prayer from John 17: to be one with one another and with Him, the Father and the Holy Spirit. * Ask God to bless Benin and pray as the Holy Spirit leads you. ### PERSONAL REFLECTION WEEKLY WORLDWIDE MORAVIAN WATCHWORD God desires steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 PRAYER We confess to You, merciful Savior, that our sins are many. Daily we fail to live as Your children and to obey Your word. Forgive us, we humbly pray, and hear now our shouts of joy for the salvation we receive through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.