2008: A Year of Decision, an article by Andy Freeman

Published: January 7th, 2008

I wonder what your hopes and expectations are for this coming year, 2008?  
You might feel pressure if a number of people suggested that the coming year would be the most crucial year for you of this decade - fancy how the globe feels then - as this is exactly what a number of politicians, commentators and experts have said about 2008.

‘2008 will be the most decisive year of this decade’ Gordon Brown 1

Even as I’m writing, only 5 days into this New year, the feeling of importance and significance literally drips of each news bulletin.

In Pakistan, the nation is still in turmoil with elections due in just a few days time.  The tragic death of opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto has created a wave of mourning and anger in that nation and around the world which has led many to question the stability of Pakistan, and indeed the region.
In neighboring Afghanistan and Iraq, the world continues to try and work out how to bring peace to two nations torn apart by war, race and religion.
The diplomats of the world continue to debate and discuss the issue of climate change.  An agreement of sorts was reached in the Bali summit in December but as we work towards the next climate summit in Poland 2008 - will we truly grasp the challenges of global warming which face us ?
In Kenya, the newly elected President Kibaki is facing civil unrest as the validity of his election victory is questioned.  
In the United States, the first caucuses in Iowa are beginning a year of build up to the most open US Presidential race in 50 years.  

So how should we pray at the beginning of this new year and what do we believe God is saying about our world and the events going on around us ?  In the past few days I’ve found myself back in the familiar verses of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 (1-11)

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted’

As each day we read about a terrorist atrocity, the hidden pain is amongst those who are left bereaved.  As I watched the reaction to the death of Benazir Bhutto, the pain that was expressed brought me back to this verse - and I began to pray for their comfort.    3 days ago, 30 children were amongst those who died in a church in Eldoret, Kenya, as it was torched by protesters.  I don’t begin to understand why or how - but I do believe Jesus is amongst those who mourn right now - bringing comfort.

‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy’

The dictionary defines mercy as, amongst other things ‘compassion or forgiveness shown towards an enemy or offender in one’s power’.2  As we look at the world, there are so many situations where people are divided, where we have enemies or they have enemies - usually this is accompanied by a call for action, for revenge - the need for us to assert our power once again.  

But Jesus’ sermon suggests that mercy might be a better approach.  Lets pray for forgiveness to break out in 2008.  Lets pray for the diplomats - for those whose job it is to initiate discussion and negotiation - even when it’s with our enemies.  Lets pray for forgiveness amongst those divided by war, hate or history.  Mercy in Kosovo.  Mercy in Kenya.  Mercy in Iraq.  Mercy in Israel and Palestine.

‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God’

2008 willbe a year of decision.  Elections in the United States, Pakistan and Russia, mayoral elections in London, presidential elections in Zimbabwe, Angola, elections for the European parliament - to name but a few.

When we have the chance to vote in an election - the issues and reasons for deciding are many.  But how should we pray?  Could we pray for presidents, prime ministers, mayors and members of parliament who might be called ‘pure in heart’.  

As some hugely significant elections take place, my hope and prayer is for leaders of substance in heart, as well as fiscal or foreign policies. 

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.’

Maybe our biggest prayer for 2008 might be peace.  We live in a world where conflict is common.  For some reading this article today conflict or the threat of it is very close by.  For others it is just a fear or an awareness.  For both, peace is our prayer.
As as I pray for peace I find myself praying for peacemakers.  I pray for the United Nations, established over 50 years ago with a mandate for peace.  I pray for those individuals with the courage to take a stand and for those with the humility to be prepared to talk.  And I find myself praying for the normal people like you and me - knowing that responsibility for peace isn’t always with the politicians, but also with us.

I pray that the courage of Benazir Bhutto might inspire peace in Pakistan and Afghanistan.  I pray that Ba ki-Moon, head of the United Nations.  I pray incoming Presidents and outgoing Presidents.  I pray for those with influence and for those who feel they have none.

I pray often, for peace.

2008 a decisive year...

Lord Jesus, at the beginning of this new year.
We pray for those who mourn, and ask their mourning might cease.
We pray for mercy to break out in conflict
We pray for the election of the pure in heart
We pray for the peacemakers
And for a new era of peace to fill our world
And we ask all these things in Your name Lord
Because we know only You can answer.

Amen.

1 ‘The Guardian’ 1 Jan 2008
2 Oxford English Dictionary

Andy Freeman is 41 years old and a father to 5 beautiful kids.  He lives in Reading, England.  Andy was part of the team that pioneered 24-7's first Boiler Room community.  He is now a trainee Ordinand with the Church of England and is working with others to plant the Reconcile Community, a 24-7 Community which is an Anglican Fresh Expression.  Andy loves reading, movies, music, cricket (the sport) and Arsenal football club.  Andy is involved with Just 24-7 and 24-7's partnership with Fresh Expressions.  You can continue to dialogue with Andy on his blog.

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