National House of Prayer Advisory Board chairman Bishop Joshua Banda has announced a 40 day period of prayer and fasting leading up to October 18.

At a media briefing yesterday, Bishop Banda explained that there would be a church praying and fasting for the nation on each day of this period which begins today.

He also urged citizens to pick a day on which to pray and fast for Zambia.

“During the period, different churches around the country will engage in a day of fasting and prayer for the nation and this will be facilitated by our Provincial Coordinators along with their respective District teams across the nation. Every day within the 40 day period there will dedicated churches fasting and praying for our country focussing on promoting peace and reconciliation and consolidating national unity in diversity,” Bishop Banda said.

“This year’s commemoration is uniquely significant. It will be the 2nd Anniversary observance of the National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation, and will coincide with the third year of Zambia’s Jubilee, which commenced in October 2014. Biblically, the third year of Jubilee is extremely significant as it represents completeness. In biblical numerology, the number 3 is the first of four spiritually perfect numerals- the others being 7, 10 and 12. Historical scriptural precedence shows how God has consistently honoured his Word by doing significant sovereign Acts during these respective seasons. We believe that Zambia is poised for such a moment during this dispensation.”

He said this year’s National Day of Prayer would be held under the theme “Promoting Peace and Reconciliation: Consolidating National Unity in Diversity”.

“As at other times of national prayers, the National day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation is being facilitated countrywide through interdenominational prayer networks. These prayers will therefore be held simultaneously at respective District and Provincial Centres spearheaded by our respective provincial coordinators and district designate teams. Here in Lusaka, the year’s day of prayer will be held in the Main Arena, at the Lusaka Agricultural and Commercial Show grounds. We would like to take this opportunity to invite all Zambians from all walks of life to congregate with us others in respective nearby locations as will be announced variously in due course. We would also like to encourage the general citizenry to pick a day in the 40 day period of fasting and praying to individually fast and pray specifically for Zambia,” he said.

He said politics must not be allowed to divide citizens.

“Our prayer and fasting this year should signify a fresh commitment to the fact that we should sustain unity at all costs. While it is important for every citizen to exercise their democratic right to belong to a political party of their choice, we must never allow politics to divide us. We are one family,” said Bishop Banda.