Dear God
For the love of Africa
Hear my prayer
Africa is the cradle of your creation
Therefore, grant me patience
To nurture growth and goodness
In this great land
Africa is the rainbow of your heavens
Therefore, grant me tolerance
To celebrate difference and diversity
Across this wide continent
Africa is the drumbeat of your heart
Therefore, grant me courage
To offer comfort and compassion
In the face of her people’s trials
To the prisons of poverty in Africa
Let me bring the liberation of choice
And to the deserts of her suffering
Cool streams of relief
To the tunnels of deception in Africa
Let me bring lamps of truth
And to the jungles of her conflict
Flags of reconciliation
To the caves of despair in Africa
Let me bring voices of hope
And to the swamps of her fear
Whispers of comfort
Wherever Africa teaches her children
Share the lessons of my fading past
And where she dreams of tomorrow
Set my feet on the path of progress
Wherever Africa raises her leaders
Judge my support by democracy’s voice
And where she breathes in community
Join my breath with inspiration
Wherever Africa cherishes her wilderness
Mark my celebration of nature’s bounty
And where she cares for her people
Watch my spirit swell with love
For the love of Africa
Hear my prayer
Dear God.
— Wayne Visser