Last Sunday, Advent Sunday, was a Day of Prayer for Myanmar. At the compassionate initiative of Pax Christie, and supported by the NCCA and other Christian traditions, more than 125 gathered for an online time of reflection and prayer for Myanmar.  The week leading up to Sunday was designated as a week of prayer for Myanmar and other events had been held. 

The focus of our attention on Sunday evening, was the many people in Myanmar deeply impacted by the current military government and its harsh actions. This includes Karen, Karenni, Chin, Burman, Kachin and other people groups. Many Australians with family members in Myanmar are living with deep anxiety for their families and communities.  They hear of the traumatic experiences that are being endured, share the pain and feel powerless.

Many of the voices and the some of the songs sung were led by Australians with family members still in Myanmar. In prayer we were one - people from across Christian churches, faith traditions and cultures. Prayers were shared quietly and sensitively. 

After our praying together an opportunity was provided for people to share their personal experiences and this included people living in Myanmar who were also online. There were emotional moments where tears were shed and voices broke. Yet we concluded with a sense of hope – hope found in God and a shared desire for justice and democracy. At the end of our time in prayer we were more connected and more aware of each other.

Advent Sunday was the right day for praying. We were together as Advent people, looking forward, beyond the travail of our time, to the ultimate hope we have in God and our longing for God’s intervening loving justice to be made real.