The Catholic Bishops of Democratic Republic of Congo asked for prayers for peace and unity ahead of elections in their country.
"We ask all faithful Christians and people of good will to pray for peace and unity in our country."
They particularly recommend the prayer of St Francis for peace.
Here at CAFOD we are joining our prayers to theirs. We hope you will too.
St Francis prayer
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.