THE SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS OF MERGING 18TH OCTOBER WITH 29TH DECEMBER
By Bilon Kalumbinga | Lusaka, Zambia
The decision to merge Zambia’s National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation, traditionally observed on 18th October, with the 29th December commemoration deserves serious reflection—not merely from a political or administrative perspective, but, more importantly, from a spiritual and theological standpoint.
To those who view national affairs exclusively through political, social or administrative lenses, this decision may appear harmless. However, to spiritually discerning Christians who understand the significance of corporate prayer, fasting, repentance and reconciliation, the decision raises profound spiritual concerns.
First, let us examine the meaning of the word “merger”.
Ordinarily, a merger suggests bringing two distinct entities together into one, without necessarily extinguishing either’s essential identity or purpose.
In this case, however, retaining 29th December, rather than adopting a new, neutral date, suggests that 18th October has been absorbed or abolished.
In other words, a day traditionally dedicated to national prayer, fasting, repentance and reconciliation has been incorporated into a day associated with national celebration.
This raises a fundamental question:
Have we preserved the spiritual purpose of the National Day of Prayer, or have we merely retained its name while diminishing its original significance?
A solemn national assembly for prayer and fasting differs fundamentally from a national occasion characterised by festivities and celebration.
While prayer and thanksgiving can certainly accompany celebrations, a solemn fast and a national feast are not the same spiritual exercise.
We must therefore be careful not to confuse the two.
1. THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF A NATIONAL ALTAR OF PRAYER
The Constitution declares Zambia a Christian nation. From a Christian theological perspective, this identity should inspire serious reflection on the place of prayer, repentance, righteousness and reconciliation in our national life.
A nation that acknowledges God should recognise the importance of creating opportunities for its people to humble themselves collectively before Him.
In the Old Testament, Israel periodically assembled for national prayer, fasting, and repentance, especially during moments of crisis, uncertainty, and spiritual decline.
For example, Joel 2:15–17 declares:
“Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: Gather the people, sanctify the congregation…” (KJV).
Similarly, in 2 Chronicles 20:3–4, King Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast throughout Judah when the nation faced a formidable military threat.
The people gathered together to seek divine intervention.
These biblical accounts show that corporate prayer and fasting play an important role in a nation’s spiritual life.
Although individual prayer, family prayer, and congregational prayer remain indispensable, national corporate prayer offers a distinct opportunity for collective humility, repentance, intercession, and reconciliation.
A national altar of prayer is not necessarily a physical structure. It is a spiritual platform upon which a people collectively acknowledge their dependence upon God.
Such an altar should never be reduced to political symbolism, religious ceremony or an annual public holiday.
Its true significance lies in sincere repentance, genuine reconciliation and the pursuit of righteousness.
2. NATIONAL PRAYER AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE
From a biblical Christian understanding of spiritual warfare, prayer is not merely a religious activity. It is an essential expression of dependence upon God in the face of spiritual opposition.
Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers that the Christian struggle extends beyond flesh and blood to spiritual forces of evil.
For this reason, prayer, fasting, and repentance hold an important place in believers’ spiritual life.
Festivities, entertainment or ceremonial celebrations do not overcome the powers of darkness.
Believers resist them by submitting to God, maintaining steadfast faith, praying, and obeying His Word.
James 4:7 declares:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (KJV).
The spiritual strength of a nation cannot be measured merely by the number of celebrations it holds; Christians should also consider the place it gives to humility, righteousness, repentance, and dependence on God.
A nation may celebrate its achievements while remaining deeply divided, morally compromised or spiritually indifferent.
Celebration may express national happiness, but prayer and repentance address a people’s spiritual condition.
This is why we must not overlook the distinction between the two.
3. NATIONAL RECONCILIATION AND THE BLESSING OF UNITY
One of the National Day of Prayer’s most important purposes was reconciliation.
Reconciliation is not simply a political necessity. It is also a biblical principle.
Psalm 133:1 declares:
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (KJV).
Verse 3 further associates such unity with God’s commanded blessing.
A nation divided by political hostility, tribal prejudice, bitterness, hatred and unresolved grievances cannot easily realise the full benefits of national harmony.
Reconciliation creates opportunities for healing, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and national development.
It is therefore spiritually significant that a national day should provide an opportunity for citizens, political leaders, religious institutions and communities to examine themselves and pursue reconciliation.
However, genuine reconciliation requires more than public declarations or ceremonial handshakes.
It demands humility, forgiveness, justice, accountability and a willingness to address the causes of division.
A nation cannot merely celebrate unity; it must deliberately cultivate it.
When a dedicated platform for national repentance and reconciliation disappears, the Church should be concerned about how that important spiritual responsibility will continue to be fulfilled.
4. CAN PRAYER AND CELEBRATION BE COMBINED?
Some may argue that there is nothing wrong with combining prayer and celebration.
Indeed, Scripture contains examples of God’s people rejoicing, giving thanks and worshipping together.
There is therefore nothing inherently unbiblical about celebrating while acknowledging God.
However, we must distinguish between prayer as part of a celebration and a solemn national assembly specifically dedicated to fasting, repentance and reconciliation.
These are not identical occasions.
A day devoted to fasting calls for self-denial, humility, introspection and spiritual consecration.
A day of national celebration ordinarily encourages feasting, festivities, entertainment and public rejoicing.
The two may both have legitimate places in national life, but they serve different purposes.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us:
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (KJV).
There is a time for rejoicing, and there is a time for solemn reflection.
There is a time for feasting, and there is a time for fasting.
We must not allow the spirit of celebration to overshadow the solemn responsibility of national repentance and prayer.
5. THE POLITICAL CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING 18TH OCTOBER
It would be intellectually dishonest to ignore the political controversy that surrounded the establishment and observance of the National Day of Prayer.
The day was declared under the administration of the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
Some citizens questioned its sincerity and effectiveness, particularly in light of the political tensions and unresolved divisions that characterised parts of that period.
Critics argued that the government had not adequately demonstrated the reconciliation that the national observance was intended to promote.
Those concerns deserve acknowledgement.
However, we must distinguish between the conduct of political leaders and the enduring spiritual principles of prayer, fasting, repentance and reconciliation.
The failure of a political leader to practise reconciliation does not invalidate the biblical principle of reconciliation.
Similarly, the shortcomings of an administration do not diminish the spiritual significance of corporate prayer.
The National Day of Prayer should never belong to a political party, a president or a particular administration.
Prayer is not the property of politicians.
Neither is repentance.
Neither is reconciliation.
These are spiritual responsibilities that transcend political administrations and partisan loyalties.
We may disagree with the political circumstances surrounding the establishment of 18th October, but we should not, on that account alone, dismiss the spiritual value of providing a national platform for prayer.
6. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CHURCH MOTHER BODIES
Now that the traditional observance of 18th October has been affected by the decision to merge the two occasions, I believe the responsibility falls upon our Church Mother Bodies, working where appropriate with government and other stakeholders, to preserve a distinct platform for national corporate prayer.
I therefore appeal to our Church Mother Bodies, including the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), the Independent Churches of Zambia (ICOZ), ZCCB, ACOC, and other Christian representative organisations, to consider setting aside a dedicated day for national prayer, fasting, repentance and reconciliation.
Such an initiative should be spiritually driven rather than politically motivated.
It should bring together Christians from different denominations, political backgrounds, ethnic communities and social circumstances.
It should provide an opportunity to pray for our national leadership, peace, justice, economic well-being, moral renewal and the unity of our people.
Above all, it should encourage genuine repentance and reconciliation rather than mere religious ceremony.
In keeping with freedom of conscience and religion, participation should be voluntary, with respect for citizens who hold different religious beliefs.
The Church does not need to wait for political permission to fulfil its spiritual responsibility of prayer and intercession.
Indeed, 1 Timothy 2:1–2 encourages believers to offer prayers and intercessions for all people, including those in authority.
The Church must remain the conscience of the nation, not merely an extension of the political establishment.
7. MY FINAL APPEAL
My concern is not fundamentally about preserving 18th October as a date on the national calendar.
Neither is it about defending the political legacy of the administration that established it.
My concern is about preserving the spiritual purpose for which a National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation was created.
Dates may change.
Governments may change.
Political administrations may come and go.
But the biblical principles of prayer, repentance, righteousness and reconciliation remain relevant.
The challenge before us is therefore not merely whether 18th October should remain a public holiday.
The greater question is whether Zambia will continue to provide a meaningful national platform for solemn corporate prayer and spiritual reflection.
As Christians, we must remember the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14:
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (KJV).
This promise was originally addressed to God’s covenant people, Israel, but its emphasis on humility, repentance and seeking God continues to provide important spiritual instruction for Christians today.
Let us therefore preserve the distinction between national celebration and national consecration.
Let us celebrate when it is time to celebrate.
But let us also deliberately set aside time to humble ourselves before God in prayer, fasting, repentance and reconciliation.
A nation needs more than occasions for celebration. It also needs opportunities for solemn reflection, moral renewal and spiritual intercession.
And for those of us who believe in the power of prayer, one conviction remains:
SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING, BATTLES ARE WON ON OUR KNEES, NOT MERELY THROUGH CELEBRATIONS.
May God bless Zambia and guide our nation in the paths of righteousness, peace and reconciliation.
BLESSINGS.
Bilon Kalumbinga, Cand. Th.D., M.Th., MSc., B.Min., B.Th.
General Overseer
Agape Christian Church International
Lusaka, Zambia.
So how does shifting the day (as opposed to cancelling it altogether) take away from the motivation that brought it to life ?
We split hairs over very petty matters. At the end of the day, it is God who sees the hearts of those of everyone of us – those who are genuinely seeking his face. And those who have made religion a business. Genuine prayer is a very private matter that is never carried out for display.
Genuine religion does not seek the backing of political institutions. It’s mission transcends and is very different from the missions of political institutions. The union of political institutions and religious bodies is the Beast described in the apocalypse of John – the Beast that will hunt and kill God’s chosen. Zambia is making fantastic progress in pseudo-Christianity.