16 Dec 2025

Thanksgiving should be practiced even in times of economic hardship as gratitude is not dependent on favourable circumstances.
According to First Lady Kaone Boko remaining steadfast in faith during crisis was itself reason enough for thanksgiving and praises God.
She said this in Gaborone on Sunday at the National Prayer and Thanksgiving ceremony, which drew many worshippers from different denominations.
Ms Boko further said people united in prayer were multiplied, blessed and sustained with peace during challenging times.
“Lord, we will lift your name up high. We are saying to God, we love you and nothing will stop us from thanking our God. I pray that the Lord blesses you, keeps you, shines His face upon you and is gracious to you. I pray the Lord gives you peace,” she said.
For his part, President Advocate Duma Boko said gratitude was a function of faith, noting that one could not be grateful without faith.
He said the secret to prayer was not merely asking, but believing that what was asked for had already been received.
The President added that when he spoke, he ignored surrounding limitations and focused on visioning for the country.
“Visioning for the country is spiritual. I am never despondent,” he said.
President Boko expressed gratitude to the Church, saying its prayers sustained him, his family, the Cabinet and the nation of Botswana
Delivering a sermon, Calvary Apostolic Church of Botswana, Reverend Dr Lebo Rathedi acknowledged that thanksgiving was not meant for entertainment or mere spiritual upliftment, but for alignment, empowerment and spiritual positioning.
She further said the ceremony held under the theme: A Nation United in Prayer and Purpose, was a moment of repositioning, noting that unity was not optional but foundational, while purpose was divine.
Dr Rathedi said unity without purpose became directionless, while purpose without unity struggled to gain traction.
She further noted that national unity refreshed leadership, fostered respect for authority and benefited the country as a whole, adding that where unity dwelt, multiplication and consistent restoration followed.
According to Dr Rathedi, the coming together of different church denominations was a sign of alignment that would ultimately contribute to the restoration of the economy.
The ceremony was the second one following the launch of the National Prayer and Thanksgiving ceremony last year. ENDS