President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has asked religious leaders in the country to set special time for prayers for good rains, bumper harvest and for protection for all people during the forthcoming festive season.

The call comes barely a week after the start of the 2016/17 rainy season which has been characterized by tragic incidences such as floods and others.

According the statement signed by Presidential Press Officer Mgeme Kalilani made available to FaceofMalawi, Mutharika has scheduled the weekend of December 2, 2016 to December 4, 2016 as the days for the prayers.

“The President is also calling upon the religious leaders to pray for the enemies of our land: hunger, disease and envy, so that we all live together in unity for the betterment of our country,” reads in part the statement.

Meanwhile Mutharika called upon all Government officials, Cabinet ministers, and Members of Parliament regardless of their political affiliations, to take the lead in attending these special prayers in their respective communities and places of worship.