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 Zambia, Africa's second biggest copper producer, has seen its
kwacha currency tumble nearly 50 percent against the dollar this
year, driving up food prices.
Responding to an appeal from President Edgar Lungu, churches across
the southern African nation conducted prayer services.
All Sunday soccer matches were postponed and bars and restaurants
were encouraged to close in a bid to encourage more Zambians to join
the prayer gatherings.
"I personally believe that since we humbled ourselves and cried out
to God, the Lord has heard our cry," Lungu said in an address on
Sunday. "I appeal to all of you to do your best and leave the rest
to God."
 Its 1996 constitution designates Zambia officially as a Christian
nation.
Its economic woes have also caused power shortages.
"The shortage of electricity has affected all of us. Companies are
scaling down production and laying off workers," Catholic priest
Michael Mawelera said during Sunday mass at Good Shepherd Kabwata
parish in the capital Lusaka.
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"Prices of essential commodities have risen because of the
depreciation of the kwacha. We need to seek God's hand," he said.
Zambia's economy is expected to grow by less than 5 percent this
year, down from an earlier projection of around 6 percent, Finance
Minister Alexander Chikwanda told Reuters last month..
(Reporting by Chris Mfula; Editing by Gareth Jones)
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