"My loyalty kills me". So reads the poem about the Myanmar concept of loyalty. Loyalty is especially to your family, your elders, your teachers and those in authority over you. Often that loyalty is unquestioning, and given at great personal cost.

A former teacher can call on his or her students to do something and expect to be obeyed and honoured, even years after the event.

Annual festivals are times for students, children and 'juniors' to pay respects to seniors, teachers and parents, sometimes with lavish gifts, and often with bribes.

Praise:

• For the positive benefits of honour and respect for elders and teachers.

Pray:

• For Christian leaders and followers to develop a Godly perspective on loyalty, particularly where loyalty to a person can clash with Christian integrity.