On the 8th of May 2019 South Africa will hold yet another pivotal national election. More than ever before, it is our responsibility to pray for our nation, its people, leaders, government and parliament. One is reminded of the encouragement of 2 Chronicles 29:11, that this is not a time to be negligent in prayer, fasting and devotion to God. We want to encourage Believers to organise themselves into regular times of prayer, also fasting as the Holy Spirit directs in the time leading up to the elections. This document aims to suggest some election prayer guidelines as well as ideas to mobilise others to join in prayer.
A. National Prayer Initiative for the elections
Different prayer initiatives for the elections will be initiated by ministries across the nation. The National Prayer Initiative of Jericho Walls Prayer Network includes prayer updates that will be sent via a WhatsApp Broadcast List, called the Jericho Walls Prayer Room. To sign up for these updates to pray for South Africa, please send a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to +27 84 989 8000. Remember to save this number in your contacts list.
B. Prayer Guidelines for the elections
The following are some basic guidelines to help us pray for some of the most important matters in our nation as it prepares for the national elections. The most crucial issues are corruption, the economy, racism and violence. If not dealt with, these issues can lead the country to anarchy, a breakdown of law and order, outbreaks of violence with severe destruction of property and infrastructure, and the senseless killing of people.
As we pray, it is important to remember the need to submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit and
constantly ask His guidance as to what to pray. We must allow Him to direct us and reveal to us from Scripture what we should pray in everything related to our nation or the elections.
1. Personal responsibility of every Christian
1 Timothy 2:1-4 – First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Please pray for Christians across the country to take up their responsibility to continuously pray for all political leaders and people who availed themselves as candidates to be elected,
irrespective of their political views. Pray that all negative talk and criticism will be replaced with earnest, faith-filled prayers, because our God responds to faith and hears the prayer of people who are in right standing with Him.
2. Violence, anarchy, looting and vandalism
Matthew 16:19 – I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Let us use the authority that the Lord Jesus Christ has given the Church to bind and resist the spirits of violence, anarchy, looting and vandalism.
Please pray that people will be convicted of the wickedness of these actions, will turn from
their wicked ways and that they will find peaceful ways to express their opinions.
3. Corruption
2 Peter 2:19 – They promised them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. Ephesians 4:22 Put off your old self, which belongs to your former of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds. Over the last two to three years several large national corruption syndicates and activities were exposed. Billions of Rand have been embezzled. More corruption is exposed almost daily. One of the biggest problems is that very few people that have been found guilty are in prison at this point.
As corruption is exposed and people are removed from their positions, we need to pray for
responsible and qualified individuals to fill those positions and to render effective, honest work.
4. Underlying ideologies of socialism, communism, humanism, materialism and secularism
2 Corinthians 10:4-6 – For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
Pray that citizens of South Africa will discern the danger and deception of socialism,
communism, humanism, materialism and secularism. Let us boldly approach the throne of
grace to ask for the destruction of every argument and lofty ideology that are raised gainst
God’s will for South Africa. Pray that people will be delivered out of the ideological strongholds and mindsets built through deceptive arguments, as well as manipulation, intimidation and control by politicians who have great charisma and the ability to incite emotions. Pray that South Africa will be delivered from demonic principalities and powers who gained authority because of the increase of lawlessness, wickedness, bloodshed and idolatry in our nation.
5. Exposure of lies and fake news
Ephesians 5:6-11 – Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore, do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true) and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
Pray that through His Holy Spirit, God will expose and destroy all lies, false promises, hidden motives and unholy alliances between people (on a human level), and between people and spiritual forces of darkness (on a spiritual level). Pray that people will recognise and discern fake news in the printed media, as well as on all social media platforms. Fake news aims to destabilise the nation and aggravate racial fear and aggression.
6. Safety and security
James 3:14-18 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but it is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Pray that peace will prevail before, during and in the aftermath of the elections, irrespective of the outcome. Pray that violence will not flare up and for peacemakers in all communities to take spiritual authority in prayer over their communities. Pray for effective policing and that people will actively work towards peace, reconciliation and positive nation-building, instead of violence, aggression and destruction of communities. Pray that the internal power-struggle between politicians will be solved through constructive dialogue and respect for lives and property.
7. Election process
Deuteronomy 1:13 – “Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads.” Pray that the election process will be free, fair and just, without bribery, manipulation, intimidation or the underhanded influencing of voters. Pray for all electoral personnel nationwide to be honest and for the election process to run without hindrance, corruption or violence. Pray that all hidden schemes and plans to corrupt the process will be exposed, and for perpetrators to be arrested. Ask for the Church to have great wisdom and discernment in our involvement in the election; to avoid being misled and used by politicians for political or personal gain.
8. Leadership
Daniel 2:20-22 – Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.” Pray that God will position the leaders of His choice for this season in South Africa. Ask that He will help South Africans to choose wisely and rightly for His will to be done in our nation. Pray that whatever the outcome of the national elections, that the Gospel will continue to be preached without hindrance in our nation, so many people will make Jesus Christ the Lord of their lives. Petition God for a season of grace, reconciliation, restitution and revival. Pray that God will protect us from evil leaders, restrain wickedness and that anyone with evil intentions will not be elected. Pray for the people who will stand as candidates in your area by name, for their consciences to be awakened so that they can be convicted by the Holy Spirit, to repent, convert, be saved and come to the knowledge of obedience to the truth in Christ Jesus. Pray that those who are elected will have servant hearts and a will to glorify God’s purposes for South Africa.
9. Day of the election
Hebrews 12:14 – “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Pray for the day of the election itself on 8 May 2019. We need peace in the country to have a free and fair election. Let us bow before God and petition Him to grant us a peaceful election according to His plans and purposes for our nation, and that the peace of God will reign on that day. Ask for many churches to organise times of prayer on the day of the election, to pray for peace and justice to prevail.
10. Bless our nation
Take some time to daily speak a blessing over our country and everyone living in it this year. Matthew 5:3-12 – Jesus said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
C. Prayer strategy to mobilise others to join in prayer
It is of utmost importance that Believers across denominational and racial borders at this time will join in individual, as well as corporate prayer for breakthroughs in our nation. There are different ways in which this can be done. You may consider one or more of the following possible strategies.
1. Personal devotions. Include one prayer pointer per day or week for the country and
upcoming elections as part of your personal devotions from now onwards until the elections in May.
2. Corporate prayer times. Consider inviting any groups you are involved in at church or
work to join in specific prayer for the elections. This may include your Bible study group, prayer groups at church, school or work, before and during church services etc.
3. Church bulletins. A few prayer pointers can be inserted into the church bulletin that
people take home or on social media pages e.g. Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. This prayer guide can be made available on your website, sent via email or distributed to Believers via any other communication medium.
4. Pray everywhere.
a) Schools. Consider starting a prayer group with other parents at the school. You could spend20 minutes before school starts, during break times (especially if you are a teacher at a school), or just before you pick up the children from school.
b) Workplace. You can invite a few people to pray together during lunch breaks, before work or just a few minutes after work.
c) In the community. Find out where different voting stations will be set up in your area and share this information with other Believers. You may consider praying at the location where voting stations will be set up once a week.
d) Police stations, security firms. On voting day, effective policing and security will play an
important role. Consider praying at these places as the Holy Spirit leads you. Adopt a police
station and its staff in your area in prayer. Invite churches in the area to do the same. You may also consider praying at the local municipality, for the mayor, etc. as the Holy Spirit leads your group.
D. Continued prayer for SA during 2019
We also need to continue praying for South Africa throughout 2019, concerning other matters of importance.
1. Employment
2 Thessalonians 3:10 – For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. Literally, thousands are unemployed in our nation. Some have given up on looking for employment, whilst others are resorting to crime to try and meet their basic needs.
Pray for more sustainable business opportunities that will also create more job opportunities for the unemployed. Pray for a ‘will to work’ among people, for those who are employed to have a grateful heart, and for a generous spirit upon those who are able to help others find employment – not necessarily handouts. (2 Thess.3:8b).
2. Sustainable energy supply nationwide
Colossians 3:23-24 – And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
Pray for the situation surrounding the security of energy supply nationwide. Lift up in prayer those in leadership positions with the responsibility to address difficult situations and implement meaningful measures to turn this situation around. Pray for the effective supply of coal, the distribution and use of wind and solar energy, as well as the exploration of new energy resources in our nation. Pray for meaningful breakthrough in the operations of Eskom.
3. Education
Isaiah 11:2 – The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.
Lift up in prayer the education system, curriculum and operations in our nation, including
principals and teachers in schools, those in tertiary education and other educational institutions. Pray for meaningful and fruitful reconsiderations of the current curriculum; that it will really benefit learners and equip them for life. Pray for learners and students to excel in their studies, have the will and opportunities to work, and to qualify themselves with great excellence. Pray for the continuous provision of learning material and school supplies in every place where it is needed.
4. Housing
Hebrews 13:16 – But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. There are still thousands in need of a decent place to live. This includes South Africans, but also the foreigners living within our borders. A solution to meaningfully house refugees from surrounding countries is much needed.
Pray for the private sector and government to be effective in addressing these needs, and for it to be done with great integrity in dealing with tenders, investments and finances.
5. Health care
2 Corinthians 9:8 – And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always
having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. A fresh look at the number of students allowed to study in the medical care profession is needed.
Pray for a breakthrough in the upgrading of all state hospitals, the supply of daily medicines and supplies, the maintenance of important equipment, as well as the use of new technology that will further the work of strained personnel in a significant way. Pray for the safety, well-being and effectiveness of existing medical personnel across this nation, both in the private and public sector. Pray for more ways in which the medical needs of citizens can be met.
6. Violence against the vulnerable
Isaiah 60:18 – Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; but you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise.
Pray for the church to find practical ways they can become involved in their local communities in addressing all forms of violence: domestic violence against women and children, in the workplace etc. Pray for more individuals to assist in counselling victims of violence and for the police department to effectively protect vulnerable victims from violent behaviour of their family members.
7. Substance abuse
1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. South Africa has extremely high levels of substance abuse, which feed crime and violence against women and children. It deepens poverty and causes great hardship and pain for families.
Pray for existing programmes to be managed more effectively and to address acute situations quickly. Pray for linkages between substance abuse, drug trafficking, crime and insecurity in communities to be exposed, so perpetrators will be arrested and sentenced. Ask for all these networks to be shut down, nationally as well as its connections internationally.
Pray for Christians to pray on-site at every tavern, shebeen and liquor outlet in their area, and especially that these will be shut down where they are near school premises.
8. Corruption
Amos 5:11-12 – Therefore, because you tread down the poor and take grain taxes from him, though you have built houses of hewn stone, yet you shall not dwell in them; You have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink wine from them. For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: Afflicting the just and taking bribes; diverting the poor from justice at the gate.
Ask that step by step, corruption will be exposed and that the evidence of criminal activity that emerges [from the commissions of inquiry] will be evaluated by the criminal justice system.
Pray that where there is a basis to prosecute, prosecutions will follow swiftly and that stolen goods, as well as public funds, will be recovered. Pray for smooth operations in this regard for the National Director of Public Prosecutions, as well as the investigating directorate dealing with serious corruption and associated offences. Pray that commissions of inquiry will be quick to find solid evidence that will lead to the persecution of the guilty.
9. Economy
Proverbs 3:9-10 – Honour the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. Many challenges face the economy at different levels of society.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give solutions on how to restore, stabilise and grow the economy in wise innovative ways never explored before. Pray for wisdom in receiving foreign investment, so it will be to the benefit of the SA economy over the long term. Pray for clarity and progress in the current ongoing processes of trying to achieve a higher rate of economic growth. Also pray for more effective tax collection, reasonable and affordable expenditure where needed, the stabilising and reducing of national debt, as well as the management of the public sector wage bill as main concerns.
10. Provision of safe water and sanitation
Isaiah 33:15-16 – He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, he who despises the gain of oppressions, who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil: He will dwell on high; his place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; bread will be given him, his water will be sure. The provision of potable water and proper sanitation remains a huge challenge in South Africa. Although much has been done in recent years, it still falls far short of what is needed.
Pray for the private sector to become involved more practically in streamlining existing water purification plants in SA and for the establishment of more purification plants everywhere. Furthermore, pray for the enhancement of sanitation in informal settlements, at schools, in rural areas, as well as the maintenance of existing plants.
Let us persevere in prayer!
Continue to pray for every matter of importance in South Africa as the Holy Spirit leads you in your specific area of influence. Do not become weary or negligent but remain faithful in
persevering prayer for our nation and its people.
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Date published: 07/05/2019
Written by: Jericho Walls
Article source: jwipn.com
