If you wonder whether it is God or the devil at work in your life, it is useful to look at the principles of God’s kingdom versus those of satan in order to discern who is at work.
Discerning God’s voice by evaluating opposites
read more
SEARCH RESULTS
Article
The central beliefs of Mormonism
Mormons believe that God, the Father, was once a man, but that he ‘progressed’ to godhood. They believe that worthy men may progress to become gods themselves. These beliefs are quite different from the Christian faith. We look at the central beliefs of Mormonism and how we can pray for them.
Securing farms through prayer
There are specific challenges facing farming communities. The Lord has provided a prayer watch strategy as part of securing farms in South Africa, but the strategy can also be adapted for other areas. Let us build a wall of prayer around farms for His glory. (Beskikbaar in Afrikaans).
Plaasbeveiliging deur gebed
Plaasgemeenskappe het baie spesifieke uitdagings waarmee hulle gekonfronteer word. Die Here het ‘n Gebedswagstrategie gegee om plase in Suid-Afrika te beveilig. Laat ons ‘n muur van gebed rondom plase bou tot Sy eer. (Available in English)
The Holy Spirit and prayer burdens
There are usually four sources of prayer burdens or prayer assignments. Not all prayer burdens are from the Holy Spirit and it is important not to commit to a prayer assignment without His consent.
Deal with sin and develop a positive lifestyle
What are the things that may hinder your prayers and influence your relationship with God?
Waiting on God
Waiting on God is not a passive act. It is an active waiting filled with prayer, reading the Word, listening, discerning, evaluating, deep inner cleansing from sin and deep surrender to the King of kings.
How George Müller determined the will of God
George Müller said that he wanted to prove to Christians that God answers prayer. He used six guidelines to determine the will of God.
Establishing prayer groups
The multiplication of small prayer groups has proved to be the simplest and most effective strategy for saturating towns, cities and a nation with prayer, and mobilising prayer for renewal and revival in the church. We look at how to establish such prayer groups.
Like a mighty rushing wind
God poured out the Holy Spirit on the first believers and that sparked a revival in Jerusalem which spread to many countries in the Roman Empire. Reading the Book of Acts gives us a biblical picture of what normally happens during a revival.
History of 10 days of prayer before Pentecost
In 1861 in Paarl, South Africa, a small group prayed together every evening during the ten days between Ascension Day and Pentecost, like the first Christians who waited to be baptised with the Holy Spirit. There was great expectancy and they were not disappointed.
Effect of prayer groups on revival
There is nothing more central and important when preparing for revival than prayer, especially prayer in small groups. This has happened in some form or another in more than 90% of all recorded revivals.
Obstacles to prayer
Every believer should examine themselves regularly for issues in their life that present obstacles to prayer.
The revival during the Second Anglo-Boer War
The Boers asked why it had to happen, but God had a bigger plan in the midst of their suffering. Boers who went to the camps as prisoners of war unsaved returned as true born-again Christians, filled with the Holy Spirit. God worked powerfully in these camps.
The beliefs and pillars of Islam
Muslims believe that with sufficient personal merit and righteousness, and the favour of Allah, they will go to eternal heaven. It is important for Christians to know what the differences are between what they believe and the beliefs in Islam, so we can pray for them.
A spiritually responsible man
Assuming responsibility will always cost us. It expects us to crucify ourselves and put the interests of others before our own.
The beliefs of Judaism
A Christian’s understanding of God and a Jew’s understanding of God are similar, but there are also crucial differences. Let’s look at how these beliefs differ so we are better able to share our faith in Jesus as Messiah with Jews, and let’s pray for them with great compassion in our hearts.
The prayers of Jesus
By studying and praying the Lord’s prayers we come into a deeper understanding of what is on our Heavenly Father’s heart.
God’s purpose for your life
It is of the utmost importance that each one of us understands why we are here and what God desires to do with our lives. God has revealed this to us in several verses in Scripture. As you pray these verses, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how this applies to your life.
Pray for Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses worship one-person whom they call ‘Jehovah’, but they do not believe there is a Trinity. They believe that Jesus is the first thing created by Jehovah and that they must earn everlasting life on earth by good works, such as door-to-door evangelism. Learn more to pray effectively for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Power through meekness
Meekness is not powerlessness, but power under control. Jesus had power available to Him far beyond anything we could imagine. Yet He restrained Himself, even before His crucifixion. Jesus said: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” How are you doing with that?
What is revival?
“Revival is a going of God among the people. It is an awareness of His presence, His holiness, His fear, and awareness of the need to walk softly before God, lest I grieve Him.”
The Zulu evangelist and revival
Nicholas Benghu had a dream in which he heard the words, “Africa must turn back to God.” Out of this was born his ‘Back to God Crusade.’ For forty years, his crusades toured systematically through South Africa.
Virtual prayerwalking
We do not need to live close by to people and places in need of prayer, as we are connected virtually through so many means.
Pray for New Agers
Christians need to know what the basic differences are between beliefs central to Christianity and to the New Age Movement, so that we can share our belief in the Lord Jesus clearly with New Agers.
Pray for Hindus during Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage held in India. In 2019 over 120 million people from all over the globe are expected to attend the Ardh Kumbh Mela from 15 January to 4 March. Use the prayer guidelines provided to intercede for Hindus taking part in this gathering.
Focus in prayer
Many people struggle to focus in prayer, and they are too embarrassed to admit it. After reading a few verses in the Bible, you might doze off without having really engaged in prayer in any meaningful way. We provide 10 ideas you can try to help you focus in prayer.
Fathers as watchmen
As head of the house, God appointed men as priests to pray for their families. Men represent their families to God in prayer.
Dealing with criticism
We all face criticism at some time or other. It is unavoidable. We, ourselves, are also guilty of criticising others, and we need to know how to deal with our own critical spirit too.
Difficult economic times
The world economy has experienced much uncertainty recently and it is difficult to predict what the future will entail. How do we pray in these difficult economic times?
One prayer can change your life
Sometimes we don’t ask the Lord for something, because we think the matter is too trivial or we think it is too audacious. But one prayer can change your life entirely.
Domestic violence
An abusive partner lashes out with aggression, belittling or violent behavior; “to show you who is the boss.” The apologies and loving gestures in between episodes of abuse make it difficult for the victim to leave the cycle of abuse.
How God feels about violence
Our world is filled with violence in various forms. We need to know what God says about violence and understand His heart for victims of violence.
Teenagers and fear
All teenagers experience feelings of fear at some stage. Even Christians can experience fear. God knows this. Therefore, he tells us more than 300 times in the Bible not to be afraid. However, there are a few requirements needed to really be free from fear.
Fulfilment of God’s purposes with creation
Let us pray the Word for the fulfilment of God’s purposes with creation.
How to pray for Hindus
If we understand the differences between the central beliefs of Christianity and those of Hinduism, believers will be able to clearly share their belief in the Lord Jesus Christ with Hindus and pray for their salvation.
Vampire movies
The drinking of blood is the highest or most dangerous involvement in the occult. Vampire movies desensitise the mind and damage the conscience of those watching them. Seeds of occultism are planted and forbidden spiritual desires that lead to death are stirred. Beskikbaar in Afrikaans.
Our motives in prayer
Consider the things you are currently praying about. Why do you pray about them? Often we pray about the right things, but with the wrong motive.
Attacks on spiritual workers
Spiritual workers and Christians in general are not mercilessly handed over to the assaults of the wiles of the devil. The fact remains though that there are onslaughts, conflicts and temptations against them, and that many suffer spiritual injury in the process.
Pray for new believers
It is important that we intercede purposefully for new converts. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring them to spiritual maturity and to change them to be conformed to the image of Christ.
Using the Bible in prayer
God speaks to us through His Word and through prayer we respond. George Müller wrote: “..my heart being nourished by the Truth, being brought into true fellowship with God, I speak to my Father and to my Friend about the things that He has brought before me in his precious Word.”
Pray for personal revival
Every believer can experience personal revival daily and in fact, should experience it.
The work of prayer
Why is the church so powerless? Why does it have so little effect in the world? Why can’t the church succeed in taking the gospel to all the unreached nations? Why do people become converted but fail to grow to spiritual maturity?
The power of individual prayer
The accounts of prayer in the Bible are the stories of individuals who laid hold of God and He performed miracles in answer to their prayers.
Children and victorious prayer
Jesus…said to them, “Let the children come to Me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14
Prayer groups in the marketplace
Just imagine how different the workplace and the economy would be, if believers were to pray in the marketplace for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done.
Times of fear and anxiety
Fear does not change anything; it only robs you of your strength for today. There is no better antidote for fear than knowledge (personal, experiential, faith knowledge) of God the Father.
Victory over feelings of guilt
All people struggle with feelings of guilt at some point. Some suppress these feelings and others are oppressed by their guilt feelings. What you do with your feelings of guilt, is your choice.
When you need to forgive and need forgiveness
Forgiveness, together with grace, is what makes the gospel of Jesus Christ different from any other religion. Forgiveness builds on the foundation of grace. Whether we sin against God or people, the road to forgiveness is simply to ask forgiveness.
Pray as an employer
There is a difference between a career and a calling. Your calling has priority over your career. As a Christian, you are called to proclaim the gospel of the salvation and Lordship of Christ to people. God gives us a career through which we can live out our calling.
Dedicating to God(10): Business
Father, we pray for all businessmen and women. Would you give them wisdom and make them wise, give them knowledge toward better discernment.
Personal prayer checklist
Determine your actual standing as far as your prayer life is concerned. Go through the questions one by one and check your own prayer life.
How to pray for an unsaved person
The Holy Spirit gives believers the desire to see an unsaved person come to salvation. God made us to be a kingdom and priests (Rev.1:6) and as His priest, you can intercede for an unsaved person to be reconciled to Him. (Ook beskikbaar in Afrikaans)
Steps to true holiness
Holiness is the opposite of worldliness. It is to say “no” to the world, the flesh and the devil. Holiness, however, is more than just a list of don’ts.
Living in God’s presence
God’s presence is based on the Word, where God clearly states that He lives in us through the Holy Spirit. To live in the presence of God and to live in the reality of this presence is an act of faith.
The believer’s access to God’s throne
We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain. Since we have Jesus as a great high priest over the house of God, we can draw near to the Lord, with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.
Simple and meditative prayer
Simple and meditative prayer takes you to deeper intimacy with God. This is how the church fathers, monks in monasteries, many of the early Christians, and Christians through the centuries learned to pray and to enter into a deeper relationship with God.
Dedicating to God(9): Believers
Father, we pray that You will pour out a spirit of prayer and supplication upon the saints, so they will cry out to you night and day.
Intercede for pastors and missionaries
These guidelines will help intercessors to pray more objectively for ministers and missionaries than merely saying “Lord please bless my minister, Amen”. Use the guidelines and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you as you pray.
Victory over pride
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) Pride is self-centred and gets in the way of a believer’s faith. Pride is the stronghold in us that gives right of admission to all sorts of sin and evil in our lives.
Pray for marriages and families
Marriages and family life are under much strain. Purposeful, systematic, focussed and persevering prayer is critical and necessary for Christian families.
Bid só vir ‘n ongeredde persoon
Dit is die Heilige Gees wat aan gelowiges ‘n begeerte gee vir ongeredde persone om tot redding te kom, maar nie almal is seker hoe hulle effektief vir die persone kan bid nie. God het ons as priesters aangestel (Op 1:6) en as priester kan jy intree vir ‘n ongeredde persoon om met Hom versoen te word. (Also available in English)
Dedicating to God(8): The lost in SA
Father, we pray that every person in our country will have a clear revelation of Your one and only Son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus se bloed vir ons uitgestort
Met die kosbare bloed van Christus is ons losgekoop en ons sondes vergewe. Ons is nou versoen met ons hemelse Vader en kan met vrymoedigheid na Sy genadetroon gaan. Laat ons danksegging betuig teenoor die Here, ons Verlosser!
Pray for teenagers
By the age of 18, more than 60% of teenagers have been drunk. 32% of teens admit to intentionally accessing nude or pornographic content online. Two hours of gaming has the same impact as snorting one line of cocaine. Will you pray for the protection of teenagers from destructive temptations?
The thorn in your flesh
Most Christians will testify to having a thorn in the flesh. It may be present for a while, but also something you may have to deal with for the rest of your life. [Ook beskikbaar in Afrikaans.]
Humility and confession
Don’t hide your sin. “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13. [Ook beskikbaar in Afrikaans.]
Men can say “No”
When men live pure and holy lives according to God’s standards, it is reflected in their marriages. It makes their families holy, it spills over into their congregation and influences their workplace, and ultimately also society.
Dedicating to God(7): The church
Father, we pray for the church in South Africa, that she will yield to the cry of Your Spirit to consecrate and set herself apart for You. Give her a renewed hunger and thirst after Your written Word.
10 Things to pray for a hospital
Hospitals need to be equipped and able to treat sick and hurting patients. Let us regularly pray for our local, provincial and academic hospitals, their staff and for patients.
Verootmoediging en sondebelydenis
Moenie jou sonde wegsteek nie. “Wie sy sonde wegsteek, moet niks goeds te wagte wees nie; wie sy sonde bely en daarvan afsien, sal genade ontvang.” Spreuke 28:13. Also available in English.
The Cambuslang Revival – Scotland (1741-1744)
“The power of God was present from one end of the crowd to the other like lightning flashing across; you could see thousands bathed in tears, some wringing their hands, others almost swooning, and others crying out …” (Ook beskikbaar in Afrikaans)
Dedicating to God(6): Those in authority
We proclaim that God rules this nation and that all people in human authority are subject to Him. Father, we pray and intercede for the new President, every cabinet minister in government and authorities on a regional level, that they may know Your purposes.
Jou doring in die vlees
Min of meer alle Christene kan getuig van ‘n doring in die vlees. ‘n Doring in die vlees kan iets wees wat vir ‘n leeftyd deel van jou lewe gaan wees – soms net vir ‘n bepaalde tyd. [Also available in English.]
Spiritual warfare
The Cross of Jesus is at the centre of the whole struggle against the evil one, because Satan was conquered at the Cross.
The disciplines of silence and solitude
Whenever you get away from the noise and busyness of life to encounter God through silence and solitude, He’ll change your soul in ways that go beyond words.
Dedicating to God(5): Prisoners
We proclaim that God’s mercies are new every morning – may His mercies be new over every prisoner daily.
Pray like Paul
God, I thank you for the people around me (spouse, children, friends, Christian leaders, Christians in the workplace). I ask you to fill them, and myself, with knowledge of your will, with wisdom and understanding. Even more, help me to pursue others with love.
Bible reading simplified
Almost 90% of all believers struggle to read their Bibles on a regular basis. Some start well, then fall behind on a reading plan, and just give up. Get started with fresh zeal this year!
The poor, the needy and the unemployed
Poverty and unemployment are two of the main concerns in our country right now. We cannot turn a blind eye concerning this problem. As the Church, we need to ask the Lord to help us change the nation. There are many projects, conferences, and initiatives, but a lot of...
Dedicating to God(4): The media
Father, bless all those who write for the media in South Africa, that they will choose noble themes that will bring glory to Your Name.
Dedicating to God(3): Education
May the fear of the Lord reign in our education system in this country.
Pray for your wife
Holidays often prove to be more challenging than relaxing for most families. Do you desire a fresh start in your relationship with your wife? Having devotion time as a couple can be as difficult in later years as it was easy in the beginning. Why not decide to pray...
Pray for your husband
Holidays often prove to be more challenging than relaxing for most families. Do you desire a fresh start in your relationship with your husband? Having devotion time as a couple can be as difficult in later years as it was easy in the beginning. Why not decide to pray...
Dedicating to God(2): Ourselves
Lord Jesus Christ, we declare today that You are the Living Word of God, You are the Way, the Truth and the Life .
Praying in Jesus’ Name
To pray in Jesus’ Name is to acknowledge His full role as God’s anointed – your Prophet, Priest and King.
Dedicating to God (1): The holiday season
Pray for God’s protection over everyone visiting, and living in South Africa this holiday season.
Keeping a prayer journal
If you keep a prayer journal, in time you will notice how God worked in your own and in other people’s lives and it will be a great testimony!
Become a Prayer Missionary
The purpose of prayer missionaries is to fulfil the Great Commission through prayer. (Matt.28:18-20). A prayer missionary is someone who adopts a country or geographic area and prays for that country. It is someone who does not physically go to the mission...
Why can’t we hear each other?
We need to get rid of a “How can I get you to shut up and listen to me?” mindset and replace it with a “What can I do to create a safe place where understanding can take root and grow?” attitude. Ask the Lord to prepare your heart and attitude towards the holidays.
The unsaved, unreached and nations
Ask the Lord of the harvest…to send out workers into his harvest field.
Unsaved Family and Friends
All of us know someone in our family or circle of friends who has not been reconciled to God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ. It is the will of God that we should pray for their salvation.
Teach Children to Pray
Teach children to speak to God as if He is real (which He in fact is), and they will be speaking to Him a lot! Help them proclaim and pray Scripture over everyday issues.
Guidelines to pray for Buddhists
Two centuries of evangelical Christianity’s engagement with the Buddhist world have resulted in less than 5% of Buddhist heartlands coming to Christ. Much prayer is needed for Buddhists to come to a knowledge of and living relationship with Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Persecuted Church on 5 & 12 November
International statistics show thousands of Christians are martyred every year, while millions of Christians are restricted from living out their Christianity.
As for me and my house…NO Halloween
Halloween is on 31 October every year. The uninformed Christian has no idea that demonic spirits are actually contacted and activated as people call out to them in jest or in seriousness.
God’s will for your life
When you pray for God’s will for your life, there are a few important issues which you have to consider.
Hope for the South African Police Service
There may be problems in the police service, but it is the responsibility of believers to intercede for them.
The Prosperity Gospel
Increased destruction is being sown amongst people on the Continent of Africa (especially those who are unsuspecting, impoverished, and needy) as a result of the preaching of the ‘Prosperity Gospel’.
Praying for the Church
Let us fervently pray for the church of our Lord Jesus Christ with the same passion He has for His church.