Pray 16-18 January 2026
16 January 2026 – For the past few weeks, South Africa has been confronted by multiple and severe natural disaster challenges. Devastating fires have ravaged certain regions in the west of the country, extreme drought continues to grip other parts of the nation, and unusually heavy rainfall in the northern and eastern parts has led to flooding with the death toll continuing to rise and livelihoods being destroyed. These compounded crises have also caused significant damage to critical infrastructure.
As we approach the weekend, further rainfall is forecast for the northern regions, while the Karoo remains critically dry and in some areas fires are still actively burning. Considering the seriousness and urgency of these unfolding events, we invite you to join us in focused prayer over the next few days (16 – 18 January):
Fires
Pray for God’s grace to send gentle, soaking rain to extinguish the fires, including those still smouldering unseen and threatening to reignite.
Drought
It is still the rainy season for inland regions where areas now suffer severe drought. Please pray for God’s mercy upon the land, the animals, the crops and the people, particularly in regions where stringent water restrictions remain in place. Ask Him for sufficient rain to end the drought.
Floods
Cry out to our heavenly Father for His mercy where floodwaters are sweeping away bridges and threatening small communities along riverbanks. Ask for supernatural intervention, for the waters to subside and for the forecast rain to dissipate in the coming hours, bringing relief to flooded regions. Pray especially for the preservation of lives and livelihoods (crops, vineyards, livestock etc.).
For all the affected areas:
- Pray for the South African government to assist the affected regions in the most effective way.
- Pray for search and rescue teams as they search for survivors.
- Pray for the provision and distribution of food, water and medical supplies.
- Pray for those experiencing loss and trauma in these circumstances to be helped physically, emotionally and spiritually.
- Ask the Lord for the finances and effective response for the clean-up operations in affected areas and the restoration of infrastructure.
- Pray for the Church to reach out with practical help and the love of Christ to those in need.
Find more prayer pointers in the article: When a natural disaster strikes
