In light of the threat of a national shutdown, violence, intimidation and the fears of lawlessness breaking out, we encourage believers not to become overwhelmed by these threats. Following are some thoughts you may consider in prayer where possible for you to apply in your specific situation.
Persevere in prayer
- Before we can pray prayers that are acceptable before our Father, we have to SEARCH our own hearts for any sign of bitterness, anger, resentment and unforgiveness. Prayers prayed from any such state of heart cannot be acceptable before the throne of grace. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the CONDITION of your own heart. SCRIPTURES that will strengthen you and help you to forgive: Rom.12:14, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” John 13:35, “By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
- Ask the Lord to fill your heart with His PEACE that surpasses all understanding: Phil.4:6-7, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Consider visiting the different entrances to your city, town and every neighbourhood/community – as far as you are able to, in groups of 2 or more. Pray specific SCRIPTURES the Lord gives you for your area at the places He shows you. The locations may possibly include: police stations, highways or main roads running through your city or area, borders/roads within farming communities, schools, hospitals, electricity hubs and stations.
- One very special way to bless a community is to pray GOD’S NAMES. Every name is a PROMISE of God’s character to manifest in the lives of people in their respective communities (Numbers 6:24-27). A list of the NAMES OF GOD can be found in the chapter titled the “Names of God” (page 285-290) of the free resource: PRAY THE WORD.
- Pray for the PROTECTION of everyone and everything in your area, as led by the Lord according to Scripture. It is important not to curse any person, however wicked they may seem in your eyes, for our FIGHT IS NOT against flesh and blood, but against the wicked spirits mentioned in Ephesians 6. Follow the instructions in this passage in prayer for safety.
- PLIGHT FOR SOULS. The real battle people face in South Africa is between the kingdom of light versus that of darkness, and it is all about the SOULS of men. Passionately pray for the salvation of every individual instigating acts of violence in the nation, to have a PERSONAL ENCOUNTER with the LOVE OF JESUS (John 3:16).
Remain steadfast in prayer, with faith and trust in God with whom nothing is impossible!
