The power of prayer

My experience this weekend more than emphasised the power of prayer. Arlene and I narrowly missed a riot in Hawston on November 3 on our way to Hermanus where I preached at Bosko Church.

Police and private vehicles were stoned and set alight on the road to Hermanus. Other property was also destroyed by rioters who blamed police for the death of a man involved in poaching.

Arlene and I always pray God’s protection before we travel. Sometimes we take these prayers for granted. But as the events of November 3 demonstrate, prayer is our most essential and powerful weapon.

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Social unrest and violence has flared up in other parts of the Western Cape. De Doorns is currently ravaged by violent social unrest. Gang violence has also escalated on the Cape Flats.

Western Cape Prayer Dedication on Saturday
I am therefore grateful for the timely prayer initiative organised by Pastor Barry Isaacs and Pastor Light Eze calling Christians to dedicate the Western Cape to the Lord in repentance and prayer.

The ceremony will be held on the Grand Parade in Cape Town on Saturday Nov 10 from 2 to 6pm. The “Watchmen on the Wall” TV crew will be present to record this strategic prayer event.

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Remarkably, the “Watchmen on the Wall” programme on TBN tonight at 7pm ( November 6) addresses the topic of gang violence in schools and more importantly, the solutions to ending this scourge.

According to the Institute for Christian Leadership Development all 9 provinces in SA will be dedicated to the Lord Jesus culminating in a final event on 2 Dec at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

These prayer initiatives are a response to the ANC’s Centenary Celebrations on January this year in which the ruling party dedicated the nation to its ancestors.

South Africa has suffered several major strikes and social upheaval this year that has led to mass killings and serious economic uncertainty. Political violence in KZN has also flared up this year.

In the lead up to the first Democratic Elections in April 1994, the nation faced an uncertain future. Many political analysts predicted widespread violence and political unrest.

However, the Body of Christ turned to God in repentance and prayer. Millions of Christians prayed for God’s intervention. God heard our prayers and Election Day turned out to be peaceful.

That power remains the Christians most potent weapon against the enemy. The current flare up of social unrest and violence across the country is the enemy’s strategy to destabilise the nation.

But the Scriptures declare in Psalm 46:1–2,7, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”

I appeal to all Christians in Cape Town to join the prayer initiative on the Grand Parade on Saturday, November 10 at 2pm. We need a major demonstration of Christian unity and faith for breakthrough.

Click to join movement

I also appeal to Christians in the Gauteng area to join the Dedication Ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday, December 2. Your participation in these vital initiatives is crucial.

2012 began with the ANC dedicating the nation to its ancestors. May this year end with millions of Christians calling out to God in repentance and prayer to forgive our sins and heal our nation.