We join you in lifting up South Africa before the throne of grace as you approach these Local Elections, and we thank you for calling on the mighty name of Jesus, for it is through Him alone that we have access to the Father.
We hear your burden for the division among leaders, even within the same organization, and how they choose strife and courts over sitting down together in wisdom and humility. The word of God warns us that where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed, James 3:16, and calls us instead to pursue peace. Jesus said, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God, Matthew 5:9. We pray that God will rebuke the spirit of pride, selfish ambition and division that leads to such fighting, and that He will convict those in leadership to seek counsel, humility and reconciliation for the good of the people they are called to serve.
We pray also for the situation with the African National Congress and the communities whose chosen councillors were not submitted to the IEC due to failure in leadership, and for the case that will be before the Constitutional Court. We are reminded that the king's heart is in Yahweh's hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires, Proverbs 21:1, and that there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God, Romans 13:1. God is sovereign over every election, every court, and every community, and He can bring justice, order and mercy even out of human incompetence and failure.
We exhort that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence, 1 Timothy 2:1-2. And we remember the promise that Blessed is the nation whose God is Yahweh, the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance, Psalm 33:12. He changes the times and the seasons, he removes kings, and sets up kings, Daniel 2:21.
So we pray together. Father in heaven, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ and ask for Your mercy and intervention over South Africa. Lord, pour out wisdom, integrity and servant hearts upon all leaders and those seeking office. Remove corruption, incompetence and self seeking, and raise up men and women who will fear You and love the people. We ask You to preside over the Constitutional Court and over the IEC process, that what is just and right will prevail, and that the voices of communities will not be silenced by the failures of a few. Bring calm where there is fighting, bring dialogue where there are lawsuits, and let Your peace guard the nation during this election season. Protect the members and communities who feel overlooked and discouraged, and let them know that You see them and You care for them. Let this time be an opportunity for South Africa to turn more fully to You. We ask all this in the mighty and saving name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our only hope, amen.