Imaginative prayer initiative launched

SA Pray, a nationwide initiative supported by concerned Christians in South Africa, is launching a national call to prayer.

“We live in turbulent and challenging times, and Christians have a vital role to play in times like these”, says Rev. Jannie Pelser, initiator of the SA Pray initiative. “The state of our nation compels us to join hands as we look to God for healing and restoration. Currently too many challenges are to be negotiated - corruption, crime and violence, poverty and unemployment, prejudice such as racism, drug abuse, disintegration of families, to name just a few. These issues are causing in inordinate amount of worry and stress to South Africans”.

SA Pray trusts God to bring about meaningful change in our time through the obedience and service of God’s people. Christians generally do two things. They read their bible and pray. To this end, Rev. Pelser of Krugersdorp, says that God calls His children to prayer especially in times of distress (2 Cron7:14).

The period 25 May till 4 June is significant because of Ascension day and Pentecost. Even though these religious festivals are not public holidays it is still celebrated by millions of believers in South Africa

Ascension celebrates the complete and successful sacrifice of Jesus and His ascension to heaven where He is seated in a position of authority.

Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit to equip the believers for their calling on earth. Christians, and the nation, are called upon take time out of their daily schedule to pray where ever they are, and especially with people not particularly known to them. Two golden hours of prayer from 12:00 to 14:00 is suggested where prayer is either initiated, facilitated or supported at work, home, business, the office, with friends, in the classroom, on sports fields, in gymnasiums, at churches, etc.

The SA Pray initiative is supported by various faith-based organizations, churches, in fact, millions of concerned Christians in South Africa. The SACC has also echoed this call to prayer.

Churches are encouraged to open their doors all over the cities, towns and villages of South Africa for people to withdraw in prayer. In the end, 55 million people, South Africa’s total population, need to pray.