Choose Today: 21 Days of Focused Prayer for the 2026 Elections | Go and Proclaim

CHOOSE TODAY: 21 DAYS OF FOCUSED PRAYER

19 October to 8 November 2026

IFSA (Intercessors for South Africa) National Prayer Strategy for the 2026 Local Government Elections

“I have set before you life and death… now choose life.”
(Deuteronomy 30:19)
Download the guide here

INTRODUCTION

CHOOSE TODAY: 21 DAYS OF FOCUSED PRAYER
19th October to 8th November 2026

“I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life…”
— Deuteronomy 30:19

South Africa is entering an important season. As the nation prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections, we believe this is a significant time for the Church to seek God in prayer and intercession, bringing our communities, leaders and nation before His throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16).

This prayer guide is designed to help believers intentionally pray for South Africa during this season. The guide follows six themes: Choose God & Christ; Choose Life & Spirit; Choose Love & Faith; Choose Reconciliation & Unity; Choose Righteousness & Justice; and Choose Truth & Obedience, concluding with Choose Peace & Thankfulness. Each theme includes prayer for the Church, government and the people of South Africa.

This guide can be used individually or corporately. We encourage churches, prayer groups, ministries, families and networks to use it as a framework for united and focused corporate prayer at this time.

The prayer points provided are intended as a starting point rather than an exhaustive list. Churches, prayer groups and other prayer gatherings are encouraged to adapt the material and add prayer points that are relevant to their local communities, municipalities, provinces and particular prayer burdens. As you pray, allow the Holy Spirit to lead you into specific areas of intercession and to highlight people, places and situations that need to be brought before the Lord.

Each day begins by encouraging us to quiet ourselves before God, worship Him and ask the Holy Spirit to lead our prayer. The Scriptures provided are intended to establish our prayers in the Word of God, while the prayer focuses help us bring specific realities concerning the Church, government and nation before the Lord.

We encourage you not simply to pray about South Africa, but to pray for the people, communities and leaders of our nation. Where appropriate, pray for people by name, pray over your community, and look for opportunities to express the heart of Christ through practical action.

Our prayer is that these 21 days will help believers across South Africa stand together before God, seeking His will and purposes for our nation.

Let us seek the Lord. Let us pray. Let us choose today.

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15

Day 1 – 19 October 2026

Theme: Choose God & Christ
Pray for: The Church

Ask God to lead you by His Spirit in this prayer time (Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…); Allow Him to pray through you. Quiet yourself and come into His presence before interceding. Worship Him first for Who He is and declare that you desire to see His will alone established.

Scriptures: Pray for the Church in South Africa from the following Bible verses.

Joshua 24:23
“Now therefore,” he said, “put away the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart to the LORD God of Israel.”

Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

Colossians 1:18, 24
And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the pre-eminence… I now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church.

Ephesians 5:25-27
…just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

1 Thessalonians 2:4-6
But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities about the Church in South Africa before the Lord in prayer.

Ask forgiveness that believers and the church in South Africa often choose religion, human ways, own kingdoms and compromise instead of God.
Ask God to cleanse the Church from trusting in human ability, political power, money and programs. Plead that the Church will be purged of false teachings, deceptions and ungodly ways.
Pray that the Church will return to pleasing God only, to choose to focus on Him, to be fully obedient to Him and to love Him with all their hearts.
Pray for spiritual leaders and their congregations, that they will return to their first love, that they will seek the Lord and become examples of holy living to those they lead. Pray that they will be good and faithful servants of God, fulfilling His will in all they do.

Ask the Lord for a Scripture or a picture about how the Church should look like to wholeheartedly choose God. Pray according to what the Lord shows you!

☐ Today I Choose God & Christ!

Day 2 – 20 October 2026

Theme: Choose God & Christ
Pray for: The Government (local and national)

Ask God to lead you by His Spirit in this prayer time (Proverbs 3:5…); Allow Him to pray through you. Quiet yourself and come into His presence before interceding. Worship Him first for Who He is and declare that you desire to see His will alone established.

Scriptures: Pray for local government and national government from the following Bible verses.

Exodus 18:21
Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

Jeremiah 3:15
And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Jeremiah 23:2,4
Therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,” says the LORD… I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the LORD.

Daniel 4:27
Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity.

1 Peter 5:2-4
Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities of governance before the Lord in prayer.

Ask forgiveness for leadership who turned their backs on God, who are corrupt and unjust. Ask forgiveness for so many choosing money, the ancestors, demonic practices, the pursuit of power and position instead of God.
Ask God to cleanse the local and national government from idolatry, wickedness and evil ways. To purge our leadership structures from evil men who are dishonest, who lie and steal.
Pray that local and national government will choose to be God’s instruments, that they will serve communities righteously and sacrificially, and that they will steward resources in godliness.
Pray for leaders to turn to God, that they will find Christ and be saved and that they will choose to live in the fear of the Lord, understanding that they are accountable to God first.

Pray for the mayor of your town by name, also for the president of SA. Pray that they will choose God and Christ in their lives. Ask the Spirit what hinders this possibility and pray about what He reveals.

☐ Today I Choose God & Christ!

Day 3 – 21 October 2026

Theme: Choose God & Christ
Pray for: The People of South Africa

Scriptures: Pray for the inhabitants of South Africa from the following Bible verses.

Deuteronomy 4:29
But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deuteronomy 5:8-9
You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God.

Isaiah 8:19
And when they say to you, “Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,” should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?

Jeremiah 50:4-5
“In those days and in that time,” says the LORD, “The children of Israel shall come… with continual weeping they shall come, and seek the LORD their God. They shall ask the way to Zion… saying, ‘Come and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that will not be forgotten.’”

Isaiah 55:6-7
Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.

Matthew 22:37-38
Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.”

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities about the people of South Africa before the Lord in prayer.

Ask forgiveness that the people of South Africa choose ancestral religion, witchcraft, mammon, culture, secular atheism and the philosophies of men instead of God.
Ask God to cleanse the people of South Africa from their wicked ways, from sinful and demonic habits and conduct. Plead with the Lord to uproot evil schemes and purge our communities of perverted influence and polluted customs.
Pray that the people of South Africa will repent and be born again. That they will seek the Lord and choose God and Christ as the only treasure for themselves and their families.

Ask the Lord to save the people groups and community that you are a part of. Plead for divine interventions and divine processes so the gospel will effectively reach and transform these people!

☐ Today I Choose God & Christ!

Day 4 – 22 October 2026

Theme: Choose Life & Spirit
Pray for: The Church

Scriptures: Pray for the Church in South Africa from the following Bible verses.

John 6:63 (NIV)
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.

Romans 8:5-6 (NIV)
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:25 (NIV)
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities about the Church in South Africa before the Lord in prayer.

Ask forgiveness for the many times we have been out of step with the Holy Spirit and for how we may have grieved Him or quenched the Holy Spirit.
Pray that the Church will choose to walk by the Holy Spirit, learning to depend on the Spirit rather than human wisdom, self-effort, programs or strategies.
Pray for a fresh work of the Holy Spirit in the Church, bringing forth renewal, revival and spiritual awakening on an individual and corporate level.
Pray that the Church will release life into the nation, becoming a Spirit-filled witness that carries the Gospel not in word only, but in the demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit and fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Spend some time praying by name for the local congregations in your area. Bring them before the Lord and ask that He will visit each one with a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

☐ Today I Choose Life & Spirit!

Day 5 – 23 October 2026

Theme: Choose Life & Spirit
Pray for: The Government (local and national)

Scriptures: Pray for local government and national government from the following Bible verses.

Romans 8:5-6
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Isaiah 11:2-3 (NIV)
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.

Isaiah 59:19 (NLV)
They will fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His shining-greatness from the rising of the sun. When the one who hates us comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a wall against him.

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities of governance before the Lord in prayer.

Pray for all those in authority in our land, both nationally and locally, that they would recognise that they are accountable to the Living God, before whom they will one day give an account. Pray that their minds, decisions and actions would not be governed by the flesh, but by the Spirit of God, who brings life and peace.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would work deeply in the hearts of government officials, leading them to reject the pursuit of power, personal ambition and self-interest. Pray that they would choose servant leadership, placing the needs and well-being of the people above political interests and personal gain.
Ask the Lord to continue to raise up men and women who walk in the virtues described in Isaiah 11:2–3—those upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rests: the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Pray that they would carry strong godly influence within every sphere of government and authority to which God has called them.
Pray that the Spirit of the Lord would raise up a standard against every scheme and agenda of the enemy operating through the realm of government. Thank Him for His ability to overturn every work that is contrary to His purposes by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Identify key government officials serving in your local municipality and commit to praying for them by name. Where possible, gather a small team to prayer-walk around the local municipal offices, intentionally praying for the municipality, its leadership, its officials and the communities they serve.

☐ Today I Choose Life & Spirit!

Day 6 – 24 October 2026

Theme: Choose Life & Spirit
Pray for: The People of South Africa

Scriptures: Pray for the inhabitants of South Africa from the following Bible verses.

Acts 17:26-27
From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Joshua 24:15
But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities about the people of South Africa before the Lord in prayer.

Pray that the Holy Spirit will draw and quicken every nation, people, tribe and cultural group within South Africa to seek and follow Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life, and that they may realise that “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:12)
Ask the Father to pour out the Holy Spirit upon all flesh – across every community, culture, language, people group and tribe within South Africa, awakening hearts unto Him, and that families, communities and generations would encounter the transforming power of the Gospel.
Pray for families and households, that they would choose the path of life and reject the works of darkness for “wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction…” (Matthew 7:13).

Identify the specific needs and challenges of the tribes and people groups in your community and pray for families and individuals by name. Organise a prayer walk through your neighbourhood, intentionally praying over homes and families.

☐ Today I Choose Life & Spirit!

Day 7 – 25 October 2026

Theme: Choose Love and Faith
Pray for: The Church

Scriptures: Pray for the Church in South Africa from the following Bible verses.

Ephesians 3:16-17
that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

1 Timothy 6:10 (LSB)
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evils, and some by aspiring to it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.

1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

Ephesians 6:16
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities about the Church in South Africa before the Lord in prayer.

Ask God the Father to strengthen the inner man of the Church, so that Christ may manifest His love in and through us, and that we will please Him with our faith.
Ask God to cleanse the Church from the love of money, to stop chasing wealth, prosperity and possessions, and to rather be generous, give and trust in God for all their needs.
Pray that the Church will do a thorough examination of their beliefs, their programs, their focus and intentions, to see if they are indeed firmly established in their faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Pray for spiritual leaders and their congregations, that they will stand firm in their faith, even when tested, ridiculed and persecuted. Pray that every believer will take hold of the shield of faith, with which to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one, and to stay standing in the day of evil.

Ask the Lord for a Scripture or a picture about how the Church should look like to wholeheartedly choose God. Pray according to what the Lord shows you.

☐ Today I Choose Love & Faith!

Day 8 – 26 October 2026

Theme: Choose Love and Faith
Pray for: The Government (local and national)

Scriptures: Pray for local government and national government from the following Bible verses.

1 Corinthians 13:1-2 (LSB)
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (LSB)
Love is patient, love is kind, is not jealous, does not brag, is not puffed up; it does not act unbecomingly, does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered;

1 Peter 3:10-11
For “HE WHO WOULD LOVE LIFE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, LET HIM REFRAIN HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL, AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT. LET HIM TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; LET HIM SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT.”

1 John 5:3-4
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

Mark 4:40
But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities of governance before the Lord in prayer.

Ask forgiveness for any evil, hateful and bitter racial slogans used against the government and leadership of our country.
Pray for our government leaders to be convicted of any wickedness, lies, deceit and sin, so that they can turn to the Lord for his guidance and help.
Pray that the government will let go of the past wrongs, hurts and evil, and look forward and upward for a new future for all the citizens of our nation. Pray for a peaceful election and peace to reign in our nation.
Pray for Christians in the government to be filled with the faith that can move mountains; to decide consciously to obey God in every respect and do their work with excellence and integrity.
Ask God to remove fear from the hearts of voters. Ask Him to fill us with faith, that He is in control of our nation, and for His will to be done.

Pray for the mayor of your town by name, also for the president of SA. Pray that they will choose Love and Faith in their lives. Ask the Spirit what hinders this possibility and pray about what He reveals.

☐ Today I Choose Love & Faith!

Day 9 – 27 October 2026

Theme: Choose Love and Faith
Pray for: The People of South Africa

Scriptures: Pray for the inhabitants of South Africa from the following Bible verses.

Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

James 1:6
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Romans 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Hebrews 4:2
For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.

Acts 26:18
to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities about the people of South Africa before the Lord in prayer.

Ask forgiveness that the people of South Africa curse and swear, slander and gossip, and say all kinds of evil things of each other. Pray for conviction of their evil ways and for the fear of the Lord to return to our nation.
Pray that the people of South Africa will hear the Word clearly preached and receive faith needed for salvation.
Pray for evangelists who will share the gospel in such a way that the eyes of the people of South Africa will be opened, that they will turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, and receive forgiveness of their sins.
Pray that every person in South Africa will know that Jesus Christ is Lord, that they will make a choice to accept His love and forgiveness.

Ask the Lord to save the people groups and community that you are a part of. Plead for divine interventions and divine processes so the gospel will effectively reach and transform these people!

☐ Today I Choose Love & Faith!

Day 10 – 28 October 2026

Theme: Choose Reconciliation and Unity
Pray for: The Church

Scriptures: Pray for the Church in South Africa from the following Bible verses.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

Ephesians 4:4-6
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

Matthew 6:12, 14-15
And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities about the Church in South Africa before the Lord in prayer.

Have you personally accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour? Can you confidently call Him your Father? Do you know that He had forgiven your sins? Take a couple of minutes to thank Him for reconciling you to Himself.
Biblical peace-making is the way Christians live out the gospel and glorify God by resolving conflict and reconciling relationships. Pray for your congregation to play an active role in peace-making among individual members, and also in your community.
Pray that God’s Holy Spirit will work supernaturally in every Church to prepare and soften the hearts of Christians to come to a place of willingness to forgive their former enemies and those who have hurt them. Let us pray for any who carry grudges, bitterness, and hatred, to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to bring healing and restoration in their hearts.

Is there anyone you have not forgiven and reconciled with? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it to you and to give you His power and courage to forgive or ask for forgiveness today.

☐ Today I Choose Reconciliation & Unity

Day 11 – 29 October 2026

Theme: Choose Reconciliation and Unity
Pray for: The Government (National and Local)

Scriptures: Pray for local government and national government from the following Bible verses.

Acts 17:26
And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings.

Romans 12:19-21 (LSB)
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

James 3:6-10
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities of governance before the Lord in prayer.

It is only among brothers and sisters in the Church that true reconciliation with former enemies is possible. Pray that Christians in local and national government will set the example of this heart transformation so that unbelievers will have to acknowledge that God is real, and that He loves all people from all races.
Pray that South African political leaders will learn what reconciliation really is, that they will have the courage to reconcile with their enemies, and that they will become ministers of reconciliation so that South Africa can truly fulfil its calling and purpose as a reconciler of nations, not as a judge.
Pray that the gospel of reconciliation will infiltrate every sphere of society, that it will echo in every hall of parliament, in every cell in prison, in every household, school and university, in every courtroom and every hospital ward. Pray that the desire for reconciliation will become the cry of every heart in our nation.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will convict political leaders for participating in hate speech. Ask the Lord to forgive us for our critical spirit and for the many ways that we curse other people in our thoughts and attitudes. Ask Him to help us to stop all negative talk and criticism and for the will to work together towards a solution for a multi-cultural, multi-racial society.

Be courageous and lovingly confront people who use hate speech.

☐ Today I Choose Reconciliation & Unity

Day 12 – 30 October 2026

Theme: Choose Reconciliation and Unity
Pray for: The People of South Africa

Scriptures: Pray for the inhabitants of South Africa from the following Bible verses.

John 17:22-23
And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

Ephesians 4:1-3
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Deuteronomy 11:26-28
“Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known.”

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities about the people of South Africa before the Lord in prayer.

The church has been used for centuries to transform nations, even continents. Pray that the church in our generation will take responsibility for this generation we live in, to stop trusting politicians and world leaders to accomplish transformation and reconciliation. Pray that the church will enter into areas of conflict, war and oppression, to bring the solution Christ has given us.
Pray that the Lord will help South Africans to be instruments that can facilitate the removal of this root of hatred, bitterness, and revenge in the hearts of many people. Pray that the Lord would use us to shine His light of truth into the darkness and expose our longstanding racial inequity, our idolatry of culture and nationalism, and any form of injustice or oppression.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will minister deliverance and healing to thousands of angry people who do not yet know the freedom of forgiveness.
Pray that Christians will stop seeing unbelievers as a threat but rather look at them as potential brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray for those around you that do not know Jesus Christ as the Way the Truth and the Life. Pray for leaders to have wisdom and courage to lead us out of this stronghold of racism in our nations.

Ask the Lord to save the people groups and community that you are a part of. Plead for divine interventions and divine processes so the gospel will effectively reach and transform these people!

☐ Today I Choose Reconciliation & Unity

Day 13 – 31 October 2026

Theme: Choose Righteousness & Justice
Pray for: The Church

Scriptures: Pray for the Church in South Africa from the following Bible verses.

Matthew 5:6 (NIV)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Philippians 3:9 (NIV)
…and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

1 Timothy 6:11 (NIV)
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities about the Church in South Africa before the Lord in prayer.

Pray that the Church will arise and pursue righteousness—not in word only, but in both word and deed—in every area of life. Pray that believers would embrace a life of holiness, reflecting the character of Christ in their families, communities, workplaces and society, for without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
Pray that Christian leaders will lead with righteousness, integrity and accountability as they serve the Church. Pray that they would flee from every form of compromise, corruption and ungodly influence that could undermine their witness or disqualify them from faithfully shepherding the flock of God.
Pray that the Church will become a prophetic voice for righteousness and justice in South Africa, speaking truth in love with boldness, and refusing to remain silent when injustice, corruption or oppression affects communities.

Pray specifically for your local congregation, to actively pursue righteousness in your community, starting with caring for elderly, widows, orphans, the poor and strangers living in your community.

☐ Today I Choose Righteousness & Justice!

Day 14 – 1 November 2026

Theme: Choose Righteousness & Justice
Pray for: The Government (local and national)

Scriptures: Pray for local government and national government from the following Bible verses.

Psalm 72:1-3
Give the king Your judgments, O God, And Your righteousness to the king’s Son. He will judge Your people with righteousness, And Your poor with justice. The mountains will bring peace to the people, And the little hills, by righteousness.

Proverbs 29:2
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.

Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Psalm 89:14 (NIV)
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities of governance before the Lord in prayer.

Pray that righteousness and justice would become firmly established within the government and leadership of South Africa. Pray that every institution, policy, decision, and system of governance would be evaluated and shaped by these two pillars of God’s throne.
Bring our nation’s leaders before the Lord and ask that He would turn their hearts towards righteousness. Like the rivers of water, pray that He would direct the hearts of all those in positions of authority toward righteousness and just decisions and actions.
Ask the Lord to be merciful to us, granting us righteous, God-fearing leadership in both local and national government—those who will choose what is right and just, even when it is politically difficult or personally costly.
God is the One who removes kings and raises them up. Petition the Lord to move by His Sovereign hand in this nation, removing wicked and unrighteous leaders from their seats of authority. Pray that corruption, bribery, abuse of power, and the misuse of public resources would be exposed and dealt with.
Bring the judicial branch of government before the Lord. Pray that justice will be administered fairly and consistently without favouritism. Pray that the law will be upheld and serve the people of the land.

Organise prayer meetings in your local municipality, magistrate court and law enforcement offices. Host prayer breakfasts for leaders of different law and governance offices and pray for them by name.

☐ Today I Choose Righteousness & Justice!

Day 15 – 2 November 2026

Theme: Choose Righteousness & Justice
Pray for: The People of South Africa

Scriptures: Pray for the inhabitants of South Africa from the following Bible verses.

Proverbs 14:34
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

Psalm 107:33-34 (NIV)
He turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into thirsty ground, and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who lived there.

Proverbs 21:3 (NIV)
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities about the people of South Africa before the Lord in prayer.

Pray that God would awaken the conscience of the people of South Africa, turning hearts back to His righteous ways and renewing a desire to live according to His truth and standards.
Pray that the people of South Africa would recognise the consequences of rejecting God’s righteous standards and embracing wickedness, both individually and corporately. Pray for a deep conviction that choices contrary to God’s ways bring judgment upon individuals, communities, and nations.
Strong families are foundational to a healthy and righteous society. Pray that the righteousness of God, as revealed through the Gospel, would reach every household in South Africa. Pray that families would encounter the truth of God and become places where the very moral fabric of society is transformed.

Practical suggestion: Walk through your neighbourhood this week, praying over the homes and families you pass. Where possible, pray for households by name, asking God to bless, protect, and draw them to Himself.

☐ Today I Choose Righteousness & Justice!

Day 16 – 3 November 2026

Theme: Choose Truth & Obedience
Pray for: The Church

Scriptures: Pray for the Church in South Africa from the following Bible verses.

John 16:13 (NIV)
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

John 17:17 (NIV)
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

1 Timothy 3:15
but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities about the Church in South Africa before the Lord in prayer.

Renewed commitment to the Truth of the Word of God. Pray that the Body of Christ would love, embrace and uphold the truth of God’s Word above all else and every lofty opinion and argument that is opposed to the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5).
A Heart of Obedience. Pray that believers would not merely hear the Word but faithfully obey it, allowing God’s truth to shape their lives, decisions and conduct.
Protection from Deception. Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead the Church into all truth, guarding the hearts and minds of believers against subtle deception, false teaching, and worldly influences. Pray for growing spiritual discernment within the Body of Christ, enabling believers to recognise what is contrary to God’s Word and to remain firmly rooted in biblical truth.
Speaking the Truth in Love. Pray that the Church will embrace the instruction given in Ephesians 4:15 to speak the truth to one another in love, so that we may “grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ.”

Invite believers from all denominations in your community to come together for a day of prayer and fasting, to pray, consecrate yourselves and make a commitment to speak the truth and obey the commandments of Jesus Christ.

☐ Today I Choose Truth & Obedience!

Day 17 – 4 November 2026

Theme: Choose Truth & Obedience
Pray for: The Government (local and national)

Scriptures: Pray for local government and national government from the following Bible verses.

Romans 13:3-4 (NIV)
For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

Proverbs 16:12
It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness.

2 Timothy 3:8
Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith.

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities of governance before the Lord in prayer.

Servant Leadership. Pray that government officials would come to know and understand the truth of Romans 13:1-4 that they would recognise their responsibility before God and exercise authority as servants for the good of the people, and not as tyrants who bring harm to the people they govern.
Righteousness Establishes Authority. Pray that the truth of Proverbs 16:12 would be revealed to those in positions of authority, so that they would understand that lasting and legitimate leadership is established through righteousness, not corruption, self-interest, or the abuse of power.
Corrupt Counsel. Pray that God will shield government leaders from the advice and counsel of those who resist and distort the truth, whose minds are full of corruption and wickedness.
Truthful and accountable government. Pray for honesty and transparency in government, that officials would give a truthful account of their decisions and faithfully fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to them.

Befriend leaders of your community and commit to pray for them and help them in practical ways to be accountable.

☐ Today I Choose Truth & Obedience!

Day 18 – 5 November 2026

Theme: Choose Truth & Obedience
Pray for: The People of South Africa

Scriptures: Pray for the inhabitants of South Africa from the following Bible verses.

Isaiah 2:3
Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

Psalm 33:12a
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.

Romans 1:25
They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised.

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities about the people in South Africa before the Lord in prayer.

Psalm 33:12 — Blessed is the Nation Whose God Is the Lord. Pray that this truth would be revealed and deeply rooted in the hearts of the people and communities of South Africa, bringing about a genuine turning of hearts toward God and a desire to align their lives, choices, and values with the truth of His Word.
Ask the Lord to forgive us as a people and nation for the many ways in which we have gone astray and exchanged the truth of who He is for a lie.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to awaken hearts to recognise and embrace the truth of who God is, and turn away from every form of deception, idolatry and falsehood that has displaced the truth of God in their lives, families and culture.

Invite local and national evangelists to organise a gospel crusade in your town. Share the gospel in schools, businesses, town mall, and house to house.

☐ Today I Choose Truth & Obedience!

Day 19 – 6 November 2026

Theme: Choose Peace & Thankfulness
Pray for: The Church

Scriptures: Pray for the Church in South Africa from the following Bible verses.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:15
…let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

James 3:17-18
Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

1 Peter 3:10-11
For “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.”

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities about the Church in South Africa before the Lord in prayer.

Ask forgiveness that the believers in South Africa live carnal lives, complain so much, speak negatively about spiritual leaders, other believers and our nation and even though we know God we do not glorify God nor are thankful.
Ask God to cleanse the Church from a culture of criticism, judgmentalism and soulish functioning which leads to infighting, conflict and an inability to see the worth in others.
Pray that the Church will cultivate a posture of thankfulness and promote peace and harmony in and among congregations and in their relationship with unsaved communities.
Pray for spiritual leaders and their congregations, that they will seek peace, become examples of peace and thankfulness, and that they will become powerful and practical instruments of God’s peace in the turmoil of our modern society.

Pray for believers and churches you know, where there is conflict instead of peace! Ask the Holy Spirit what to pray for your own pastor and congregation. Thank God for them and the gift they have been.

☐ Today I Choose Peace & Thankfulness!

Day 20 – 7 November 2026

Theme: Choose Peace & Thankfulness
Pray for: The Government (local and national)

Scriptures: Pray for local government and national government from the following Bible verses.

Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-13,18
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labour among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves… in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Timothy 2:1-3
Therefore I exhort first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.

Titus 3:1-2
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities of governance before the Lord in prayer.

Ask forgiveness for leadership who bring conflict, division and turmoil, incite discontent among the people, hatred and bitterness instead of choosing and establishing peace and harmony.
Ask God to cleanse the local and national government from leaders who are hostile, disturbing the peace and pitting communities against one another to gain personal benefits and score political points. Ask God to heal our leaders from ingratitude and resentment.
Pray that local and national government will become godly instruments to build cohesion, bring peace and promote thankfulness within society.
Pray for leaders who will be peacemakers, focused on God and able to display contentment and thankfulness to those they lead and to the citizens they serve.

Today is Saturday, drive to the municipality / another place of governance and prayer walk the area, blessing the leaders who will govern in the next season. Thank God for your leaders and pray for peace.

☐ Today I Choose Peace & Thankfulness!

Day 21 – 8 November 2026

Theme: Choose Peace & Thankfulness
Pray for: The People of South Africa

Scriptures: Pray for the inhabitants of South Africa from the following Bible verses.

Psalms 100:3-5
Know that the LORD, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.

Psalms 107:8-9
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Isaiah 26:3-4
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength.

Romans 12:17-18
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

1 Peter 3:8-11
Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tender hearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

Prayer Focus: Bring the following realities about the people of South Africa before the Lord in prayer.

Ask forgiveness that the people of South Africa are so focused on what they do not have, complaining and being entitled, bringing discontent and conflict in the name of demanding more, instead of promoting peace and walking in thankfulness for what they do have!
Ask God to cleanse the people of South Africa from contentions, wrath, hatred and selfish ambitions. Ask God to heal us from discontent, dissatisfactions and thanklessness.
Pray that the people of South Africa will desire peace and turn to the Prince of Peace. Pray that South Africans will choose peace and thankfulness in this season after the elections.

Ask God to open your eyes for the good things in your community / town / city. Bring thanksgiving for these things and pray that God’s peace will flow into local and national challenges!

☐ Today I Choose Peace & Thankfulness!