Pray the News Monday 3 March 2025
Prayer requests concerning the Municipal Disaster Response Grant for the Nelson Mandela Metropole following an article in the Herald Newspaper dated Monday, March 3, 2025.
Background
Three months after receiving R53 million from the National Treasury, the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Municipality has not approved any contractors and has yet to spend any of the R53 million ahead of the May 2025 deadline. This funding comes from the National Municipal Disaster Response Grant, which is designated for projects that can be easily implemented without complex procurement processes. At a City Council meeting held on December 12, the money was approved for immediate utilization. Approval was granted for repair work in 9 of the 60 wards.
People to pray for by name:
Nelson Mandela Bay Chief Financial Officer: Jackson Ngcelwane
Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor: Babalwa Lobishe
Nelson Mandela Bay acting City Manager: Siswe Mvunelwa
Eastern Cape Finance MEC: Mlungisi Mvoko
Prayer Pointers:
1. For the procurement process to be in compliance with both national and local government legislation.
Romans 13:1-2 – "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. Prayer Guidance: Ask for wisdom and integrity for those overseeing the procurement process, that they submit to and uphold the laws established under God’s sovereignty, ensuring compliance for the good of all.
Proverbs 21:1 – "The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will." Prayer Guidance: Pray that God directs the hearts of government officials and decision-makers to align with just and lawful practices.
2. For the allocation of tenders to be unbiased and fair.
Pray that contractors for each of the projects in the designated wards are appointed as soon as possible, and that repair work begins before the May 2025 deadline.
Proverbs 16:11 – "Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making." Prayer Guidance: Seek God’s justice in the tender process, asking for fairness and honesty, free from favoritism or corruption.
James 2:1 – "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism." Prayer Guidance: Pray that those allocating tenders act without partiality, reflecting God’s impartial nature in their decisions.
3. The timely appointment of contractors to start repair work.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Prayer Guidance: Ask for God’s perfect timing in appointing contractors and beginning the work, that delays be avoided and the May 2025 deadline be met with efficiency.
Philippians 4:6 – "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Prayer Guidance: Pray with trust and thanksgiving that God will expedite the process, calming any anxiety about timelines
4. Pray for the contractors and their workers, and for a high standard of workmanship that meets industry standards.
Colossians 3:23-24 – "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward." Prayer Guidance: Pray that contractors and workers approach their tasks with diligence and excellence, as an offering to God, resulting in quality that meets or exceeds standards.
Proverbs 22:29 – "Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before obscure men." Prayer Guidance: Ask for skilled, dedicated workers to be appointed, whose craftsmanship brings honor to their trade and benefits the community.
A Sample Prayer
“Heavenly Father, we come before You seeking Your guidance and blessing over this procurement process. As Your Word says in Romans 13, You establish all authority—please grant wisdom and integrity to those in charge, that they align with national and local laws. Direct their hearts, as in Proverbs 21:1, to uphold justice. We ask for honest scales in the tender process (Proverbs 16:11), free from favoritism (James 2:1), so that fairness prevails. Lord, You appoint a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1)—please ensure contractors are chosen swiftly and repairs begin before May 2025, trusting You with our requests (Philippians 4:6). Finally, bless the workers with skill and heart to work as unto You (Colossians 3:23), producing excellence that glorifies Your name (Proverbs 22:29). We thank You for hearing us, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Listen to the prayer here
Activity
For those who enjoy crossword puzzles, we have compiled clues and answers based on the scriptures quoted above. This will help you study and remember the verses. Let us call it the Procurement Crossword Puzzle. Print and complete. If you get stuck, read the verses again. The answers and clues are all there. When you are done you can check out the answers sheet.
Procurement Crossword Puzzle Download
Procurement Crossword Puzzle Answer Download
Compiled by GAP Ministries