Pray the News Monday 24 March 2025
Background
Survivors and families of the 1985 Langa massacre confronted Mashatile at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Langa Memorial. Apartheid Police killed *35 people on March 21 1985 when police opened fire on a crowd gathering in Maduan Road Uitenhage, between Kariega (Uitenhage) and Langa Township. Mdyesha one of the survivors told about his pain, frustration, and failed promises. Mashatile in his address at the Derek Ferreira stadium discussed work that needed to be done to finalise the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations, especially in addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that all victims receive appropriate redress.
* According to historical records 20 people were killed that day not 35 as reported in the article.
People to pray for
Deputy President Paul Mashatile
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane
Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Babalwe Lobishe
Prayer Guidelines
1. Healing from Pain and Trauma
Psalm 147:3 - "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Prayer Focus: Ask God to bring comfort and healing to the survivors and families still carrying the deep wounds of the 1985 massacre. Pray that His peace, which surpasses understanding, would mend their broken hearts and ease the lingering pain expressed by survivors like Mdyesha.
2. Justice and Redress
Micah 6:8 - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Prayer Focus: Lift up the cry for justice and appropriate redress for the victims. Pray that leaders like Mashatile and others in authority would be moved to act justly, fulfilling promises made and addressing systemic inequalities with mercy and humility.
3. Reconciliation and Unity
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them."
Prayer Focus: Pray for the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its recommendations to bear fruit. Ask God to guide South Africa toward true reconciliation, breaking down walls of division and fostering unity where apartheid once sowed separation.
4. Prayer for Systemic Change and Equality
James 2:1 - "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism."
Prayer Focus: Petition God to dismantle systemic inequalities that persist from apartheid’s legacy. Pray for wisdom and courage for leaders and communities to build a society where all are valued equally, reflecting God’s impartial love and justice.
A Sample Prayer
Prayer for Healing from Pain and Trauma
Loving Father, You are the One who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds, as Your Word promises in Psalm 147:3. Today, we bring before You the survivors and families of the 1985 Langa Massacre, whose hearts still ache from the violence they endured. Lord, wrap them in Your tender mercy, soothing the deep pain and trauma that linger in their spirits. Pour out Your peace that surpasses understanding, mending the scars left by that tragic day. Comfort those like Mdyesha who carry their stories of sorrow, and let them feel Your presence as a balm to their souls. Heal them, O God, inside and out, that they may find rest in Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
For more background about the events that led to the Langa Massacre read the following paper:
The Uitenhage Experience 1983-1987
Compiled by GAP Ministries
Free to share
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - Jesus in John 14:27:
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