MESSAGE OF SUPPORT BY
PRINCE MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI MP
PRESIDENT OF THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY
Mitchell’s Plain: 24 March 2018
I am humbled to be asked to say a few words as we pray for this city. My heart is for the people of our nation, that their suffering may end as the hearts of fathers, mothers and children are turned to Christ. There is much that I could pray for today, but my position in leadership in our country’s Parliament prompts me to pray into the area of politics.
It is easy for one politician to stand up and cast aspersions on another politician. We have different ideologies and different standards on what is acceptable and good. But I am reminded always of the words in Ephesians chapter 6 verses 12 and 13 –
“… we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places. Therefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Heavenly Father, I am a sinner saved by grace. You have called me to lead my nation in the political arena. You hold me accountable for all that I do and say, and I rely on your Helper, the Holy Spirit, to strengthen and guide me.
Today I stand in the gap between political leaders and the people we are meant to serve. I ask Your forgiveness Lord for where our hearts are not right; for where integrity has been compromised. I pray that You will heal the wounds we have inflicted on our people by speaking carelessly and failing to act when it was within our power to do so.
I ask Lord, that You would restore integrity to politics. Breathe Your breath of life into those whose spirits are flagging. Convict the hearts of those who have gone astray. Reignite passion for service into every leader. Lord, according to Your will, I pray that You would raise up righteous women and men to become ambassadors of Your will in Parliament, in the Legislatures and the Municipalities of our country.
Search us, oh Lord, and know our hearts. Have mercy on us, giving each one the opportunity to do what is right in Your eyes. But where we fail and fail again, Lord, in Your wisdom, bring change in the leadership of South Africa.
Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory. May Your will therefore be done.
Amen.