WEEK 17: DISCIPLING THE NATION
Day 113 (21 September 2026)
Theme: The Mandate to Disciple Nations
Praying for the Church to recover and faithfully fulfil Christ’s mandate to make disciples of all nations, recognising that the Great Commission extends beyond individual conversion to the teaching, formation and transformation of people and communities according to the Word and ways of God.
*All scriptures (unless otherwise stated) are from the English Standard Version (ESV)
Action item 1: Awaken the Church to the authority and mandate of Christ
Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Father, awaken Your Church across South Africa to a fresh revelation of the absolute authority of Jesus Christ. Remind us that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, and He holds all power. I ask in Jesus’ name. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created…” (Colossians 1:15–16)
Colossians 1:15-18 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.”
- Lord, restore confidence and boldness to Your Church. Give us courage to obey Christ without fear or hesitation. May the Church move beyond simply gathering people into buildings and become a multiplying community that teaches, equips, sends, and reproduces faithful followers of Jesus Christ. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19)
Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
- Father, give Church leaders a renewed understanding of their responsibility to equip believers for the work of ministry. Father, awaken the Church to its identity as Christ’s representatives in the world. I ask in Jesus’ name. “And he gave… the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Action item 2: Call the nation to become disciples of Christ
Matthew 28:19-20 “19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Father, awaken the Church across South Africa to the Great Commission. Let disciple-making become central to the Church’s mission, culture, and practice. Let the Gospel influence homes, schools, universities, businesses, workplaces, government, communities, and every institution in South Africa. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
Acts 2:42-47 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
- Father, draw people throughout South Africa into a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. May South Africans come to know His love, grace, character, Word, and saving power. May homes become places where Scripture is taught, prayer is practised, forgiveness is demonstrated, and Christ is honoured. “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)
Titus 2:11-14 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”
- Father, teach the nation what it means to surrender completely to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Let believers submit their lives, choices, relationships, ambitions, finances, careers, and futures to Christ. In the name of Jesus. “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46)
Action item 3: Establish Kingdom values through discipled lives
Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
- Father, establish Your Kingdom values in the lives of every believer in South Africa. Father, develop compassion within Your Church. May the Church become known not only for what it preaches but also for how it serves, cares, gives, protects, and restores. Jesus taught that His followers are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13–14)
Romans 12:1-2 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
- Father, teach Your people to present their entire lives to You as living sacrifices. Father, raise up disciples whose private lives and public lives are consistent. I ask in Jesus’ name. “The integrity of the upright guides them…” (Proverbs 11:3)
Philippians 2:14-16 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labour in vain.”
- Father, establish Your truth in the hearts and minds of Your people. Father, raise up Kingdom leaders throughout South Africa who understand that leadership is a responsibility to serve rather than an opportunity for personal power. In the name of Jesus. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” (Romans 12:2)
NATIONAL PRAYER FOR KINGDOM VALUES TO BE ESTABLISHED IN SOUTH AFRICA
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we pray that Your Kingdom values will increasingly be established throughout South Africa. We pray for a Church that does not merely speak about the Kingdom of God but demonstrates the values of that Kingdom through transformed lives. Lord, make us salt and light. Where there is hatred, let us demonstrate love. Raise men and women whose Christianity is visible on Monday as well as Sunday. May South Africa see a generation of disciples whose lives demonstrate truth, righteousness, integrity, justice, compassion, wisdom, humility, holiness, and servant leadership. Let the Church become a credible witness for Jesus Christ. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
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