Thousands convene at FNB Stadium for 2018 National Day of Prayer

Hosted by the Motsepe Foundation in collaboration with 33 religious and faith-based organisations, the gathering brought more than 100 000 worshippers to pray for divine guidance, leadership and blessings for a bright future for all South Africans.

Thousands of worshippers from various denominations packed FNB Stadium in Johannesburg for the 2018 National Day of Prayer for all South Africans.

Hosted by the Motsepe Foundation in collaboration with 33 religious and faith-based organisations, the gathering brought more than 100 000 worshippers to pray for divine guidance, leadership and blessings for a bright future for all South Africans.

The worshippers also prayed for the creation of jobs, equality of opportunity and the provision of quality education and skills; an end to poverty, corruption and crime, particularly crimes against women and children, and for unity among South Africans of all races and languages.

President Cyril Ramaphosa also attended the event in support of the initiative. Traditional leaders, government, business, organised labour and civil society were also amongst the worshippers.

President Ramaphosa welcomed the initiative by faith-based organisation and congregants who come out in their numbers.

“It’s wonderful to see so many religious leaders and organisations, all combined, united in one thing… to pray for our nation,” President Ramaphosa said.

Congregants, who started making their way to the stadium as early as 6 am, were entertained by various gospel artists and brass bands from various religions.

Leaders also took turns steering the mass prayer session.

Pastor Glad Mokara, from the United Apostolic Church in Malvern, challenged Christians to pray and declare peace over South Africa, and encourage people to pray instead of fighting.

“Pray for the schools, adopt police stations and business places (sic). God has given us the power and through prayer, we will conquer every problem,” Mokara said. 

(With Inputs from South African Government Press Release )