Some of the UK's leading Christian churches and organisations have announced a London Prayer Celebration that aims to unite Londoners with millions of Christians around the world as part of the 'Global Day of Prayer 2006'.
The Evangelical Alliance are joining with Glory House, Holy Trinity Brompton and Premier Radio to organise the prayer initiative, that will take place on 3rd June 2006 at Westminster Chapel, London.The key themes for the event will be unity, prayer and transformation, and it will aim to capture the Spirit of the Day of Pentecost.
The launch of the event will include speakers such as Rev Joel Edwards, the General Director of the Evangelical Alliance, and Dr Jonathan Oloyede, of Glory House and leaders from the Asian, Caribbean, Hispanic and African communities.
Holy Trinity Brompton and Jesus House Gospel Choirs will also provide an array of musical talent for the occasion.
The event is scheduled to be filled with worship and prayer and a colourful expression of the range of nationalities cultures and languages of those taking part.
The worldwide initiatives will see Christians from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Caribbean Islands, China, Nigeria, British Isles and other countries will be praying for London, the nation as a whole, the Government, young people/ youth-led community projects, and the Church.
The Evangelical Alliance testify, "The 'Global Day of Prayer' is an initiative to call Christians around the world to unite in repentance and prayer, and to work together as God's instruments for the blessing and healing of the nations. Christians from over 150 countries will be praying and fasting for the 2006 Global day of Prayer."Dr Oloyede explains that his vision for London is to see "every congregation in the city linking arms to pray in true unity. London will link up with other praying cities, counties and networks this summer like Trumpet Call and Prayer Week for the transformation of the United Kingdom. We encourage every church in London to be represented at Westminster on the Saturday and pray in their services the next day, Pentecost Sunday."
The General Director of the Evangelical Alliance, Rev Joel Edwards said, "Prayer is the principal weapon Christians have to bring about the transformation this great city of ours so needs. The Evangelical Alliance is fully backing this initiative because not only will we join with millions of other Christians around the world, but we want to indelibly stamp Pentecost, and all it means, on the consciousness of the nation."
A 21-day prayer chain of local churches, prayer networks and praying Christians from all streams (including Methodists, Baptists, Anglicans, Charismatic Catholics, Pentecostals) will precede the event and be launched on 12 May 2006 at The City Temple, Holborn Viaduct.
The Global Day of Prayer started in South Africa in 2001, when 45,000 Christians gathered to pray in Newlands Rugby Stadium in Cape Town. The project has expanded until, in 2005, people from 156 nations around the world took part.
The London Prayer Celebration takes place at Westminster Chapel in central London on 3 June 2006 at 6:30 pm.
Further information is available on the website www.globaldayofprayer.co.uk
