Organisers estimate that at least 18,000 Christians took part in the Global Day of Prayer for London event at West Ham stadium, which united Christians from all denominations in praying for transformation across London and the thousands of churches across the city.
Pastor Jonathan Oloyede of Glory House, one of the chief visionaries behind the West Ham event, said: “I feel that a new foundation has been laid for the churches in London and that this is just the beginning of a new journey of unity and collaboration, that the Kingdom of God is actually beginning to emerge in the church.”
Tim Hughes warmed up the stadium with praise classics including ‘How great Thou art’ and his own global smash ‘Here I am to Worship’, as children waved flags of the world around the stadium.
The heavy rains paused for a few hours while Christian leaders, including the Bishop of Barking and Chair of GDOP London, the Rt Rev David Hawkins, and Bishop Wayne Malcolm of Christian Life City, took to the stage to pray The Lord’s Prayer.
At one point, prayers were said in different languages during A Prayer for the World and Elizabeth Batha of Christian Solidarity Worldwide led prayers for the millions of Christians worldwide who face persecution because of their faith, particularly in China, Burma and North Korea, where the word ‘God’ continues to be banned.Stop the Traffik also highlighted the plight of the hundreds of thousands of men, women and children who are trafficked against their will each year with a short film piece.
Rev Nims Obunge of The Peace Alliance made a heartfelt prayer for reconciliation and unity among the churches. “What we have today is history in the making. God is doing something again and it’s great He did it on Pentecost Sunday.” People have been crying out for unity and a “new day” in the church, he said, “And I think today is that new day.”
