'Hope will rise': Justin Welby welcomes national prayer weekend

More than 600 churches will take part in the National Prayer Weekend on 25-27 September in a nationwide movement.

J. John has released a 16 page booklet entitled 'Why pray?' to support national prayer weekendReuters

The participants will range from individuals to groups who will aim to pray for every community in the country. The initiative has grabbed the attention of many church leaders, including the Archbishop of Canterbury.

"When we have a Church that prays and is reconciled and reconciling, and that tells people confidently about Jesus, then the dawn will break," said Justin Welby ahead of the event.

"Hope will rise, our countries will be transformed and the empty threats of economies and terrorists will be utterly and finally be overthrown.

"To God be the glory."

Across the country, large and small groups have pledged to join in. The community of Bude in North Cornwall has sent out prayer request cards to more than 5,000 homes asking neighbours what they need prayer for.

An army of volunteers will then gather over the weekend to pray, some together and some individually.

"I don't live in a big community but I do live next to a busy footpath," said one individual. "During the national prayer weekend I will be offering prayer for anyone passing through."

Mick Brooks, the chief executive of CWR, said he hoped that everyone would be blessed by the event.

"From the head teacher at our local schools, the staff at our local supermarkets to our next-door neighbours, we want everyone to discover the love of Jesus through the blessing of prayer," he said.

"Churches, community groups and individuals from across the country are being invited to engage with their communities in prayer, asking for prayer requests from individuals, organisations and institutions in order to transform their lives through personalised prayer on this special weekend."

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