Evangelical Alliance Backs Urgent Call to Prayer for UK

A senior leader in one of the UK's largest Pentecostal churches has written to church leaders with an urgent call to prayer in the face of rampant secularism and consumerism in the UK.

Dr Jonathan Oloyede, Associate Pastor of Glory House in London, told church leaders of all denominations that the UK "stands at a crossroads", having drifted away from God and the Christian faith.

He is encouraging them to unite in turning the situation around, however:
"I write to you because I have a strong conviction that God is saying that together we can do something about the desperately sad state of affairs. As God's representative in your church, community or city - you can turn the tide," wrote Dr Oloyede.

In a fast-paced world in which more and more demands are being made on time, Dr Oloyede urged a return to Holy Sabbath.

"There is no lack or want of busy Martha's but that the spirit of Mary who sat at the feet of Jesus simply to hear is becoming scarce - an endangered species. He wants us to repent and recover our Sabbath.

"It is evident to me that He wants us to repent of our busyness and repair the prayer altars of our lives and of our people and congregations. He wants you and I to stay in His presence more to listen than to talk."

Dr Oloyede, who convened the massive Global Day of Prayer event at West Ham Stadium in London earlier this year, pleaded with church leaders to start making plans to bring more people back to God by organising regular prayer meetings with other local Christians.

"He wants prayer included in our priority list," he said, encouraging church leaders to hold their prayer meetings any- and everywhere, including in offices, pubs, on street corners, in restaurants and in parks.

He concluded, "May the United Church rise up in the fullness of the Spirit - infused with the breath of Heaven, the inspired Scriptures and the fellowship of the saints. May the legacy of its Christian forebears not be forsaken or forgotten."

Dr Oloyede's call has been supported by the Evangelical Alliance's General Director, Joel Edwards, who said, "At a time when it seems there is more bad news in the world than good, it is a matter of urgency that we as Christians pray for those suffering from loneliness, meaningless and anxiety in their lives.

"Being at the heart of the community, the church is in a unique position to awaken people to the peace and fulfillment that comes from a life lived in the secure love of God.

"The Evangelical Alliance fully endorses this timely call from Pastor Jonathan and it is our hope that church leaders will respond by blanketing the nation in united prayer for revival."


To read Dr Oloyede's letter in full go to www.gdoplondon.com/