Thousands gather for Saints in the Stadium prayer event

Thousands of Christians were gathering together in St Helens on Saturday to pray for the nation.

The Saints in the Stadium event has been organised by the National Day of Prayer movement and is endorsed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby.

The event is taking place at the iconic Langtree Rugby ground between 11.00am and 4.00pm, with worship led by Noel Robinson, local worship leader Ian Yates, Lara Martin and Godfrey Birtall.

The three themes for the day are rejoicing, repenting and seeking God for the nation, and prayer will be led by local and national church leaders, including Dr Jonathan Oloyede, Convenor of the National Day of Prayer and Worship, Ian Coles, National Director of the World Prayer Centre, local leader Steve Pilkington and the Bishop of Lancaster, the Rt Reverend Geoff Pearson.

At 12 noon the whole stadium will unite in saying the Lord's Prayer together.

Offering his support for Saints in the Stadium, Archbishop Welby said: "This is an important day when Christians come from across the country to pray and worship God together. It is exciting to see Christians coming from across the wide spectrum of church traditions simply to rejoice and be in God's great presence."

Dr Jonathan Oloyede added: "The Archbishop of Canterbury has made prayer a commitment of his as he leads the Church of England and we want to stand with him to see an increase in prayer and mission across this the UK."

News
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures

Hundreds of churches across the UK are receiving vital financial support to remain open and safe, as rising repair costs and shrinking funding streams place historic buildings under increasing strain.

How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year
How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year

Make the most of these last days of the year to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with God.

US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians

The US military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria over the violent "targeting" of Christians. 

Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment
Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment

The first openly gay Archbishop of Wales says her appointment has caused some people to leave the Church in Wales.