What a pleasure and privilege to gather with nearly 600 leaders in London for a day of prayer for the nation on March 20th. Westminster Chapel is not only an ideal venue but is also located near the Houses of Parliament – interesting at such a time as this.
As leaders in the Newfrontiers family we used to meet for two days of prayer three times per year for several decades. But growth and the multiplication of apostolic spheres has made this impractical. However, we are a movement for which prayer has been a vital ingredient, so to gather together from time to time is still very important.
Worship
Ably led by Simon Brading and musicians, worship was a key part of the day, interspersing times of prayer and prophecy. Early in the first session Steve Oliver (who leads the Regions Beyond sphere) spoke prophetically that just as drums produce not only sound but also felt-vibrations so the nation would feel the effects of our praying.
Forgive, Restore, Build
Guy Miller (Commission) based the morning session on Nehemiah 1. Reviewing the state of the nation – people’s lostness, marriage breakdown, abortion, the potential negative impact of Artificial Intelligence, the high percentage of people viewing porn etc. – he exhorted us to repent on behalf of the nation and pray for the Glory of God to be manifest and truth to prevail, with an increase in evangelistic endeavour. A time followed of ‘working prayer’ in groups.
The fields are white for harvest
In the afternoon session Mike Betts (Relational Mission) led us through prayer for gospel impact in various ways – for more workers to go into the harvest field, for Holy Spirit equipping, and for church planting in areas where there are few, if any, ‘word and spirit’ churches.
The Prophetic
Prophecy has always been an important element of our days of prayer. Much encouragement, direction and strategy has been revealed over the years as God has spoken to us. On this occasion:
- God underlined that we are not to be overwhelmed about the future as we see sin abounding but recognise that God is mighty and able, and we are to take initiative in prayer.
- As we gather from different spheres we are similar to bees from different hives, which results in healthy cross pollination. We need to work together in ‘orchards’ across the nation for sweet honey.
- That there will be a sudden and great outpouring of the Spirit across the land which will be an equipping and preparation for harvest. ‘Those who say the land is dead will stand and see it come alive’.
No Brexit!
Finally, I am delighted we did not focus on Brexit. Although much prayer is needed for government ‘that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way’ to provide a context in which all people have the opportunity to hear the gospel ‘and come to the knowledge of the truth’ (1 Tim 2:2-4). The solution to this nation’s problems does not lie in the hands of politicians but in a sovereign God. Let’s continue to pray for peace and order to bring this about.
These days of prayer are both enjoyable and strategic. My hope is that they will become a regular part of our calendar!