The National Week of Prayer is coming. Here’s how you can get involved

In a world that often feels fractured, divided, and distant from the spiritual roots that have sustained us, there is a growing call for a collective return to faith.

From political tensions to social unrest, we face a time in history where it feels like the very soul of our nation is at stake. It is in this climate of uncertainty and longing that the National Week of Prayer for the UK and British Isles is being birthed.

We are living through unprecedented times. The ripple effects of a global pandemic, economic upheavals, and cultural shifts have left many feeling disconnected not just from one another, but from their very core identities. The rapid changes in our society have highlighted deep spiritual needs, and now more than ever, it feels essential to return to the source of our faith – Jesus.

The National Week of Prayer (12-20 October) is not just a reaction to the times we live in but a profound opportunity for renewal and healing. At the heart of this movement is the belief that prayer can change the course of history. Throughout the Bible and across centuries in and out of war times, we have seen examples of how, when God’s people humble themselves and pray, transformation follows. This isn’t just about personal piety but a broader call for the nation to turn its heart back to God. The UK and the British Isles have a rich history of revival and awakening, and we believe that now is the time for another such move of the Spirit. 

We are in desperate need of healing – spiritually, culturally, and relationally. This National Week of Prayer is a call to all believers to humble ourselves, repent, and seek God’s face ( 2 Chronicles 7:14). In Zechariah 1:3 God says, “Return to me…and I will return to you.”

We are facing issues that transcend political divides and social ideologies. The isolation, division, and loss of moral clarity we witness are symptoms of a deeper crisis. This Week of Prayer aims to tackle the root of these issues by calling on God to heal our land. 

United

This isn’t about one big event in one city – it’s about thousands of events happening simultaneously across the UK and British Isles. This is a grassroots movement. 

The involvement of multiple Christian organisations, including Open Doors UK & Ireland, 24-7 Prayer, and CARE, speaks to the breadth of support for this vision. The participation of leaders such as the Bishop of Winchester, Archbishop Angaelos, and Father Dominic Robinson reflects a shared belief that now is the time for believers to come together in prayer, not as representatives of specific denominations, but as the Body of Christ. 

The British Isles has a rich history of revival. We believe that now is the time for another such move of the Spirit

We want to make this movement intentionally decentralised and democratised to acknowledge and give voice to those we don’t know, who the Lord has been speaking to across the land, so they too can add in their voice; he lives and breathes in us all. This is not a top-down event led by a single organisation or figurehead. Instead, it is a Holy Spirit-driven movement, allowing believers from all walks of life to participate, lead, and contribute.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering of three people in your living room or 3,000 in a church, the call is the same: humble ourselves, seek God’s face, and pray for revival in our land.

We are not just praying for personal breakthroughs but for transformation in every sphere of society – from education and politics to the arts and media.

Whether you feel led to host a local prayer event, join an existing gathering, or simply commit to a week of focused prayer and fasting, your participation is essential. This is an opportunity for the Church to stand together, not divided by political affiliations or denominational differences, but united in Christ.

Let faith rise in the UK and the British Isles. Let us gather, remember, and return to the Lord. Together, we can see a nation transformed through the power of prayer.

The National Week of Prayer will take place from 12-20 October 2024. Visit the website to sign up to host or join an event