UK General Election – May 7th 2015

As the political manifestos are launched and the campaigning begins, how might we pray for this most important of elections?  We need to rise above party politics and pray as never before for ‘His kingdom to come and His will to be done’ in and through the election.

Let’ pray for our own MP’s and those standing for election in our local constituencies; for protection, for the whole election process, for truth to be shared, for balanced  media coverage and for the highlighting of the real issues in need of debate in the coming weeks. As we pray, believe that apathy will be replaced by a real desire by everyone to take part.

The EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE’S website and CARE’s website will provide up to date information and resources as we approach May 7th. We will provide regular updates through our monthly e-News. We also need to remember the outworking of the Smith Commission’s report following the Scottish Referendum before God; for protection for the Northern Ireland Assembly following the Stormont House Agreement (December 2014) and for wise governance to take place in the Welsh Assembly in the lead up to the Election, which all take place during 2016.

Praying for France

According to Operation World, church attendance is one of the lowest in Europe (6-8%); 80% of French people have never owned or even seen a Bible. There are approximately 50,000 full-time practitioners of occult arts (tarot, fortune telling, psychic healing, etc) who easily outnumber the 35,000 full-time Christian workers in France. Muslims make up approximately 10% of France’s population. This is the highest percentage in any European country. France is also home to Europe’s largest Jewish population and anti Semitism is on the rise. Let’s pray for Godly wisdom for her leaders:  President Francois Hollande; Prime Minister Manuel Valls; for those working on the ground in divided communities, for unmasking of other terrorist cells and for a mighty move of God through church and nation. Since 2001 a prayer initiative has taken place during the season of Lent to pray specifically for France. Check out their website for this year’s resources.

Praying for Europe

Most of mainland Europe is covered by the Schengen Agreement (The Schengen Agreement abolished internal borders, enabling passport-free movement between a large number of European countries) as there are no borders controls between these countries – what affects one country affects many – all people including terrorists can freely move between all the 26 countries covered by this agreement. Pray for:
The security services across Europe to work together to tackle those that may be plotting attacks or encouraging others to commit acts of terrorism.
For peace in Europe between the indigenous populations and their Muslim neighbours and communities including the Jewish community, the Romany community and others.
That the church will not be constrained by anti-religious feelings.
The light of Jesus to shine on the governments throughout Europe – so that that which is done in darkness maybe brought to light and dealt with.

We are so grateful to God for raising up watchmen networks of men and women across our nations and for His protection over recent years. The current terrorist threat level for the UK for international terrorism has again been raised to severe.
Two main areas of threat come from a growing strand of radical Islam – committed to Jihad (a holy war to establish Islam). Their attitude is territorial, wanting to impose Sharia law, take over schools, councils, and other authorities. Their immediate targets are fellow Muslims – the radicals want to impose their agenda and beliefs on Muslim neighbours they see as more liberal or westernised. They see Christians and Jews as unbelievers to be fought. As we know, threats of bombings and shootings are very real – and increasingly from people experienced in fighting in Syria. Another area of threat is right wing extremism, growing across Europe and often has a respectable face – but it is pushing moderate Muslims towards the radicals.

LET’S PRAY FOR:

1. The Security Service (MI5) and its national director, Andrew Parker – responsible for protecting the United Kingdom against threats to national security.
2. Our local and national Police Force, operating at many levels including counter terrorism units
3. COBRA – the government’s emergency response unit.
4. The Prime Minister, David Cameron and The Home Secretary, Theresa May; The Cabinet – making decisions on what new legislation to be passed regarding access to communications.
5. The exposure of any terrorists plots being planned in secret. Terrorists to receive revelations of Jesus.
6. Take responsibility for guarding in prayer the transport systems (stations, airports, motorways and ports), city businesses and shopping centres and other places in your local community or the nation as God leads.
7. The Jewish communities across the UK—for protection, grace and a freedom to live normal lives without living in fear of being victims of extremist actions.
8. The Muslim population across The UK: During our Day of Prayer in November, we welcomed Gordon Hickson from The Mahabba Network, hi-lighting how Christians can be equipped to share Jesus with their Muslim neighbours through prayer, care and understanding. We commend Mahabba to you. Many respect Jesus, but have a distorted view of Him. Let’s pray for large scale revelations and that Muslim background believers will be received with love and generosity by the church.