A wake-up call

Originally posted in 2011. By Andrew Chapman and Mark Huckstep.

The recent outbreak of rioting and lawlessness in our cities must serve as a call to pray for them and for the nation as we are exhorted to in the scriptures. Let the men now lift up holy hands before the Lord and pray for all people, and especially those in authority. We must pray especially for the young people who are running riot, for their salvation and for the raising up of evangelists among them as a means to that end. The situation is fraught with danger, as racial enmities are stirred up, and because of the peril of resort to arms in the gangs of troublemakers.

Meanwhile, as we gather to pray and to seek the Lord for His directions and strategy for prayer and evangelism, we are not dismayed but trust in the Lord with all our hearts. The Spirit of the Lord is upon us to preach the good news about the Lord Jesus Christ to the poor and oppressed, and we have in Him all the things we need pertaining to life and godliness, by His divine power and through knowing Him who once called us ourselves out of darkness into His marvellous light. To Him be all the glory and honour and praise, as we gather also to worship Him and thank Him for His great mercy and kindness and longsuffering to this nation, and we believe that there remains a promise of revival and of a great move of the Spirit of God within these shores. Hallellujah!

Father of glory, we give you praise and worship and adoration. Father, you have always been kind to us, and not given us what our sins deserve. Father, we have neglected prayer for our cities and now see the consequences before us. Let not your word be found untrue which says ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ We know not how to pray but Your Spirit intercedes for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Father, help the police to restore order in the streets of our cities. Forgive those who have been negligent in their duty, and help the young people who are acting without restraint to find their hope and future in you, Jesus. Give us faith and patience and fortitude to face uncertain days.

Furthermore, forgive us in Britain for our endemic sins. Forgive us for rejecting your gospel, for rejecting the truth of scripture, for all the manifestations of rebellion against you. Forgive us for our lack of support for your covenant people Israel. Forgive us for supporting the plan to divide Jerusalem. Forgive us for the murder of over seven million unborn babies since 1968. Forgive us in England for our ancient sins against not only the Jews but also the Irish, the Welsh and the Scots.

Forgive us for our lack of compassion towards the poor, and those escaping persecution and violence in their countries of origin. Forgive us for our tolerance of, and often promotion of, that which is wicked and runs counter to your holy law. We are sorry that as a nation we have so corrupted the image of God within us, and failed to seek and follow you. Have mercy on us we pray. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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