Why Pray?
Residents had been shocked by the increase in knife violence in Bristol in recent months. These included the knife deaths of Max and Mason in south Bristol in January; Darrian in Easton and the three siblings in Sea Mills in February. There had been many other incidents before these. There were four other stabbings in February before Darrian was killed. There was a 33% increase in knife violence on Bristol's streets between 2022 and 203, with the largest increase in east-central Bristol. Bristol's churches had been discussing how they can participate in the response to violence in the city. As well as joining with other organisations in the city to support and invest in young people in multiple ways, we hosed this day of focused prayer and fasting for the city, asking God to intervene and bring peace and health to Bristol.
Residents had been shocked by the increase in knife violence in Bristol in recent months. These included the knife deaths of Max and Mason in south Bristol in January; Darrian in Easton and the three siblings in Sea Mills in February. There had been many other incidents before these. There were four other stabbings in February before Darrian was killed. There was a 33% increase in knife violence on Bristol's streets between 2022 and 203, with the largest increase in east-central Bristol. Bristol's churches had been discussing how they can participate in the response to violence in the city. As well as joining with other organisations in the city to support and invest in young people in multiple ways, we hosed this day of focused prayer and fasting for the city, asking God to intervene and bring peace and health to Bristol.
The Bible teaches and gives accounts of God bringing peace and healing when people come together in prayer. For example, 2 Chronicles 7.14 "if my people... will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
The Bible teaches and gives accounts of God bringing peace and healing when people come together in prayer. For example, 2 Chronicles 7.14 "if my people... will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
A recent and significant example of prayer and breakthrough in British history is 'the miracle of Dunkirk' from World War Two. In May 1940, the British army had been severely weakened by Hitler to the extent that they had retreated to Dunkirk. 338,000 men were gathered on the beach. Winston Churchill ordered an evacuation of these troops back to England but expected to be able to save only a handful. King George VI called for a National Day of Prayer for May 24th. There were queues of people lining up to pray in churches across the country. On May 26th the evacuation was ordered. Hundreds of fishing boats, pleasure yachts, and commercial vessels streamed into the Channel to back up the Royal Navy, and in a week nearly the entire army was ferried safely back to England. There were three highly unusual phenomena that have led to this being called a miraculous event. Firstly, the English Channel was as still as a millpond so these small civilian boats were able to cross safely. Secondly, Hitler's air force was grounded by big storms not far away where his air force were based (these aircraft would have annihilated the evacuating troops). Thirdly, Hitler overruled his generals (for the only time) telling them not to advance.
A recent and significant example of prayer and breakthrough in British history is 'the miracle of Dunkirk' from World War Two. In May 1940, the British army had been severely weakened by Hitler to the extent that they had retreated to Dunkirk. 338,000 men were gathered on the beach. Winston Churchill ordered an evacuation of these troops back to England but expected to be able to save only a handful. King George VI called for a National Day of Prayer for May 24th. There were queues of people lining up to pray in churches across the country. On May 26th the evacuation was ordered. Hundreds of fishing boats, pleasure yachts, and commercial vessels streamed into the Channel to back up the Royal Navy, and in a week nearly the entire army was ferried safely back to England. There were three highly unusual phenomena that have led to this being called a miraculous event. Firstly, the English Channel was as still as a millpond so these small civilian boats were able to cross safely. Secondly, Hitler's air force was grounded by big storms not far away where his air force were based (these aircraft would have annihilated the evacuating troops). Thirdly, Hitler overruled his generals (for the only time) telling them not to advance.
So, moved by the tragic violent events and their impacts, March 6th will be a day when we can join in prayer asking for God to intervene in our city to bring peace and life. Jesus described his purpose as being to bring life in all it's fullness. John 10.10: "I have come so that you may have fullness of life." That's what we're seeking for the city of Bristol.
So, moved by the tragic violent events and their impacts, March 6th will be a day when we can join in prayer asking for God to intervene in our city to bring peace and life. Jesus described his purpose as being to bring life in all it's fullness. John 10.10: "I have come so that you may have fullness of life." That's what we're seeking for the city of Bristol.
