Over the last week riots have unfolded across many towns and cities in the UK & Ireland, following the violent attack in Southport where three young girls were tragically killed.
As news continues to break, with fear and injustice spreading across our nations, you may be wondering how you can pray and respond. In this article you will find a prayer from our National Directors, the Evangelical Alliance and a framework of prayer from our friends at 24-7 Prayer.
Prayer from John & Debby Wright (VCUKI National Directors).
Heavenly Father, as you look on at what is happening in our nation, we know that you grieve with us.
In this time of unrest, we pray for all who are working for peace. For all who have been injured or adversely affected, and for protection, reconciliation and resolution.
We pray that your people would shine your light in places of darkness, and that your kingdom would come, your will would be done in our nation as it is in heaven.
Amen.
John & Debby Wright
How Do I Pray? (Resources from 24-7 Prayer)
Our friends at 24-7 Prayer have written a really helpful framework to guide our prayers during this time. Let’s take a moment now to P.R.A.Y.
(1) Pause
We take a moment to pause, to breathe, and focus our attention to the God who ’makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. Who breaks the bow and shatters the spear;’ Who says, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted in the earth.”
Breathe in, Jesus, prince of peace.
Breathe out, Pour out your Spirit across our nations.
(2) Repent / Lament
We repent, on behalf of the nations, for the injustice, fear and thuggery happening on our streets. We are sorry Lord; we have strayed so far from you.
We lament of the hurt across our nations, the division and the hatred.
We cry out to you against the injustice, no more Lord, we pray for mercy, justice and reconciliation.
(3) Ask
We ask for mercy, and we spend a moment now asking for the Holy Spirit to move in the following areas:
- Soften the hearts of those causing disruption
- Bring those responsible to justice
- provide wisdom for those in positions of power
- heal those injured
- counsel and comfort those facing loss, fearing for their wellbeing or that of their families
- bring peace, hope and reconciliation to our nations.
(4) Yield
Jesus, I lift the UK to you, and I pray:
“What are you asking of me to bring change, light and hope in this situation?”
I take a moment to listen for the prompting of your still, gentle voice.
Prayer from the Evangelical Alliance
A prayer for peace during the UK rioting and unrest, from our friends at the Evangelical Alliance.
Heavenly Father, we call out to you in these worrying times of civil unrest.
Amid scenes of rioting, violence and destruction, we pray for everyone who feels threatened and intimidated, fearful and unwelcome. Lord embrace and protect, encourage and comfort, deliver and sustain.
We pray for all who feel left behind and ignored, for those who have genuine concerns and grievances. We pray for the spaces and leadership to enable difficult and honest conversations about poverty, housing, immigration, race and religion.
O Lord, we ask for peace, restored relationships and renewed hope; for immediate calm and long-term resolutions. Move us from chaos to order, lies to truth, hate to love.
We pray for community leaders, police officers and politicians – grant them wisdom, grace and favour.
We pray for local church ministers, street pastors and chaplains – may they embody your love, life and hope.
We pray for Jesus-followers in every walk of life – make them conduits of your very presence, your words of life and acts of kindness.
Lord give us eyes to see each other in your image, hearts which break and beat with yours, and streets which more closely reflect our heavenly city.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.
Statement from Churches Together in England
Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland is part of Churches Together in England, who have released the following statement:
We are grateful for the immediate response from Churches Together Merseyside Region, committing to support the grieving people of Southport in the wake of the killing of three children and serious injury of others, some of whom remain in a critical condition. We are grateful for the ongoing support local churches and other organisations offer those directly affected by these life-changing events. We continue to hold all concerned in our prayers.
In the wake of the terrible events in Southport, we acknowledge the anger felt by many at these senseless killings. We also acknowledge deep and troubling anxiety about immigration. Regrettably, we have witnessed violent, racist attacks and intimidation on our streets. Mosques have been attacked, hotels housing people seeking asylum set on fire and individuals set upon simply because of the colour of their skin. Racism has no place on our streets or in society and should not be stirred up in communities or online. The police have faced unacceptable levels of violent disorder and rioting in their quest to keep the peace on the streets. We are grateful for the work of the emergency services who put themselves in danger to protect the public. We are grateful for communities who have come together to help with the clear up, demonstrating a determination to serve the good of all.
We are also grateful to the many local churches across the country who provide a place of worship and sanctuary for people and who help build stronger communities through action at the grassroots level, including initiatives like Street Pastors and Response Pastors. Let us all work together to put an end to this violent disorder, restore peace and heal our nation.
