Santosh Thomas, reports on the recent London Gospel Partnership prayer event:
You could be forgiven for thinking that Christian leaders need another Zoom meeting like a hole in the head. And yet on 25 November, some from 80 churches and para-church ministries joined the annual Pray for London event hosted by the London Gospel Partnership.
Many are tired, isolated, frustrated and burdened in various ways. How precious it was, therefore, to be encouraged at the outset by Wes McNabb from Slade Evangelical Church that the Lord Jesus Christ invites us each to come to Him to find the true rest we crave now and always (Matt. 11:28).
This year’s theme was ‘Challenges and Opportunities’. The current season has certainly brought both, and we need God’s help. So the bulk of time was spent in breakout groups praying: first about our local contexts, then later for the city more widely. Sharing briefly about our churches and praying for one another was a happy expression of gospel partnership. It’s so basic and seemingly mundane, but I wonder if our appreciation of such fellowship has actually grown in lockdown?
Diverse communities
It was particularly encouraging to see church leaders from right across London. From Harrow to Barkingside, from Tower Hamlets to Richmond, from various denominations and none, all came together to pray.
Afterwards one participant commented: ‘What an encouragement to pray with so many fellow gospel-hearted Christians … 75 minutes well spent!’
For a city as culturally and ethnically diverse as London this growing spread of evangelical ministries is not just heartwarming, but essential if we really want to reach people for Christ across the various boroughs and communities.
Unity in Christ
A special highlight was the ‘open mic’ time towards the end when everyone returned from their breakouts to pray all together. Let’s be honest: this kind of thing can sometimes be awkward even in person, even when everyone knows each other. How much more so when you’re at the mercy of dozens of wifi connections and require a multi-generational commitment to prudential use of the ‘mute’ button.
Me of little faith. What an encouragement it was to see and hear women and men from a wide range of churches and ministries call out to the Lord for our great and needy capital city. A pixelated reflection of a beautiful reality. Hopefully next time it will be in person.
