Global Day of Prayer

Today is the Global Day of Prayer Day. Now for those of you who might have heard the snippet on this morning's news regarding the RC faithful being asked to put an extra £1m into the offerings today to fund Bennie's visit to the UK, this has nothing to do with the prayer we're looking at.

The Global Day of Prayer has been on the calendar for nine years and is a day of repentance and prayer based on 2 Chronicles chapter seven, verse fourteen. Let me remind you (in case you've forgotten it):

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Being honest, I have struggled with some aspects of this in that this is Pentecost, something considered to be the birthday of the Church and I have seen people turning this into a sackcloth and ashes, mea culpa ridden, breast-beating session. Now, while I appreciate their attitude I don't think this is perhaps the most positive manner to introduce the Church to the world. If we look weird then people will rush by rather than stop and engage.

So I guess it's the balance and the fact that being in a public place and enjoying time with other Christians;(we do Pentecost in the Park) means that many will walk by, and if they see or hear something that is appealing or challenging they will stop for a bit, and even engage.

The minute we start binding demons and denouncing powers and principalities we are part of the wacky and the opportunity to show people who are are is lost. Repentance is an important part of our walk with God, that moment when we know we have done something wrong and come to Him and say 'Sorry' knowing that He hears, forgives and most importantly 'forgets'. So, whoever we are, wherever we are,perhaps we can take a moment to recognise our own shortcomings and the things that are good in our life and come to God;

"Almighty God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Together with believers all over the world,
We gather today to glorify your name.
You are Creator of heaven and earth,
There is no one like You, holy and righteous in all Your ways.
We submit to Your authority as the King of the universe.
We pray with one voice to enthrone You in our hearts
And to honour You before the world.
Lord God, You are worthy of our praise and glory. Amen."