THANKS to everyone who made the journey from the north, south, east and west of Ireland to gather to pray – and pray we did. There were at least a couple of thousand there who managed to make it past various road blocks and diversions on the day to pray. Although the organisers had hoped for larger numbers, we were all very encouraged by the sense of God’s presence in our worship and by the evident sense of relevance and power in our praying together.
Throughout the day worship was led by Andy Rogers and Sophie Shiels and short messages from Andy Campbell and from Malcolm Duncan were inspirational and challenging.
Together we prayed prayers of repentance for how we have treated one another, and for how the Christian message has been politicised in much of our religious expression. We were encouraged to submit all political and religious labels and categories to the claims of Jesus Christ. Attendees had the opportunity to approach the cross placed on site and leave a stone representing something they believe they should submit to God. Various other issues were prayed for by the crowd including Stormont, community relations, reconciliation, victims, family, suicide, addictions, abortion and the uncertainties of Brexit.
Much of the prayer was in small groups, with leadership from the stage, interspersed with joining in united prayers and declarations. The day ended on a positive note of the hope of a new kind of spiritual awakening in Ireland: North, South, East and West everyone speaking out the following blessing over Ireland.
Ireland in the mighty Name of Jesus we bless you that you might prosper under the mighty hand of God. We bless you that justice and righteousness might take their proper place within your boundaries and you would know a healing of your wounds. We bless you that the favour and mercy of the Lord might rest upon you and give you peace.
Ireland we bless you that the Father’s compassion might fall upon your people, we bless them with health and wholeness. We bless relationships in every household that there would be love, peace, healing and understanding flowing between everyone. We bless your poor and needy that they might be lifted up. We bless your schools and colleges that they may be secure, safe places for teachers and pupils alike and we bless your children’s capacity to learn and to develop good healthy relationships.
Ireland we bless your governments, policing forces and health and social services that they may serve with compassion, diligence and integrity. We bless your businesses and enterprises that they may prosper and be successful; giving much back into the community. We bless your land and fields to be fruitful. We bless the people of God in Ireland that they might rise up with servant authority and become a people of blessing. We bless the churches in Ireland, may the Holy Spirit and the Word of God flow out through them in power and may they serve in love and humility with a heart for unity.
Ireland we bless you that the knowledge of Jesus might come amongst the people of your land like a flood, may His presence and His Kingdom fall upon them. Ireland we bless you that the joy of the Lord might be your strength. Amen.
The text of the prayers used on the day may be found here.
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