25 May 2017
Have you pledged to pray with Thy Kingdom Come?
Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are pledging to pray with prayer movement Thy Kingdom Come.
Pledges can be made via the Thy Kingdom Come website where Christians can sign to received daily prayers and meditations.
The pledges are in response to a call to prayer from the Church of England.
Archbishop Justin Welby said: "Jesus prayed at the Last Supper that we, those who follow him, might 'be one that the world might believe'.
"We are invited to make a lasting difference in our nations and in our world, by responding to his call to find a deep unity of purpose in prayer.
"It's not a Church of England thing, it's not an Anglican thing, it's a Christian thing."
Last year more than 100,000 Christians from all denominations committed to praying for 10 days between Ascension and Pentecost.
Lucy Olofinjana, who heads up the Alliance evangelism hub Great Commission, said: "It's so exciting to see churches across the UK setting aside time to pray for people to come to a living faith in Jesus.
"We know it's God who moves in people's hearts, but He also calls us to all get involved in praying for others and sharing the good news of Jesus with them."
The Great Commission has been focusing on prayer outreach, and you can find lots of stories, resources and reflections on the website.
Churches around the world are planning activities including prayer walks, candlelit services and street parties.
The BBC will broadcast a live service at 10am on Pentecost Sunday with Archbishop Justin Welby, Matt Redman, Tim Hughes and Liz Adekunle.
Christians around the UK are expected to gather for special beacon services held in cathedrals, with thousands more praying in their churches.
Archbishop John Sentamu said: "It is my prayer that we shall continue growing in confidence to share Christ; that we shall see the Holy Spirit bringing joy, healing, reconciliation, and hope to many, and bringing new life both to Church and community, to the glory of God the Father.
"Remember, whilst the big events are fantastic, Thy Kingdom Come is really about being part of a movement of prayer – so small is beautiful, for Jesus says 'where two or three gather together in my name…'"
Churches as far away as Brazil and Hong Kong have pledged to pray, with each community celebrating in their own way.
Thy Kingdom Come have created resources with ideas for prayer stations, prayer walks, finding fun and creative ways of praying together as a Church family.
You can find out more about the movement, and pledge to pray here: www.thykingdomcome.global
