Praying in the New Year

Thousands of Christians will bring in the New Year on their knees in prayer. On New Year’s Eve believers from all sorts of denominations, and in locations across the UK, will come together to intercede. Together we are asking God that 2012 would be a year of opportunity and transformation in the lives of individuals and communities.        

Our HOPE prayer website is filled with creative ideas, videos and resources.

With the Big Jubilee Lunch, the Olympic and Paralympic games and key moments in the Christian calendar, there are some huge mission opportunities for 2012.

Residents in Peterborough will gather at their ecumenical service at the Cathedral on New Year’s Eve. This annual act of commitment emerged from the city’s involvement in Hope 2008. It is a time for churches of all denominations to come together with a shared vision for mission.

Caroline Cameron, a member of Hope for Peterborough, said: “We are asking God how he wants us to engage with Peterborough. We have committed ourselves to working together across denominational boundaries and making the love of Christ credible through offering practical service to the city. ”

Watchnight services are held throughout the Black Majority Church (BMC) on New Year’s Eve and it is a significant time of celebration. The tradition has roots in the night American slaves spent waiting for emancipation on January 1st 1862. Together with Easter and Christmas it now attracts the biggest church attendances of the year. Many of these Watchnight prayer services will last through the night.

Roy Crowne says: “There have been many situations in families and communities in 2011 that have been desperate and at times have lacked a sense of hope. We look into this New Year and things can seem bleak. But we are the ones, through Christ, who can be the people of hope and change things. In order to do this though, we must believe, have faith and it is crucial to pray.

“People from various Church streams and cultures may differ in the way we do things, but we have a lot to learn from each other. Praying together and working together in a united purpose for the sake of those outside the Kingdom would certainly be life changing and community transforming.”

Are you bringing in the New Year in prayer? Tell us about your event or who you will be praying with!