Prayer vigil – time devoted to listening and speaking with God.
To individuals of no religion, the that means of the Vigil could seem a little bit of a thriller. Why would anybody select to sit down or stand for lengthy intervals of time, typically in silence?
However as Christians, the significance of this apply brings us again to the Bible. The Bible repeatedly tells us in regards to the energy of prayer (Matthew 17:21, Acts 1:14, Ephesians 6:18-19), and Jesus himself instructs us a number of occasions to “watch and pray.”
Probably the most notable event is the evening earlier than his crucifixion within the Backyard of Gethsemane. When Jesus is about to face the best difficulties, he prays and asks his disciples to observe with him. When Jesus sees that his disciples didn’t do that and fell asleep as a substitute, he’s saddened.
Because the world turns into an more and more tough place, the problem to unfold the excellent news turns into an increasing number of tough. Because the local weather disaster envelops our brothers and sisters around the globe in more and more determined dwelling situations, it may be tough for individuals to see God by struggling.
This was by no means extra clear to me than when a lady in a drought ravaged nation requested me why God hated her. The ache in her face was evident. However her struggling was not brought on by God, however by the greed of these individuals who determined to create an more and more hostile world.
Nice Britain can be starting to really feel the results of environmental collapse. The frequency of storms hitting our shores has elevated and the gas-fuelled price of dwelling disaster continues to squeeze individuals's budgets greater than ever, with some having to decide on between meals and heating.
It's simple to really feel helpless when corruption and lies are one thing we anticipate from our leaders and multinational firms, largely unaccountable and working above the regulation. However as disciples of Jesus, our instruction stays the identical – “watch and pray.” Solely then can we actually take part within the restoration of God's creation and the bringing of the Kingdom.
On this season of Lent, we relied on our oldest custom – prayer. The No Religion In Fossil Fuels Vigil takes place from 14th to twenty fourth February 2024. Christians from all around the UK are coming collectively to sit down in prayer exterior the gates of energy – Parliament in Westminster. A complete host of organizations are concerned: Christian Support, Tearfund, CAFOD, The Salvation Military, JPIT, Scholar Christian Motion, A Rocha, Inexperienced Christian, Operation Noah and others.
Bishops had been concerned, MPs, church buildings, small teams and others had been concerned. And you continue to have time to affix. Keep an hour or a day. For those who imagine within the energy of prayer, be a part of us and prophetically rework this world into one thing lovely.
