Christians aren't used to praying together; setting aside our denominational and even local church preferences is a pretty big ask. What is the basis on which we can pray together?
The God to whom we pray is the father of us all, in whom we live and move and have our being. We all of us share a common view of God; majestic, powerful and glorious. We lay our crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
Our access to God is assured because of what we believe Jesus did on the cross. Despite different levels of understanding and commitment to him we share a common view that Jesus is the Saviour of the world. None of us is where we should be in our relationship with Jesus; none of our churches are what Jesus wants them to be.
In the providence of God we are servants of Christ here together in the same place. We are working in the same vineyard, for the same Master, to the same purpose. You don’t have those three bonds with any other Christians on earth; why wouldn't we want to pray together?
The unity of the church sends a powerful and persuasive message. Our mutual respect and acceptance of each other, mirroring the common acceptance we have found in Christ, transcends our suspicions, mistrust and rivalries. What we would like you to do is search your heart. Let’s talk to each other, ask for prayer and pray for each other. Can you join our prayer movement on that basis?
Jesus said: "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one - I in them and you in me - so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them..."
The TRANSFORMATION prayer initiative was set up in response to a challenging vision for prayer and transformation for ourselves, our churches and our communities. Transformation happens as Christians come together in unity to pray for Jesus to be glorified.
Regular meetings for prayer, praise and intercession are hosted by different churches in the area.The structure and content of the prayer meetings varies as we adapt ourselves to the host church’s preferences.
But although the venue and style may vary, sometimes focusing on praise, sometimes on thanksgiving and sometimes on intercession, the common factor is that we are praying for ourselves, our churches and especially our communities to be transformed.
We want to see the saving power of God break out in the lives of our neighbours. We want to see tangible change in the way our communities live.