Pray for our nation

In the light of the nation’s economic difficulties Evangelical Alliance Ireland has called for a Day of Prayer for Ireland this Friday, December 3.

“You don't need me to tell you about Ireland and the political and economic challenges we face, as well as the fear that's rising in the population.  We have a God of hope, and so He is the one to seek in this crucial moment in our national history,” said Tom Slattery, Director of Operations, Evangelical Alliance Ireland. 

The Alliance is not the only religious group to pray in the current situation.  Some politicians have asked for prayers and in churches throughout the country prayers have been offered for the unemployed, the new poor, and those devastated by the economic situation.  

On Sunday at the golden jubilee of the Church of Saint Pius X in Templeogue, the Most Rev Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin, Primate of Ireland spoke about Advent as a moment to interrupt our daily life and think about what is essential. 

“Christians today must also cry out against what destroys those fundamental relationships of peace and honesty, of generosity and solidarity and inclusion which are the foundations for a hopeful society,” he said.  

“I have spoken about my concern that a political climate of anger about the past and anxiety of the future might easily lead to a totally negative climate in political life, to a climate where everyone is only ‘against’.  If we want to move towards a different future we also need a politics ‘for’.  We need not just negativity, but also a renewed sense of national purpose.”

He explained that the basis of national purpose must be solidarity which focuses on the vulnerable but also solidarity in purpose, rather than everyone pitched against each other.  Solidarity is not just about national policy, but how we personally interact with each other.  

“The Christian community should be a model of solidarity, a model in which we share not just financial resources but also our own talents and abilities and our basic humanity and love,” he said. 

The organisers of the National Day of Prayer describe themselves as Christians from different churches in Ireland, who feel drawn to join together to issue a call for prayer for our nation at this time.  

They suggest that people can pray individually, at home, in groups, at special church services, at work, at school, colleges, or wherever they are. 

The times of prayer can be short or long, using a favourite form of prayer, or at a church service, or bible study.  If it is not possible to join the day of prayer on Friday, then prayer could take place over the weekend.

On their website and Facebook page there are suggestions for prayers and other resources.  The proposers of the initiative are Joe Kelly - Chairperson of Evangelical Alliance Ireland, Tim Nichols - Irish Christians Online Trust / Tine Catholic Leaders Network, Mary Dwyer - Networking Chairperson - Evangelical Alliance Ireland, and Stephan Cardy - Chairman of Focus on the Family Ireland. 

Arise Dublin, a gathering of prayer for the city, is being held on Friday at 8:00pm at The Exchange, 50 Gardiner St. Lower, Dublin.  For further information, or to register your support to   http://www.prayerforireland.org

SIC: CIN/IE

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