January
2005
Disaster dominates New Year Prayers
Report on HTB's New Years Eve Prayer Party
Around 750 people took part in HTB’s annual New Year
prayer party – an event dominated by the tragic events
in the Indian Ocean.
With the two-hour prayer event taking place
just days after the earthquake which killed more than 150,000
people, it was only natural that prayers would be focussed
on Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
A one minute’s silence was held, followed by prayers
for:
- those mourning the deaths of family and friends.
- those made homeless by the disaster and who lost their
livelihoods.
- the rescue and safety of any still alive who are either
trapped or cut off.
- the work of the relief agencies in directing the immense
operation of bringing clean water, food and medicine to
those in need.
- the tidy-up and reconstruction efforts in all the countries
involved.
The other main area of prayer was for the church throughout
the world – and particularly where it is persecuted.
Prayers were said for church leaders and priests; for the
upcoming new leaders; and for the power of the Holy Spirit
to be at work to give courage and boldness to all churches.
Prayers were said for the work of Alpha throughout the world
and for the re-evangelisation of the UK.
In the run-up to midnight, those present were divided into
six groups, praying for the elections in Ukraine, Iraq and
Palestine; for the coalition forces in Iraq; for peace in
the Middle East; and for Christians working there.
At midnight, balloons fell from the ceiling and drinks and
refreshments were served.
This
article was first published
in Focus Newspaper. Reproduced here by kind permission.
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