More than 3,500 Christians from churches from across the South West of England took part in this huge prayer event to pray Thy Kingdom Come for the region.
South West Awake saw individuals, couples and church groups standing on one of the 630 miles along the South West Coast Path to pray to God for their region and all those who live there.
The South West Coast Path is England’s longest waymarked long-distance footpath and a National Trail. It stretches for 630 miles, running from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset. The path is used by thousands of people each year for exercise, observing nature, spending time with friends or quiet contemplation.
However on Saturday 19 June, churches of all styles and traditions including the Church of England, Methodist, United Reformed, Elim, Vineyard and many others stood together in unity on the path to thank God for bringing the gospel to these shores, and praying for salvation in the region.
The event took place between 10.30am and 11.00am and the half an hour gathering included prayer, followed by individuals worshipping God with drums, klaxons, shofars, trumpets and guitars, accompanying singing voices.
The event was coordinated by a variety of different organisations and churches across the region including Creation Fest, South West Youth Ministries, Exeter’s Rediscover Church, Hope Baptist Church Plymouth and many more.
One of the organisers, Mark Pugh, Lead Pastor of Rediscover Church said, “South West Awake was so special. Churches uniting in prayer is both beautiful and powerful – beautiful because we know it is part of an answer to one of Jesus prayers and powerful because God commands a blessing.
“We are so humbled that more than 3,500 Christians joined together to create a ring of united prayer and praise on the 630 miles on the longest continuous footpath in the UK and I’m convinced we will see much evidence of good fruit coming from this in the months and years ahead.”
The event was supported by the Diocese of Exeter and The Right Reverend Robert Atwell, Bishop of Exeter, commented “We are privileged to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, and honouring the God who summons us to life and love through this act of prayer and praise was an inspiration. “
Organisers have already announced South West Awake will take place next year, with the date scheduled for Pentecost Saturday – 4th June 2022.