The Prayer Shield is a 365-day prayer initiative in the United Kingdom, launched this autumn by CTE’s Pentecostal President, Pastor Agu Irukwu of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Tens of thousands of Christians across the UK took part in the National Day of Prayer and Action on 22 March – just a day before the national coronavirus lockdown was announced. This followed a call to prayer by CTE’s Presidents, encouraging Christians to pray in unison from their homes at 7pm.
Six months on, the Prayer Shield UK has been launched by CTE’s Pentecostal President, Pastor Agu Irukwu, chair of the Executive Council of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (one of CTE’s 50 national Member Churches).
As explained on their new website, “The vision for the Prayer Shield is to unite thousands in forming a shield of prayer over the United Kingdom.
“It was inspired by a picture impressed upon Pastor Agu Irukwu’s heart of a united Church engaging with God in prayer to establish His plans and purposes for the nation. For 365 days, Christian leaders of diverse denominations and expressions will lead daily prayers, declarations, and blessings for the nation.
“Join with us, for a few minutes every day, as we say a short prayer, make a declaration from God’s Word and pronounce a blessing over the United Kingdom.”
Explaining more about the Prayer Shield, Pastor Agu shares in a video message: “It’s a prayer initiative, mobilising the Church to prayer… (across) the United Kingdom.
“It’s involving 365 Christian leaders across all denominations, including all ethnic groups, across the different spheres of life – from industry to politics and governance to church leaders, parachurch ministry leaders – the entire spectrum.
“It’s daily declarations over 365 days… and of course the foundation is the Word of God, so it’s 365 scriptures. Every single day a different scripture that we can stand on, believe in, confess, declare over the United Kingdom.”
Pastor Agu Irukwu also highlights the unity of the Church as people from diverse cultures, denominations and ethnic backgrounds come together for the singular purpose of praying for the future of the nation, for peace, well-being and justice for its citizens, and for the establishment of God’s purpose in the land. He says: “At a time when issues of race and racial injustice are causing so much pain, when communities are experiencing poverty and inequality, and the economy is struggling, it is important that we join hands and engage with God in prayer for the future of our nation.”
In a second video, Pastor Agu expresses his faith that these prayers will really make a difference: “I believe that by God’s grace we will see manifest in our nation the United Kingdom. I’m believing that you will stay with us on this journey, be a part of the praying community a few minutes a day – but believe me, with the numbers of those of us who are committed to doing this, it will make a difference.”
Fellow CTE President Rev Hugh Osgood shares in his declaration for day two of the Prayer Shield: “As a young Christian I was told that’s it’s not praying that works, but it’s God who answers. And as we pray together, let’s keep that in mind – it’s not our praying that makes the shield, it’s God who is our shield.”
A key scripture behind the Prayer Shield vision is Jeremiah 29:12. The passage Jeremiah 29: 11-13 reads: ‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”.’
The Prayer Shield is also collaborating with 24-7 Prayer to provide a range of prayer resources, available at www.24-7prayer.com/prayershield. Beginning as one simple prayer movement in 1999, 24-7 Prayer is now an international, interdenominational movement of continuous prayer across the globe.
Post your prayer for the nation on the Prayer Shield website.
Click here to access further Prayer Shield resources – including their website, Facebook, Twitter, podcasts and Youtube channel.