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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