Why should we pray?
City Links and Redeeming Our Communities seek to introduce people to the fact that combining prayer with action really does change communities and lives. We have seen it work in the birthplace of Redeeming Our Communities (Manchester), and since Redeeming Our Communities was launched nationally, we are hearing stories from all around the UK of community transformation.
More: Read
City Changing Prayer by Frank and Debra Green (about the impact of prayer on Manchester and the North West). Read
Redeeming Our Communities: 21st Century Miracles of Social Transformation by Debra Green (stories of how prayer has changed communities across the UK). Download our
Crime Reduction Case Studies, documenting a few of the stories we are hearing about Redeeming Our Communities (i.e. prayer and action) from around the UK.
How should we pray?
- Actual meetings will depend on your individual set-up. You may be able to bring churches together to pray for your community and Police once a month, or perhaps once every two months. There may also be individual Christians who feel called to pray specifically about this matter in smaller groups perhaps weekly.
- Prayer needs to be specific for your community: Helpful questions can be; what does Jesus see when he looks at your community, what are the issues or common themes related to crime and disorder in your community, what changes do you want to see?
- It can be useful to issue 'Prayer Points' to the members of your prayer groups in between your meetings together. Then when you do come to pray together you will all have an idea of what needs to be addressed.
More: Download our
Step-by-Step Guide to Redeeming Our Communities for more information.
What should we pray for?
- People; you can start by “adopting” specific people from the local Police, Council or other significant community individual and commit to pray for them, (health, finance, family and spiritual needs). However, some care is needed here as the majority of Police men and women might feel a little threatened and perhaps scared by the concept of being singled out for prayer!
- Places; specific streets, estates or areas. For peace, and protection for those who work with crime and disorder reduction partnerships in that area.
- Issues; what are the specific needs of your community? Do research! Be informed. Keep praying and keep watching.
More: Download the Christian Police Associate (CPA) guide to praying for your police;
Pray 4 Your Police.
Should we invite Police or Council members to attend prayer meetings for their professions?
Yes, where appropriate. This can be a good way of letting these people know that the Churches are thinking, praying and supporting them, however try and be sensitive! If the person invited is not a Christian, be aware that they might be put off by a two hour intercession meeting, and would likely run a mile if anyone suggested any 'laying on of hands'!
Invite individuals, but make sure the meeting is appropriate for those you are inviting before you do it!
More: Come to the
3rd June National Prayer Meeting at the Manchester Velodrome to see an example of praying for “VIP's” and non-Christian Police and politicians at an overtly Christian prayer event!
Which individuals should we approach to inform and encourage?
People who are likely to understand the need for prayer and action will most likely respond with enthusiasm at an initiative which seeks to make this happen!
- Church Leaders
- CPA branch leaders or representatives
- Christian Police and MP's you know of in your area
- Prayer meeting leaders (not necessarily always the Church leader)
- Social action group leaders
More:
CPA Website, or we have a list of contact and geographical area details of CPA branch leaders on our website,
here.
Which groups should we approach to inform and encourage?
- Churches
- Churches Together networks
- Existing prayer networks
- CPA branches
- Christian 'union' groups in local governments
- Social action groups (eg. Street Pastors, community youth groups, neighbourhood watch groups, etc)
How do we find out which Churches, local councils and Police are interested in engaging with one another to see how prayer and action can work together?
- Write to them! - Send information about what Redeeming Our Communities is about, tell them that you recognise that there are crime and disorder issues in your community, and how you plan to and want to help, offering them the chance to get involved. West Midlands Christian police officer, Kevin Borg, has suggested that we emphasise the need to write to the police, as opposed to ringing or calling in. He tells us that writing will trigger a response where the others may not.
- Propose an introductory evening/event. - Inviting Churches and groups to come and find out more about Redeeming Our Communities.
- Meet them. Ask group and Church leaders to meet with you.
- If you are a Redeeming Our Communities Area Co-ordinator [link], it helps to be the single point of contact for community groups, key contacts and other relevant initiatives. This will ensure our Police men and women are not overwhelmed or confused by too many people. Again, Officer Kevin Borg reiterates the need to emphasise this, suggesting that it is essential to have a single point of contact.
How do we liaise effectively with other Churches who are already involved?
If you want to find out if/which Churches or groups in your area are already involved in Redeeming Our Communities please get in touch with us;
info@citylinks.org.uk
How do we encourage and inform individuals and groups to see how prayer and action can work together?
Using the resources available from City Links, you can show individuals and groups how prayer has changed communities for the better in crime reduction and developing relationships with Police and local government.
More: Read
City Changing Prayer by Frank and Debra Green (about the impact of prayer on Manchester and the North West). Read
Redeeming Our Communities: 21st Century Miracles of Social Transformation by Debra Green (stories of how prayer has changed communities across the UK). Download our
Crime Reduction Case Studies, documenting a few of the stories we are hearing about Redeeming Our Communities (i.e. prayer and action) from around the UK.
