'There is power in prayer to change hearts and situations'

Some 102 years ago, on the day of the Armistice of World War One, our nation’s political leaders closed Parliament to walk across the road to Westminster Abbey, where they prayed to thank God for their deliverance.

And 75 years ago, as a relieved and much reduced continent marked the end of hostilities in Europe, news reels carried iconic images of celebrations and street parties.

That same day London’s St Paul’s Cathedral held 10 consecutive services giving thanks for peace, each one attended by thousands of people.

This week in Britain, a national survey featured across the news media has revealed that one quarter of our population have prayed to God during April 2020.

People said it was because they ‘believe in God’ and ‘prayer makes a difference’, especially during times of tragedy or personal crisis.

Many said they have prayed and tuned in to Christian services online for the first time.

Several generations after our world was ravaged by two great wars, we find ourselves today in the middle of an unprecedented global crisis which will leave economies scarred perhaps for decades, with everyday people feeling wary to return to the way of life we had known.

Already we are mourning many who have died.

However modern and progressive we may think our society has become, it is striking that our natural response to vulnerability and trial is still to turn to God.

There is simply no greater place to turn, as we come face to face with human frailty.

There is power in prayer to change hearts and situations.

God didn’t create or send Covid-19.

The Bible says ‘God is love’ and ‘we know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us’ (1 John 3:16).

God did send a Saviour, Jesus Christ, who invites each one of us to turn towards Him when our hearts are troubled, because He is known as ‘the Prince of Peace’.

How will you respond when this crisis subsides? May you turn to prayer, thanksgiving and wonder as generations have done before us.

The Reverend Nick Allan is minister of The Well Sheffield Church, Ecclesall Road, Sharrow.

For daily livestreams and prayer visit wellsheffield.com