JIM Shannon MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the International Freedom of Religion and Belief will this week table an Early Day Motion asking MPs to welcome 72-hours of unbroken prayer for the Nation this coming weekend (6-8 JUNE) and, to recognise the role of the Church in the life of the nation.

The National Day of Prayer and Worship (NDOPW), behind this weekend’s call to prayer has organised the three-day focus as part of a growing move to see churches pray for the nation, and to help them take the Christian message out from buildings and into local communities. Their Shine Your Light at Christmas focus in 2025 saw over 15,500 UK churches from 60 denominations and networks taking part. Churches held carol services and Christmas events in marketplaces and shopping centres.

They are uniting again for Pentecost: a time when global Christians mark the ‘birth of the Church’, and the Holy Spirit being sent to early believers, enabling their witness – despite severe persecution. Pentecost takes place this coming weekend with various events across the country from small to large gatherings, including in Guildford, Ballymena, Bangor (North Wales), and Derbyshire.

The text of the Early Day Motion, which praises Churches asks: “That this House warmly welcomes news that Christians from across the Isles will be taking part in 72 hours of unbroken prayer this weekend to celebrate Pentecost, the birthday of the Church and to pray for our local communities; we highlight that since 2006, the National Day of Prayer and Worship have been gathering Christians to join the movement for unity, prayer and transformation across the UK, from grassroots villages to larger towns; underpinning the importance of prayer for every Christian; further note how people are encouraged to join the 72 hours of Prayer which starts at midnight on Thursday 5th June and ends on Pentecost Sunday evening (Sunday 8th June); offer good wishes all those celebrating Pentecost this weekend and thank the Church for the continued contribution it makes to the spiritual life of the United Kingdom.”

Christians are being urged to write to their MP, sharing with them how they are joining in Shine at Pentecost this weekend, and asking them to sign the Early Day Motion to acknowledge what Churches are doing.

In publishing this Early Day Motion, Jim Shannon MP said: “I am privileged to be able to file an Early Day Motion celebrating the call to 72 hours of unbroken prayer this Pentecost weekend. Prayer is one of the things which unites the Church across all denominations and expressions. Often, we celebrate the practical difference that churches make, which is wholly correct, but we must also recognise and appreciate the spiritual difference they make.

“I will certainly be praying myself this Pentecost for God’s continued plan and purpose for the whole of the United Kingdom in those famous words of Jesus, ‘Your Kingdom Come on earth as it is in Heaven’.”

This EDM builds on Mr Shannon support last month hosting over 100 Christian leaders at Portcullis House, Westminster for a Parliamentary Reception. There, leaders heard plans for weekend focus, including:-

• 72 Hours of Unbroken Prayer for the Nation, uniting thousands of Christians across the UK in the NDOPW Daily ‘Prayer Room’ on Zoom. Pastor Jonathan Oloyede, Convenor of the NDOPW will open the 72 hours with worship led by Noel Robinson at Midnight on the Thursday evening. On Friday, there will be focuses on various local events.
• Saturday Afternoon sees the platform providing prayer support for The King’s Army Evangelistic event taking place in Trafalgar Square, London.
• Sunday Evening, 11am, NDOPW Convenor, Dr Jonathan Oloyede speaking at a united church event in Bexley heath.
• Sunday Evening at 7.00pm, Dr Jonathan Oloyede will be returning to Canterbury for a second Pentecost Sunday to share a message to the nation which will livestream from there.

Thanking Mr Shannon for this Early Day Motion, Dr Jonathan Oloyede, Convenor of the National Day of Prayer added: “We’re deeply grateful for the growing recognition civil society is giving to the role and ministry of the UK Church, and to the Shine Your Light initiative.

“Last year, His Majesty King Charles graciously sent us a letter of support, as did the Prime Minister. We’re very grateful to Mr Shannon for this EDM, for his unwavering support over many years, and for his personal witness to Christ as a MP.

“He is highly regarded by members across all parties and it’s important to hear a Christian MP not just praising the practical work that Churches do, but spiritually too.”

Shine at Pentecost has been endorsed by national and city-wide groups, including the Evangelical Alliance and London City Mission. Videos, resources and information can be obtained on the National Day Of Prayer & Worship social media and YouTube Channels, and via www.ndopw.com/pentecost