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The International Order of St Luke the Physician

Articles

September 5, 2014

Click for pocket-size prayer cards

Dear Friends,

Reflecting on the horrendous news regarding the atrocities committed by Islamic terrorists over the past week, I was wondering what we could do as Christians and was reminded of something that I read about some years ago, which occurred during World War 11.

During the terrifying days surrounding the evacuation of Dunkirk, Major W Tudor Pole, one of Churchill’s advisors, called upon the people of the UK to unite in prayer at 9pm each evening.   Most families would gather around a radio at this time to listen to the BBC news, which began with the sound of Big Ben.   During the chimes and the 9 strokes of Big Ben, people prayed in silence, using the following prayer which became known as  ‘the silent minute of prayer’.

Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me.

There are many stories of its effects throughout the war, here are three:

A captured Nazi intelligence officer stated this: “With the striking of Big Ben each evening, you used a secret weapon which we did not understand.   It was very powerful and we could find no counter-measure.”

Other reports, from German bomber pilots, described seeing hundreds of allied planes coming against them when there were in fact only 2.   Likewise, infantry battalions withdrew in the face of a massive host opposing them, when in fact there was only a battalion of our men.

This led me to think that, knowing the power of prayer as we do, this is something we could do and encourage others to join us in doing.   So my suggestion is this, that whatever we are doing at 9pm each evening, we stop and pray.  I believe that to do so aloud would be even more effective than doing so silently, but I appreciate that for some this would be too great a challenge if they were in a public place.

However, imagine the witness this would be to others if we were to pray aloud, having explained to those with us our purpose; who knows, it may well prove to be an encouragement to them to join us in prayer. 

After all, many committed Moslems request that their employers allow them opportunity to pray at their prescribed prayer times each day and ask for a quiet space in which to do so.   Isn’t it time for us as Christians to be visible and active with our prayers and to encourage others to join us?   We know that God answers the prayers of his people, so let’s be visible in expressing our faith.

Most of us have an alarm on our mobile phone or watch which we could set to remind us each day, so remembering to stop at the appointed time would not be difficult.     If we also ask members of OSL and Christian friends around the world to join us we could end up with prayers ascending round the clock.

I like the way the silent prayer uses part of the Lord’s Prayer, reminding us that, as Christians, we are looking for the coming of God’s Kingdom and longing for all to be obedient to him and his loving purpose for us.   So this is the prayer I suggest we use:

Father of all,  Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Bring defeat to terrorism and a revival of Christian faith.

And let your justice and peace prevail in my life and throughout the world.  Amen

Please note: To get 21 pocket-size prayer cards suitable for laminating and sharing with friends please download  http://www.oslCanada.org/900pm.pdf

These are sad and difficult times and people turn to us as Christians and ask how God can allow such terrible things to occur.  We need to stand firm in our faith and remind them and ourselves of God’s all-encompassing love, authority and power and that even now he is working his purpose out.

In Jude v 17,18, 20 - end

To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God, our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and for evermore.  Amen.” 

The Reverend Christine Lowe is Warden (Director) for The International Order of St Luke the Physician in the United Kingdom.  She first encountered The Order in Jan 1992, when attending a weekend healing ministry in her area.   It was at this weekend that she was healed of Multiple Sclerosis and the call to the ordained ministry was confirmed. Christine and husband, John, have been married for 45 years.  They have two children and two grandchildren, who are a source of great joy.  Her email address is 7Chris.Low@Gmail.com

Editor's note: Christians everywhere are invited to pray the above simple, yet powerful prayer at 9:00 pm every day.  Will you join us?