Praying Christians take over Norwich park

2005: A second Prayer in the Park event in Norwich took over Chapel Field Park in the city centre on Saturday June 18 for three hours.

Hundreds of Christians from dozens of different churches and organisations gathered in the park on a very hot day to pray for the Government and local MPs, local councils and councillors, health care, the emergency services, education, employment and community life.

The event was opened by the Lord Mayor of Norwich Councillor Michael Banham who said he thought it was a fantastic idea to have people praying for the City of Norwich.

The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham James said the opening prayer and the event was hosted by Philip and Johanna Thorne of City Church.

“It was a wonderful atmosphere,” said Philip. “There is a fantastic sense of Christians growing together through prayer. We had a huge range of churches and organisations represented here today,” he said.

"It is significant that the church across the region is coming together to identify collectively with our city and county, both in presence and in unity, and all for the primary purpose of praying for the intervention of God so that His goodness and His Kingdom can be evident right across our communities," said Phil.

“Research has shown that about 70% of people admit to praying at some time in their lives. Nowhere near that number go to church or join any other religious group. It suggests that those people have s sense of a caring, listening, unseen creator God, even if they are unable to give a name to that person,” he said.

An exhibition demonstrating the work of a number of local para-church groups and organisations was held as part of the park event.

A three-week 24-7 prayer project for Norwich was launched during the Prayer in the Park event. It will generate 21 days of continuous prayer for the City and the wider world from a prayer room right in the centre of Norwich.

During the three weeks there will be a variety of things to help you pray into different suggested themes, from the local to the global and you can sign up to join in over the internet at www.norwichyfc.co.uk/247 or by calling Fliss Scofield on 01603 620 678.

A third Prayer in the Park event is scheduled for Saturday September 24 at the Norwich Aqua Park from 7-10pm. More details from the PITP office on 01603 462200.