‘Therefore, tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Return to me,” declares the Lord, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.’ – Zechariah 1:3
‘Let us with one heart and soul, humbly but confidently, commit our cause to God and ask his aid….With God’s help, we shall not fail.’ – King George VI, Dunkirk Rescue Radio Address, 24 May 1940
In May 1940, the relentless power of the Nazi blitzkrieg pushed more than 330,000 Allied soldiers onto the ensnared beaches of Dunkirk. The troops faced death or capture, and ultimately, the British army faced annihilation.
An armada of ‘little ships’—fishing boats, barges, yachts, cruisers, and more—was called upon in a desperate and seemingly futile attempt to rescue the men.
Upon being informed of the plan, King George VI took to the radio to call the nation to prayer. Answering the call, millions of people in packed churches and cathedrals, and at home, dedicated themselves to seeking God on behalf of those needing rescue and on behalf of their nation.
It was then that the miracles started happening. Among them, Hitler strangely delayed the final, fatal attack. And very specific weather patterns developed that provided a storm to force German planes to the ground, as well as a fog to protect the troops on the beach and calm seas to ease the perilous passage of the ‘little ships’.
The nation had humbled itself before God. And through his intervention, the rescue succeeded in amazing ways. The men were saved. (Learn more here about God’s Miracle at Dunkirk.)
A New Call
Today, we live in different times with different problems, and yet, our world is troubled and uncertain. We have a world, and a country, that needs rescue. And now, the King of Kings is calling us to pray.
God is moving. A Quiet Revival is taking place. Two million more people in the UK attend church than they did just six years ago. Growing numbers of people are realizing that a worldly existence does not fulfill the deepest longing of their souls. But within the growing spiritual movement, some also are seeking unhealthy spiritual answers and alternatives to faith in Jesus.
So God is calling an army of ordinary people across the UK to pray. He is mobilising the ‘small boats’ and calling a nation to return to him.
Source: Bible Society
Source: Bible Society
Local Houses of Prayer (LHOP) and Ffald y Brenin are answering the call by participating in the upcoming National Week of Prayer on 6-14 September, 2025.
As the Body of Christ, we are gathering with individuals, churches and partners across the UK and beyond—to humble ourselves, to repent and to pray for transformed lives in Jesus as a spiritual awakening continues.
This is a week to remember and discover the good things God has done and continues to do in this country, with thanksgiving, worship and praise. Whoever you are, wherever you are and whatever your influence, National Week of Prayer is an opportunity to pray for each other and our leaders, across Wales, the UK and the nations.
This is an opportunity to take your place for a time such as this.
Watch: National Week of Prayer
Consider participating:
- View the National Week of Prayer (NWoP) website
- Gather to pray during 6-14 September 2025:
- With your church or prayer group
- At an ancient or spiritually sacred place
- With your Local House of Prayer (LHOP).
- At LHOP Gathering: Tuesday, 9 September. Details here.
- At Ffald y Brenin: Saturday, 13 September. Details here.
Gathering in the Sacred Places
Everyone is invited to gather to pray in their homes, their churches and cities. But also for LHOP and Ffald y Brenin, who are anchored in a sacred space in Wales, we are also encouraging people to gather in the ancient spaces.
From the deep places, we can dig into the roots of great movements of God. We can return to the Lord and call upon him.
For us in Wales, we can raise prayers from the land of rich Celtic and revival movements. So wherever you are, you’re invited to find a sacred space, an ancient well, a place of revival, any place of spiritual significance – gather there and pray.
As we look to God’s movement now and into the future, we can stand firmly on the places where he has moved before. We can stand firmly on his promises and remember his faithfulness.
Once, in a time when rescue was needed, the King of the United Kingdom called a people to humble prayer. Today, in a time when rescue is needed, the King of Kings calls a people to humble prayer. Wherever we are, whomever we are, let us answer the call.