I remember when as a Student I first moved to London being thrilled by the place but also slightly overwhelmed by its size and diversity. There is no one London, it has absorbed many distinct villages as it grew whose individual character have not been wholly subsumed by its dominant personality. How then do we pray for such a large and diverse place?
Firstly, London is a microcosm of what we see across the nation. There are great differences in wealth, health and spirituality across the capital that mirror what occurs in the UK. So when we pray into national issues very often we will find our prayers being grounding within the capital. Praying for the Government, Monarchy, businesses or even the media will result in us praying for people and places within our city. So part of praying for London will be to pray for these national themes.
London does have its own flavour although living here we get accustomed to it. I always ask visitors after a couple of weeks of their impressions of the place. It’s made for some lively discussions. London’s history also reveals some of its enduring nature. I love Peter Ackroyd’s Biography of London as it reveals many themes through history that are also current prayer issues. Some of the most significant are London’s reputation of being a violent city, and the fact that the City’s wealth grew through the plunder of nations (cf. Habbakkuk 2:6-13). We reap what we sow and the financial institutions in Docklands may to some extent be reaping the impact of a correction of past injustices. Tackling London’s entrenched habits will not happen quickly, but praying scripture and calling London to fulfil its destiny, for example to be a place of peace (Isaiah 60:18, Jeriamiah 27:7) will bring change.
Although there are lots of “woes” in the prophetic scriptures against cities God is not against them. He scattered the people of Babel for their united pride and the other cities that get a bad press do so for their stubborn character and the unrepentant actions of those who lived in them. God is for cities; His-story may have started in a garden but it ends in a city filled with the presence and light of God. Prayer is about bringing something of God’s will and Kingdom into the here and now. So ask God for a vision for London as He would like it. Let that be a motivation and guide for your prayers for London. God has a plan for London that is good.
Finally, watch over your patch. Get to know where you live intimately. To help me learn about the new city I had moved to I used to sit and pray in small park beside the local estate. As I listened to the people in the flats around me and became sensitive to the Holy Spirit I discovered many specific prayer issues for these local families. I got to know that part of London very well through engaging with it. London will change through lots of people taking small actions. Prayer walking is another important way to watch over your neighbourhood. A sex-shop opened in my locality and as I passed it every day to work I would pray for its closure and the people who used it. It closed after 6 months. Is there an area where the local youths congregate and cause trouble? Spend some time there praying and you’ll find the issue improves quickly. What would God like you to change in your community? Whatever the symptom, apply prayer it works.