Prayer
A worship flashmob is happening this Pentecost. Here's how you can join in
The convener of the National Day of Prayer UK, Jonathan Oloyede wants Christians to take to the streets at 3pm on Pentecost Sunday. Here's his vision in full
By bread alone - Kendall Vanderslice
Professional baker and practical theologian Kendall Vanderslice unpacks an everyday truth: that “our spiritual lives are deeply connected to bread – the bread we break with family and friends, and the Bread that is Christ’s body”.
Better than fire
Writing ahead of Pentecost Sunday, Lucy Peppiatt says the greatest gift the early Church received was not signs and wonders, but a fresh revelation of the love of God
When prayer becomes meditation: are we being led astray?
Should Christians participate in contemplative prayer and meditation? Kate Orson, who was previously immersed in new age practises, gives her view
Pilgrimage: The BBC series that puts faith front and centre
As the popular series returns to our screens, Max Avard reviews the first episode of Pilgrimage and finds that kindness, not drama and controversy, makes for reality TV gold.
The Church who hears God’s voice - Tanya Harris
It is a rare to find an academic and prophet with a down-to-earth approach. It is even rarer to have them write an in-depth, yet accessible book about hearing God’s voice today.
Troubled: Why I'm still overcoming sectarianism
My mum’s teen years were characterised by routine bomb scares. But the most frightening part isn’t the horrifying violence she witnessed, but the nonchalance with which she talks about it. Northern Ireland’s atmosphere of hatred was her version of normal.
Spiritual renewal is coming. It’s time to light the beacons
The Holy Spirit wants to bring renewal to the UK, says Bishop Jill Duff. It’s a prophetic vision God gave her a decade ago. Might it be fulfilled this Easter?
The failure of God
A theology of Holy Saturday is for all those who cannot see the way ahead – who suffer, fail or doubt. Between Good Friday and Easter Sunday is where true spiritual growth happens, says Bishop Emma Ineson
Beyond Asbury: 6 other places where revival is happening now
Our global God is always on the move, says Jason Mandryk. To take just one example, there is good reason to think there are more than 1 million believers in the Islamic Republic of Iran, he says. And you can be certain that none of them are nominal!
48 hours at Asbury: I may have concerns, but I’m also convinced the revival was real
A genuine outpouring of the Holy Spirit has taken place, says our reporter on the ground at Asbury University
The rewards of fasting
As Lent begins, Lucy Peppiatt looks at what scripture teaches about fasting, and why it’s a practice Christians can benefit from
‘I went to Mallorca to party. But then I met Jesus’
Jonas Ris was 17 years old when his life was radically changed through an encounter with the gospel in a very unexpected location
Here's what I learned during a revival at our church in Wales. It's fuelling my prayers for Asbury
Clyde Thomas was part of the leadership team at Victory Church, Cwmbran, Wales, when a seven-month refreshing took place. 100,000 people visited from around the world, 1,600 came to Christ and hundreds were healed. Here’s what he learned, and what he’s praying for the team at Asbury
Asbury is a new move of God. And Gen Z is facilitating it
Statistic proliferate about anxiety, depression and suicide among Generation Z. But God is doing something special among young people, and the student-led revival at Asbury proves it, says Jessika Tate
Workers deserve a fair wage. Let's be praying for a just resolution to strike action
Whatever our views on the ongoing strikes that continue to disrupt our public services, Christians should be committed to praying for peace, justice and God’s wisdom, says Tim Farron
Seeing God in the sweet ordinary - Becky Strahle
This is a sweet set of love letter-style devotionals from Nashville-based author Becky Strahle. The small, hardback book is visually appealing, and the size makes it is easy to carry with you.
Is it ok to pray to Jesus? Or should we only pray to God the Father?
The Bible scholar gives his answer
Tyler Staton’s inspiring invitation to the wonder of prayer blew me away
Saints, sleepwalkers and sceptics will all benefit from this outstanding book on prayer, says Emma Fowle
Why did God send angels to minister to Jesus?
In her debut column, Dr Lucy Peppiatt wonders why Jesus needed something more than the Holy Spirit to comfort him in the desert
Wired for love: How your upbringing affects your relationship with God
What happens in your early years can have profound consequences on the way you connect with God, says Christian therapist Krispin Mayfield. But regardless of whether your childhood was happy or horrendous, we can all experience more of the love of a good Father
Why you should stop saying ‘God told me’ in 2023
RT Kendall explains why your New Year’s resolution should be to drop this common phrase
Editor’s picks: 15 best features from 2022
Premier Christianity has been at the forefront of unpacking all the big stories of 2022 from a distinctly Christian perspective. Here’s a round-up of our favourite long-reads the year
The surprise of Christmas
Into the darkness of Galilee a great light came. RT Kendall wonders if we could be on the cusp of our own revival this Christmas
Pray then listen - Teresa O’Driscoll
“Write a book and show people how to speak to me.” This was the message received by Teresa O’Driscoll during lockdown in 2020. The result is a book that is designed to enhance your prayer life, penned by an author with 20 years’ experience of leading prayer groups.
Gifts of grace - Jared C Wilson
When people used to ask me: “Are you ready for Christmas, Patrick?”, the answer was usually: “No!”
The Cwtch
It is one of my earliest childhood memories. I am probably not more than two or three and there is music playing on the radio. Suddenly my dad picks me up, gently wraps his arms around me, and begins to slowly dance with me. I can still feel the warmth ...
Communion, silence and Armistice Day: Why remembrance matters
Ahead of Remembrance Sunday, Caroline Pattenden considers the significance of the God-given directive to remember Jesus during Communion
Demonising deliverance: Is there still a place for exorcism in the Church?
Casting out demons was a normal part of Jesus’ ministry, yet many Christians today are sceptical (or perhaps terrified) of exorcism. In our era of mental health consciousness, is there still a place for deliverance ministry? Emma Fowle investigates
Want to get better at personal evangelism? Here’s how
Everyone we meet is somewhere on the journey towards or away from faith, says neighbourhood chaplain, Colin Johnson. Here’s how you can share yours
5 reasons to join the National Day of Prayer for Schools
Want to change a nation? Start with the children and young people, says Pete Baker. He makes an impassioned plea for Christians to prioritise prayer for their local schools
Why can’t I feel God?
The Bible scholar NT Wright gives his answer
Repackaging Christianity: How Alpha conquered the world
A new book charts the unexpected growth of the Alpha Course from humble beginnings in one London church to a worldwide phenomenon. Here's our 5/5 review
Think praying in public could never be banned in the UK? Bournemouth council wants to do just that
Bournemouth council wants to implement a buffer zone around abortion clinics, which would make prayer and reciting scripture a crime, says Alithea Williams
‘Life is about to get harder…but God will send renewal’ Mark Sayers on Covid, war and politics
What if in the midst of political instability and rising living costs, God is up to something exciting? That’s the belief of Mark Sayers. Tim Bechervaise caught up with the Aussie church leader, podcaster and writer to find out more
'Bishops should always have the name of Jesus on their lips' Archbishop of York's message to church leaders
Evangelism is the core business of the church says Archbishop Stephen Cottrell
From psychedelic potions to demonic deliverance
When Tony Maisey hit rock bottom, he headed to the Peruvian jungle to seek healing in an ancient tribal ceremony. Little did he know it would open him up to an evil assault
What standing in line at Disneyland taught me about leadership
When it comes to ministry, we need to ditch the single-rider option, says Charlotte Gambill
The divine mind: Does this new theory of the brain point to a creator?
Books on neuroscience don’t usually become bestsellers, but Iain McGilchrist’s new theory of the brain is capturing the attention of both Christians and sceptics.
Pray for our leaders to act justly for the whole population, not just those who might vote for them
Praying for those in authority should not be seen as a last resort but an urgent imperative – especially in times of change, says Tim Farron
Bethel’s Beni Johnson (1954-2022): The happy intercessor
The co-senior leader of Bethel Church, Beni Johnson, passed away on Wednesday following a prolonged battle with cancer. Carrie Lloyd pays tribute to her
‘I was abused in church. 20 years later, I found freedom at a men’s event’
Men’s events are often criticised for being overly macho but Carl Beech, leader of The Gathering, says they’re vital safe spaces. As they gathered together for the first time in three years, he shares one remarkable testimony from this year’s event
‘God’s presence was irresistible’ - Andy Flannagan on the 'holy moments' at Parliament prayer breakfast
Hours after Andy Flannagan led parliamentarians in singing about integrity, truth and justice, a spate of government ministerial resignations took place, with Sajid Javid referencing the prayer breakfast in his speech. As Boris Johnson confirms he will stand down this autumn, Sam Hailes speaks to Flannagan, who also heads Christians in Politics, to ask what we should make of claims that a prayer meeting led to the highest number of ministerial resignations in history.
Finding faith in unexpected places by Geoff Walvin
This vibrant travelogue describes Geoff Walvin’s remarkable expedition across Asia in the 1970s, which led him to pioneer several radical church-planting missions.
Manifesting: This positive thinking trend is popular with young people. Here’s a Christian response
Can you really think yourself rich, married or successful? Carrie Lloyd investigates
From witchcraft to Orthodoxy
The writer and environmentalist Paul Kingsnorth was attracted to nature religions, but says Jesus ‘dragged’ him out of Wicca and towards him
‘Archie’s faith inspired mine, I won’t give up fighting for his life’
After a tragic accident left him in a coma, Hollie Dance is convinced her son just needs more time to heal and is adamant that she’ll fight to her last breath to give it to him. She reveals how his wish to be baptised was fulfilled in hospital and how their faith is sustaining them through this tragedy
Justin Welby: Every Christian is called to seek reconciliation
Oneness is how the world might know that Jesus Christ is Lord, says Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
From idol worship to Christian evangelist
Nia-Cerise Conteh explains how a surprise encounter with the Holy Spirit in her kitchen radically changed the trajectory of her life
God is still in the miracle business. I know because he did one for me
When God supernaturally rescued Joanna Watson from a car crash that could have ended her life, it set her on a new path. She’s spent years collecting stories of other miracles and, ahead of Pentecost, says we should expect them in our own lives, too
Why Christians should repent of past antisemitism
The Church of England has held a special service to apologise for passing anti-Jewish laws 800 years ago that resulted in the expulsion of Jews from England. But can Christians repent of historic acts they were not personally responsible for? Dr James Patrick gives his view
How 90 days of cold showers, fasting and no TV changed my life
Find out what happened when a Protestant embarked on a radical Catholic spiritual exercise which promised him freedom from addictions, individualism and pride
‘God sent me to a war zone’
When the Soviet Union collapsed and Chechnya descended into war, Paula O’Keefe found herself bringing the gospel to a people scarred by conflict and hungry for God
Will God only forgive me if I forgive others?
Q: I’ve got a deep regard for the Sermon on the Mount but I’ve always been bothered by Matthew 6:15: “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Likewise, the Lord’s Prayer says: “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who ...
'I was suicidal. But then a Christian prayed for me and everything changed'
When Donna Sleep was invited to Creation Fest by a friend, she was depressed and suicidal. She went, intending to return home to take her own life afterwards. But instead she encountered the powerful love of Jesus
Pilgrimage: One celeb found God on this new BBC series. What will happen to the other six?
Scarlett Moffatt has already spoken about how Pilgrimage helped reignite her Christian faith. As the first episode of the new BBC series airs tonight, Emma Westray reviews the show, and gives her take on where God can be found
How to hear God’s voice in troubled times
The bewildered founder of the 24-7 Prayer movement shares what he has learned through years of trying – and sometimes failing – to listen to the still, small voice
Blessed are the peacemakers: Bishop to the Armed Forces gives his view on Ukraine
The Bishop to the Armed Forces, Rev Hugh Nelson, tells us that violence and aggression will not ultimately win
#PrayForUkraine is a good start. But it's not enough
Thoughts and prayers are not enough. We need action, says Annie Carter
Let’s hold the people of Ukraine in our hearts, and pray to God for peace
Whether we believe in just war or take the path of pacifism, all Christians should inform themselves about the deepening crisis in Ukraine, and pray for peace in the region says Tim Farron
The Apprentice winner Tim Campbell on the worship song that changed his life
After losing £50,000, Lord Sugar's first apprentice Tim Campbell MBE was "broken". But then an encounter with God changed everything
God doesn’t need your ministry. There’s something far more precious he wants instead
Too many of us have made ministry into an idol, argues Mike Wallbridge. Here’s how we can put our priorities back in order
The biggest world events to be praying for in 2022
A Christian futurist and Bible teacher looks at the year ahead and explains what issues Christians should be praying for
Inside the fastest growing religious movement on earth
The agnostic journalist Elle Hardy has been investigating how Pentecostalism is taking over the world. Here’s what she discovered
3 prayers for Christian unity
As the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity continues, three Christians from different denominations share what God has put on their heart
How God miraculously protected us from Storm Arwen
The CEO of a Christian conference centre in the highlands of Scotland believes his team were supernaturally protected from one of the worst storms in decades
Want to know God and enjoy his gifts? This book explains how you can
This book gently stirs Christians to become those who encourage, strengthen and build up others. It is about helping us to develop a friendship with God so that we can make others aware of his love – often through prophetic words. Cahusac invites us to cultivate knowledge of God so ...
Too busy to go on a retreat? Here's how you can enjoy one at home
A spiritual retreat doesn’t have to cost money or take lots of time, says Gemma Simmonds. Whether we have busy jobs, children or responsibilities that we just can’t get away from, God is with us in our every day, just waiting to meet with us
The Daily Examen: How this ancient practice could refresh your prayer life
Want to re-connect with God? Try praying the Daily Examen. Amy Boucher Pye explains how you can give it a go
‘Losing my husband to cancer led to us both finding Jesus’
Louise Blyth was just 33 when her husband, George, died of bowel cancer. For many people, experiencing such a tragedy would cause them to question the existence of a good and loving God. But for Louise and George, it was the beginning of a miraculous journey to faith
Cathedrals are where heaven and earth meet. We must protect them
When I walked into Liverpool Cathedral a few weeks ago, I audibly gasped. Stepping inside the magnificent building, I was taken aback by its awesomeness. Built between 1904 and 1978, it is the largest cathedral in Britain and the eighth largest church in the world.
Grave sucking and gold dust: I spent 10 years at Bethel. Here’s the truth behind the wild rumours
Heard about the Bethel Church ‘signs and wonders’ rumours? Carrie Lloyd sets the record straight
This documentary contains evidence for healing miracles. So we asked an agnostic to watch it
Does God heal today? We asked a former Christian to watch a new film which examines the evidence. Here's what he made of it
Today is International Day of Prayer for the persecuted Church. Here are 3 ways you can pray
340 million Christians experience systematic discrimination, unfair treatment and persecution for following Jesus. Here’s how you can pray for them today
Why confessing your sins should be a joyful experience
Confessing our sins doesn’t sound like a barrel of laughs. But if we don’t give it the attention it deserves, we miss the joy that God wants for us, says Howard and Holly Satterthwaite
I was a Muslim, but Jesus woke me from a coma and healed me. Now my whole family believes
A record number of Muslims are converting to Christianity across the Middle East. Jamila tells her story of meeting Jesus while paralysed in a Syrian hospital
The Church is silent on the power of prayer. We need to speak up
Despite our nation’s rich Christian heritage, the power of prayer is being neutered in the UK, says Richard Gamble. And the problem isn’t limited to secular culture - even the Church is on mute, he says.
God is working miracles and healing people in Wales – and I’ve got the PhD research to prove it
Don’t miss these amazing stories…
Ghosts, haunted houses and bumps in the night: What the Bible really says about all things spooky
Most Christians have been taught that ghosts aren’t real. But is this what scripture teaches?
3 ways to pray
Prayer doesn’t have to be confusing or intimidating says Amy Boucher-Pye. Here’s how to make it part of your everyday life
God is speaking. Here are 6 ways to hear his voice
A missionary and pastor explains how God guides us
A national day of prayer for schools has been launched. Here’s how you can take part
As children go back to school today, we need churches that will commit to praying for our nation’s schools, says Pete Baker
Faith can heal. But doctors are reluctant to have spiritual conversations
As evidence suggests that belief in God can have positive effects on your health, some are arguing for doctors to take a more active role in discussing faith with their patients
The book that changed my life - Jeff Lucas
I stood outside the shop, nervous about stepping over the threshold. I’d never been in an establishment like this before. Pushing open the door, a troubling ‘ding’ announced my arrival, but my anxiety was quickly calmed by the reassuring smile from the lady behind the counter. “How can I help ...
How to grow old faithfully
The Bible doesn’t talk about retiring, says Carl Knightly. Whatever age we are, we still have value, worth and a part to play in the family of God
Why Facebook’s ‘I prayed’ button contradicts Jesus’ teaching
The social media giant is rolling out an ‘I prayed’ button. While some Christians have welcomed the news, Abigail Howe is worried the feature gives users a misleading impression of what prayer is all about
Waiting for a miracle: Lessons in perseverance from Christians still praying for breakthrough
The past 18 months have been characterised by waiting for restrictions to end. Hopes were dashed when lockdowns were extended or reintroduced, often at short notice. Waiting has been painful for many, but Claire Musters believes there are lessons God wants to teach us in this time
How the Methodist Church changed its mind on online communion
The Methodist Church has overwhelmingly voted to overturn its ban on online communion. Dr Pete Phillips, who believes online church is just as ‘real’ as meeting in buildings, and has pioneered the term ‘hybrid church’, welcomes the news
Do you believe in fasting?
Q: I’ve been told that a ‘breakthrough fast’ is a way of getting results in prayer. Do you believe in fasting? And can it give our prayers more power?
The Disappeared: 6 missing Christians to pray for
There are thousands of people worldwide who have been ‘disappeared’ for their beliefs – or because of the action their faith inspires them to take.
God told me to build a monument to answered prayer
Seventeen years ago, God gave Richard Gamble an audacious vision: to build a national landmark that celebrated a million answered prayers. Turning that vision into reality has been a long, and often arduous, journey, and it isn’t over yet
What is Pentecost?
Worship leader, Pete James, explains what Pentecost means to him and why we must continue to celebrate it
When prophets fail
Respected leaders in the American Church were convinced God had told them Donald Trump would be re-elected president. Dave Roberts analyses why so many got it wrong, and seeks trusted voices to help us understand the role of the prophetic today
Is your faith real? Try this test on for size
Drawing on the book of Daniel, Jeff Lucas shares a lesson about unconditional faith
How an answered prayer led this Christian businessman to deliver 2 million items of PPE
24-year-old business owner Josh Parker wanted to help the national effort to stop the virus, but he didn’t know how. So he asked God. Within weeks, an unexpected phone call led to him partnering with the NHS to deliver 2 million PPE gowns
Ask, Seek, Knock: Why we’ve misunderstood Jesus’ teaching on prayer
One evening, my wife was reading out the recycling rules and said: “Why not do it right now?” Feeling somewhat aggrieved, I asserted (rather too loudly) that I had already been doing it right, but she cut me off. “No,” she said. “Why not do it right now – the ...
The top 5 apps to help you pray
With many churches still closed, now is the ideal time to explore the technology designed to help you draw closer to God
Dealing with disappointment: When life doesn’t turn out as you expect
From facing infertility to dealing with a breakdown, five Christians share the hope they have in Jesus
How prayer brought down the Berlin Wall
Saturday marks 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Pete Greig, founder of the 24-7 prayer movement, tells the remarkable story of how a Peace Prayer Rally grew to 300,000 participants in the weeks leading up to November 9, 1989, and how communist officials were prepared for every eventuality, "except candles and prayers"
China: Inside the biggest revival in history
Bestselling author Paul Hattaway gives us a rare glimpse inside China’s underground Church
RT Kendall: When Word and Spirit come together, revival will follow
Christians have taken sides for too long. Either we’ve pursued strong biblical teaching, or we’ve gone after an experience of God’s presence. It’s time to end the war, says RT Kendall
5 stories of miraculous provision
From money turning up in bank accounts out of the blue to the family of God responding to each other’s financial needs, here are five incredible testimonies.
How a fasting retreat helped me process the loss of our child
After experiencing a period of intense emotional stress, Lisa Mainwaring booked herself into a fasting retreat in Germany. What happened next dramatically changed her outlook on grief and her relationship with God
Do you want more FROM God or more OF God?
The difference between wanting more from God and wanting more of God is subtle but vitally important, says RT Kendall
3 things every Christian should know about the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles
As Jews around the world celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles this week, Emily Emanuel explains what the celebration means for followers of Jesus
Holy Fire: The biggest miracle you've (probably) never heard of
Thousands of pilgrims will soon gather in Jerusalem to witness the Orthodox Church's biggest miracle. But is it real?
When God doesn’t heal: Practical help for the hurting
Wes Sutton, director of Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, offers guidance on how to respond when God doesn’t heal our loved ones
5 ways to connect with God in 2018
Many of these practices are hundreds of years old, but as Claire Musters discovered, they've huge relevance for Christians today
Terry Virgo: Whatever happened to the promised revival?
Talk of revival isn’t nearly as common as it used to be. Terry Virgo explains why now may be the time to pray again
Carlos Annacondia: The evangelist at the forefront of revival
The evangelical charismatic Church is growing exponentially in Latin America. Justin Brierley speaks to Argentinian evangelist Carlos Annacondia about what he's been seeing
Justin Welby: How to pray ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ and mean it
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby introduces a new prayer movement
RT Kendall: How the church fell asleep and why it needs to wake up
We must get ready for the second coming, says RT Kendall
Bethel Church's Bill Johnson: 'If I doubted God's existence, I'd have to doubt mine'
Charismatics from around the world have been flocking to Bethel Church in Redding, California, to experience its ongoing focus on worship, miracles and revival. Greg Downes speaks to Bethel’s leader Bill Johnson about faith and doubt, hunting and healing – and his hope for revival.
Tim Keller: 'Find whatever the culture is looking to for meaning. Then show how Jesus Christ fulfils that aspiration'
Ranked as one of America’s most influential Christians and with a ministry reaching sceptics from Manhattan to Mumbai, Tim Keller talks to Justin Brierley about inspiring a new generation of intellectually engaged evangelicals
Pete Greig: The bewildered founder of 24/7 prayer
“We weren’t trying to start a movement. I just got hungry for God”. In 1999 Pete Greig received a vision from God. Fourteen years on, 24-7 Prayer has become an international movement with countless stories of God breaking in across the world. We meets its leader.
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