World Prayer Centre believes there is an urgent call for God's people to stand in prayer for the United Kingdom. The nation has entered a new phase in our conflict with ISIS. We are particularly vulnerable to terrorist attacks and fear in the days leading up to Christmas and when there are large gatherings of people in the post-Christmas/News Year's Eve period. We feel this is part of a wider time of shaking for our nation and other nations.

We believe God is challenging His church. It is time for all God's people to pray – we are called to be alert, to protect, guard and bless our communities and nation.

Here is a prayer format you may wish to use in small groups and church meetings, or to help personal prayer. We want to pray for God's mercy for our communities and the United Kingdom, that we might turn our hearts to Jesus – the Prince of peace, Deliverer, source of hope and goodness and see many people discover a fresh revelation of Jesus across the nation this Christmas.

So let's unite in prayer.

We are asking people to pray on the 12 – 14 December in different prayer gatherings and church services.

• Join us at our WATCH + PRAY day on 14 December at WPC
• Support Community Watchman Ministries - Big PUSH in Liverpool on 12 December.

Pray daily between now and Christmas – and beyond:

• Lord have mercy and protect our nation
• Lord, fill us with Your perfect love so that we can walk with You and not in fear.
• Pour out your blessing on this nation so that thousands will have a revelation of Jesus in this Christmas period

Download our prayer guide to pray for the UK.  Please share this with your friends, your bible study/home group, your church and across your networks.

Joel 2:1 'Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming. It is close at hand'.