Europe is reeling. Germany has suffered terrorist attacks and a growing political crisis over refugees. France has fresh presidential elections in 2017 and has been buffeted by a series of horrendous terrorist attacks and a growing unease across different ethnic groups. Belgium has also been caught up in terrorism. Greece continues to struggle against the huge problems of austerity whilst again having to support hundreds of thousands of migrants. Spain is in a period of great political instability with one scenario suggesting that a fresh general election will need to be run on Christmas day! Italy has suffered a major earthquake, is struggling financially and is processing and supporting thousands of migrants leaving Africa via Libya. Ukraine has lost nearly 10,000 citizens, killed since February 2014 and seen 2 million people displaced. On top of all of this is Brexit. We are yet to see the full impact on Europe’s economy and politics and even on the sustainability of the EU. These are challenging and difficult times with the likelihood that things will get worse.

This is an important time to pray for Europe and there are three spiritual dimensions to add in.

• 2017 sees the 500th anniversary of the reformation – this was a great and wonderful period which started as a renewal of the Catholic church but led to a rediscovery of biblical truth and a fresh revelation of God’s mercy and salvation. God fundamentally changed many nations in a short period of time. Millions came to Jesus. Pray for the revealing and re-digging of the wells of salvation across Europe.
• The UK has a specific call to bless Europe - the dynamics around this have changed with Brexit – Lord, we pray You will prepare a way for the gospel to go from the UK into Europe, and You will call and prepare British people to be bringers of mercy and hope to Europe.
• We believe 2017 is a key year – it is time for the gospel, it is time for a strong move of God globally. Lord have mercy on Europe, forgive our sins, touch the young generations and create a new movement of people who will ambassadors for the kingdom of heaven.

God is a God of mercy – Paul writes to the Romans - I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” Paul continues -salvation “does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” (Romans 9. 15,16). God’s heart is that people cry out for His mercy, and come to Him to change and fill their lives. Sadly this often comes though trials, challenges, and shaking. Europe is very vulnerable, please pray protection but also pray for God’s will to be done that the nations of Europe will come to Jesus. In uncertainty He is the rock, in darkness He is the light, in brokenness He is the healer.