Christians in the UK are being called to pray for Syria, as British air strikes in the country continue.  

Dr Jonathan Oloyede, convenor of the National Day of Prayer, has urged the Church in the UK to pray in response to parliament's decision to increase military action last week.

Dr Oloyede is encouraging Christians to pray for protection, blessing and intervention in towns and communities throughout the UK.

He said: "We are not called to fear or anxiety. We are called to the unity of spirit in the bond of peace.

"We ask that Jehovah Shalom, the God of peace rest on all airports, coastlands, stations, streets, neighbourhoods.

"We must ask for God to thwart the plans of those who are planning acts of terrorism within the UK and abroad, praying protection over these in our armed forces engaged in these air strikes.

"We must pray for our intelligence services, police and ancillary departments directly or indirectly involved in the safety of all peoples in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

"I am urging all Church leaders and Christians not to take lightly this call to intercede, but to immerse this nation in prayer through the life of their churches, networks and groups.

"I ask for Christians to actively pray a blessing on the Muslim community and engage in practical action to show love."