Thousands of Christians are expected to unite in prayer and worship on Parliament Square from 6-7pm this Saturday 11 May. The unique prayer gathering in the heart of Westminster is hosted by Pentecost Festival and 7:14, who are calling the whole Church to rise up and be seen and heard.

Christians of every denomination, age and background will join together for an hour of public prayer for our city, our nation and our world. At the event, the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, will launch the Pentecost Festival 2013, to declare that the Church is alive and well.

Andy Frost, director of Share Jesus International said: “On the day of Pentecost, a sight was seen and a sound was heard, and a city was never the same. Two thousand years later, we want the same to happen in our capital city.

“Pentecost is a significant time in the calendar, the birth of the Church. This could be a historic moment to come together, to do something significant and make something public of our faith.”

Open Doors, an organisation supporting persecuted Christians overseas, will be leading prayers for Syria at the Pentecost event and encouraging UK Christians to stand alongside fellow believers in Syria. Syrian Christians called for a national day of prayer and are committing 11 May to pray and fast for the end to violence.

The Biggest Birthday Party Ever, a celebration event, will then take place from 7.30pm at nearby Methodist Central Hall, with worship bands and artists including Rend Collective Experiment, Noel Robinson, Guvna B and Graham Kendrick.

The evening will conclude with a 15 minute prayer vigil in support of the people of Syria outside Westminster Abbey at 10.15pm. Open Doors have issued a series of prayers from believers in Syria to help Christians in this country pray more intelligently in response to the war devastating the country.

Eddie Lyle, chief executive of Open Doors UK and Ireland, said; “It’s imperative they know they are not alone and as Christians in this country, we have a part to play in strengthening the church and helping it stand strong.”

Register your free place at the prayer event email: prayer@pentecostfestival.co.uk

Get tickets for the Pentecost Celebration at Westminster Central Hall.

Find out more about praying for Syria.