This year's National Prayer School encouraged the UK church to not be religious, but instead renew itself for a closer walk with God - both individually and corporately. 

They have challenged Christians in the UK to shift from 'religious niceness' to total commitment to Jesus. It is hoped the effects of this Prayer School will be felt throughout the whole nation.

The National Prayer School took place in Leicester in November and saw hundreds of Christians from across the UK and beyond come together for four days of worship and prayer.  

It is the second time the National Prayer School has been held in the UK. The School is a partnership between the National Day of Prayer and Worship and Voice in the City, which has led National Prayer Schools across the world since January 1997, teaching, training and equipping the Church to take prayer seriously.  

The Friday night celebration included a number of young people from across Leicester, with many making commitments of faith.

Dr Jonathan Oloyede, Convenor of the National Day of Prayer and Worship, spoke of not hindering the mission that God has for the young people of this country to see transformation. He led a prayer meeting to commission a Christian legacy for Leicester and the UK.

He said: "The National Prayer School this year was prophetic and life changing. Delegates were impacted by Biblical teaching on intercession and spiritual transformation. The final night saw a historic call and pledge of unity as more than 30 church leaders declared a united vision for the City of Leicester and to put the Church at the forefront".

In the final session of the National Prayer School on Saturday evening, Suzette Hattingh of Voice in the City led teaching on the importance of the UK Church re-claiming its spiritual authority. 

However, a recent report published by the Evangelical Alliance, A Time for Discipleship, suggested that 63 per cent of Christians surveyed get easily distracted when spending time with God and that only 31 per cent set aside a substantial period of time for prayer each day.

The National Prayer School seeks to help address these important challenges to being a modern day Christian, by putting the focus back on God.