SAT-7 broadcasts united night of prayer for Egypt, Thursday 13 December, on eve of referendum on constitution
Less than two years after its democratic revolution, Egypt is in crisis – its people more divided than ever, with many fearful of the impact of a constitution which is being put to a popular vote on Saturdays 15 and 22 December 2012.
A year ago an unprecedented Night of Prayer drew 70,000 Christians from all streams of the Egyptian church to pray for their nation. On 13 December 2012 some twelve thousand believers from across Egypt’s churches gathered again.
This time they prayed, not for presidential elections, but for the current crisis situation. They also prayed for church unity, repentance and spiritual revival in Egypt. At times the people erupted into chants of “Jesus!” and “Egypt”, showing their love for Christ and commitment to their country. Held aloft among the ocean of worshippers, banners declared messages like “We want you, Jesus” and “You turned my wailing into dancing, you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy”.
Asked why this Night of Prayer had been called, SAT-7 Egypt Executive Director, Farid Garas, answered, “Because it’s the best and only thing we could do right now amongst everything that’s happening.”
The event in 2011 was watched on television by millions around the Middle East and sent a powerful message of the concern and love of Egypt’s Christians – Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic – for their country. This December’s event is doing the same.
Held at Cairo’s massive Cave Church and televised live by SAT-7 ARABIC and SAT-7 PLUS, extracts from the event were also taken by secular channel ON-TV and over 50,000 have so far watched on YouTube where the clips will continue to be available.
From the event many posted their responses on social media. One said, “My mum, my wife, my daughter, and a friend are now at the Cave Church standing before the Lord praying for our country among thousands of other Christians. Not a single harassment incident was reported and not one single bad word said against other religion.”
A Muslim attender posted: “To all those who keep saying that Christians are mobilizing the crowds against Egypt’s interest… I’d like to tell you that yes they’re mobilizing a huge crowd right now in The Cave Church … There are nothing but songs, Egypt’s flags, and prayers for Egypt and for its good … To all the Christians in Egypt: your raised hands and prayers are what is making Egypt go on until now…”
Farid Garas said SAT-7’s live broadcast of the event allowed “people all over the world to participate in the prayers. While many television channels are spreading news that is often biased and negative, SAT-7 is committed to presenting good news of hope and light to its audience.
He added, “Such events are always a good way to introduce SAT-7 especially to non -Christians. They become curious about SAT-7 and Christianity and start watching more of our productions and seeking the truth.”
Returning to the current political crisis and the referendum in Egypt, Farid said, “The Church is encouraging all Christians to do their national duty and to take a role in their society.”
Please pray
SAT-7 invites all supporters in the UK and elsewhere to join in the prayers of Egypt’s Christians for a just outcome to the country’s political transition.Pray too that Christians may be able to maintain a faithful witness to fellow Egyptians and for continuing fruit from the Night of Prayer broadcasts.
Watch on Youtube
You can watch clips of the service on SAT-7 ARABIC’s Youtube page.