Light Candles, Not Fires
As the protests and riots across the country draw closer, we must stand against the violence, racism and division that is more and more visible in our country and local community.
All of us can make this choice through prayer.
Join us at a vigil on Saturday, 10 August at the Prayer Room, 12 - 1pm.
Light candles on Wednesday and Saturday, using the instructions below.
Knife Angel
The “Knife Angel,” made of 100,000 nationally seized knives and blades, has been on display in Southend from 01 to 28 July. Two days after it departed for Luton, boys as young as 14 chased across the promenade with large knives.
You can’t help but think of the verses from Isaiah 2:4, as Isaiah speaks of the great Hope of the Kingdom of God:
He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into ploughshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war any more.
This prophecy speaks of a day when the weapons of violence and destruction (symbolised by swords) will give way to the tools of creative action (symbolised by ploughshares) - exemplified so dramatically in this statue.
We believe the fullness of this day is to come, and yet can be seen today.
Candles and Prayers
During the protests leading to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, a small congregation at the Church of St. Nicholas began praying for peace from 1980. Meetings that begun with people reciting the Beatitudes, became regular meetings where believers were joined by anyone wanting to discuss caring for the environment, disarmament, and the right to travel freely.
The Monday nights of prayer grew and grew. Eventually while thousands prayed, thousands more marched bravely in the face of the authorities, urged to not give the police any excuse to act against them. And to everyone’s amazement, the guns remained silent. The leader of the movement Pastor Christian Führer would famously say: “The only thing [the government] weren’t prepared for was candles and prayers.”
The actions of this group are still talked about as vital inspiration for the escalated opposition to the East Germany regime, which led to the eventual fall of the Berlin Wall.
NB: We strongly urge anyone joining with protests to be non-violent, and peaceful.
How to Pray
Light a Candle
With protests and riots rumoured* in Southend on Wednesday, 07 August 2024; and Basildon on Saturday, 10 August 2024, we will focus ourselves on the equal and opposite spirit of prayer.
Light a Candle
On Wednesday at 8pm, and Saturday at 12 noon, light a candle.
Sit and watch
Against the chaos of violence, quieten yourself as you look at the flame. Breathe slowly. Invite the presence of God.
Pray
Speak words of peace and life over our local community. To help you, some Bible verses, prayers and prayer points are below.
Be visible
Take a photo and share it with your friends, on your social media accounts, and group chats. Demonstrate your action for peace. Place the candle in the window.
We will hold a vigil at the Prayer Room on Saturday, 10 August 2024 at 12 - 1pm
Prayer from Proximity Church
We pray for our local area.
For our businesses, streets, schools, and community groups.
For those that seek refuge in Basildon and the surrounding areas,
for Muslim friends and neighbours,
for those that voice their concerns loudly on our streets,
for police, politicians and local leaders.
—
God, our strong tower,
Where people seek to destroy livelihoods and safe spaces,
re-build homes, and communities where people know freedom.
God, our creator,
From the seed of division,
grow unity and friendships, that sustain and nourish.
God who sees,
Where there is fear and anxiety,
soften hearts and untangle minds with perfect love.
God, of all comfort,
Where there is loss, and sharp tongues hurt,
bring healing and soothe wounds.
God, our provider,
When business is attacked and the poor are abused,
restore to them with generosity what is taken.
Mighty God,
Where some would hope to see violence and unrest increase,
let your grace upon grace, and wholeness, abound.
Jesus, Prince of peace, reign in South Essex.
Bible Verses
The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21)Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9)‘You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. (Matthew 5:38-39)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14)Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:7-8)
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