Pray4Brum
What is Birmingham?
It is a highly diverse and constantly changing city of just over one million residents, and the largest UK city outside of London. Historically It was one of the great manufacturing cities of the world. In the late Victorian era it led the way in a new form of local Government whilst many prominent Christians took the lead in building houses and communities, organising mass evangelistic events and producing chocolate to turn people from gin. Now with 46% of the population aged under 30, it is one of the youngest cities in Europe.
It is a city with stunning buildings, a rich collection of parks and a wonderful diversity of arts, eateries and entertainment. At the same time it ranks as the 9th most deprived local authority in the UK, with significant pockets in the top 1% most deprived areas nationally. We have a high proportion of teenagers traumatised – abuse, bullying, poor parenting and poor prospects are leading to growing issues on mental health and identify. 37% of our children live in poverty – the third highest in the country, Ladywood at 47% is highest in the UK . We have a chronic housing shortage needing another 80,000 dwellings by 2031 to meet expected demand. We have many broken families, significant issues with gangs and violence and human trafficking.
Who are the “Brummies”?
Brummies are an incredible mixture of people – at the last count 186 people types from all over the world. Our churches reflect that diversity. Historically we were known as a non conformist city with influential quakers, Methodists and evangelicals. A quarter of our population is Muslim.
How can we pray?
- The starting point is to choose a part of the city to pray for – it might be some streets, your workplace, a school, an neighbourhood. Ask God to show you his heart. Spend time listening, prayer walking, and traveling the city. What needs to change? What will God bless?
- Birmingham is one of Europe’s youngest cities. Our young people are under severe stress. Please pray for our schools and social services for wisdom. Pray protection for young people near you and for families to stay together. Pray for Christian youth work – that it expands, there is so little provision in the city. Pray for the Higher tour taking the gospel into many schools in 2018.
- Pray for our churches – for a deep unity that reflects Jesus and blesses the city. Pray for a great and growing hunger to see a turning in Birmingham – away from sin and towards Jesus. May this be a city of redemption. Pray for our churches to love and welcome and support people who come to Christ from all our distinct and different communities.
- The future church – young people are key to the future church. We pray for a hunger for Jesus and the capacity to reach all our diverse city with the gospel.
Downloads
Here's some prayer slides for you to pray for Birmingham: PDF
