After 307 years since the union of the Scottish and English Parliaments created the United Kingdom of Great Britain, the people of Scotland will on 18 September vote in a referendum to decide if they wish to stay part of the UK or become an independent state.  This is the latest stage in a long process that has seen the growing calls for more 'self-government' result in the creation of a Scottish Parliament in 1999 with its own First Minister and government, with responsibility devolved from the UK Parliament in London for running a range of domestic services such as health, education, justice etc...  
 
We give thanks to God that the campaign, while vigorously conducted on both sides, has been a 'war of words', with none of the violence that sometimes accompanies such campaigns in other parts of the world.   However, whatever the result, the Referendum will have a profound impact on the whole of the UK.  Even if there is a 'no' vote, it remains to be seen what effect the emotions and forces released by this campaign will have on the unity of the British state, as parts of England are now calling for strong regional assemblies with devolved powers similar to those enjoyed by the Scottish Parliament and, to a lesser extent, by the Assemblies that also exist in Wales and Northern Ireland.
 
As we approach the vote we praise God there is a rising tide of prayer and increasing unity in the Church, with a shared concern for the future moral and spiritual life of this nation.  A unique call for two days of national prayer and fasting on Sunday 14th and Wednesday 17th has been signed by 16 leaders of major denominations supported by many others.  Also two days of continuous prayer on the 17th and 18th until midnight led by Parliamentary Prayer Scotland in Edinburgh. For details of these and other prayer events in the final week before the vote see www.prayforscotland.org.uk...  
 
Please pray with us:
 
For the spiritual life of the nation.  As the campaign draws to a close pray for 'God's will to be done and for His Kingdom to come'.  Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our nation, that Church leaders will rise again, empowered to be bold, fearless and to speak with wisdom and authority into every level of society.
 
That many will respond and take part in the national 'call to prayer'.  That in every community churches will come together, laying aside their differences, uniting in common cause for the good of their community and the nation.  That a chorus of intercession such as has never been heard before will ascend to the throne room of heaven so that, whatever the result, the atmosphere over this nation will be changed for the better, and permanently.
 
For national unity.  That the result will be accepted graciously by both sides, with neither extreme triumphalism nor bitterness being displayed.  For reconciliation within families, neighbourhoods, workplaces and wherever there has been division through opposing views.  That at a national level political leaders will demonstrate a degree of statesmanship that transcends political rivalries, and that the Church will play a prominent role locally and nationally in the reconciliation process.
 
For the political leadership in the UK and Scottish Parliaments, and for the leaders of the 'Yes' and 'No' campaigns - for wisdom, respect and moderation as they conclude their campaigns.  For the truth to be paramount and for the facts to be presented clearly and honestly so that we can vote from a well-informed position.   For the Members of the Scottish Parliament and their families at this time of intense stress and relentless campaigning - for strength and health to keep going, with love and patient support from all those around them.
 
That all may be done 'to the glory of God and the good of Christ's church'.
 
Alistair Barton, Chairman, Pray for Scotland -
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Anne McIntyre, Director, Parliamentary Prayer Scotland -
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