Update: As I work with a number of different teams here at World Prayer Centre, at More than Gold, at Hope, Prayer For Today, Global Day of Prayer, Prayer Forum, etc., it is exciting to see how the prayer strategy is developing in the lead up to 2012; how HOPE is resourcing its constituency in prayer; and how God has created wonderful trust between different churches, organisations and ministries all planning for years of prayer in 2012 + all that is emerging in 2013 and 2014 - I get a real sense in my spirit that our Father is up to something. That 'something' is very profound as He knocks on the door of our planning with the aim of getting our attention off the programme and focussed afresh on Jesus.
 
More than Gold - the organisation working to co-ordinate the churches response to the Olympic and Paralympic Games through hospitality, service and mission (undergirded by prayer) has seen some wonderful answers to prayer.
     A time to shine - a call to pray for communities and nations (Isaiah 60:1-5). There will be  4 seasons of prayer during 2012 in which all will be invited -  whether linked with More than Gold or not - to pray locally and link nationally in this unique season:
1.    Shine for the New Year 31.12.11-8.1.12
2.    Shine as the flame travels* - prayer and blessing travelling around 210 locations at each place the Olympic torch stops for 70 days**
3.    Shine during the Games (both Olympic and Paralympics).
4.    Shine forever - continuing the momentum of prayer and mission

*I will be in touch with leaders in For England - Together shortly to share more fully the prophetic background and invitation to join in Shine as the flame travels
** We are praying over what needs to take place prayerwise during the Paralympic torch relay.
http://www.morethangold.org.uk/your-church/prayer/
 
•    Over 1750 church reps (Gold Champions) are in place and it is exciting to see how many churches are engaging in how to use the Games as a mission opportunity.
•    All of the 23 programme teams are now in place and making plans to deliver resources to help churches run holiday clubs, sports academies, community festivals, deliver hospitality, welcome mission teams, accommodate athlete's families, recruit Games Pastors (who will be used in transport hubs in SE England)