Watching and Praying over the UK's relationship with the EU

Now is the time to watch and pray over the next stage of the negotiations that are taking place between the UK and the rest of the European Union nations.

The decision over whether we 'stay in' or 'leave' the European Union has the potential to bring significant division into every area of our society in the UK. As the body of Christ we need to be on our guard in prayer over our families, churches, communities, businesses and governments asking that His kingdom will come and His will be done in and for the UK as well as for the rest of Europe.

On 2nd February the draft deal, that David Cameron and his team have negotiated, was published by European Council President Donald Tusk who writes: 'To be, or not to be together, that is the question which must be answered not only by the British people in a referendum, but also by the other 27 members of the EU in the next two weeks. This has been a difficult process and there are still challenging negotiations ahead. Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed....The clear objective is to have an agreement of all 28 Member states at the February European Council (18-19 February).'

Representatives will meet on Friday this week (6th) to have the first discussion of the proposal.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be your Name

• Lift the name of Jesus high over all these negotiations
• Worship Him as Lord of every nation in our continent

We pray for your kingdom to come

• Through all the negotiations still to take place
• In the areas of sovereignty, competitiveness, protecting non-euro countries and migration, benefits, employment and security

You will be done on earth as it is in heaven

• Give wisdom and discernment to Donald Tusk (Head of the European Council); David Cameron and all the other EU member state leaders and their teams of advisors.
• In the summit of all EU leaders on 18-19 February with a just and righteous outcome

Give us today our daily bread

• For wisdom in the choice of a referendum date.
• For clear and balanced reporting by the media

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us

• Lord, have mercy on us as a nation.
• Lord, have mercy on us as your church.
• Lord have mercy on Europe

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

• Help us as a nation to show compassion and uphold your justice.
• Help us as your church to share your love and talk about Jesus.
• Where there is division, tension, deception let us bring your peace and integrity

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever

• We pray that your name will be glorified across our continent.
• We bless every nation with the blessing of your shalom peace.

Amen.