A digital initiative is underway to map the sites where prayer and mission activities are taking place in local areas.

Cinnamon Network and Hope for Every Home, part of Hope Together, have joined forces to expand the remit of the OIKOS prayer app, which has existed for two years.

The app, first launched by Hope for Every Home as a challenge to pray for every street in the UK, will now offer the mapping tool by Cinnamon connection allowing churches to add details of local missions and outreach projects, as well as prayer points and meetings, making it simpler for people who want to join them.

Speaking to Premier, Nick Aims, head of digital at Cinnamon Network, said the app is an opportunity for people to better understand how to serve and how to pray in their local communities.

“It's a question of reflection, observation and listening to God, the community and seeing what doors might open and then making good decisions. And that's the hardest bit – how do we make really good decisions about where to get involved when there's so much need?

“It's all about marrying up what God's calling is to you in your local church with the things that are going on with the community. And where is God providing those doors that he's opening for us.”

The app will be piloted during the summer months, and individuals and church groups will be able to register for free.

Sammy Jordan, director for Hope for Every Home, told Premier once the pilot ends, the aim is to review people’s experiences and enhance the app.

“Once we've done the pilot in the autumn, we will review it, but we have no plans to stop it," they Sammy said. "Hopefully, the review will just lead to strengthening, enhancing and developing it for the future because of the way it brings prayer, training and social action resources together in people's hands on their phones.”

The charities are running a webinar on 29th June for churches and individuals to find out more.