The UK Church needs more night-time prayer vigils, according to Pastor Jonathan Oloyede, founder and convenor of the National Day of Prayer and Worship (NDOPW). He believes such gatherings are vital as the nation faces a tougher political climate following recent votes on abortion, assisted dying and the US bombing of Iran.

In 2012 NDOPW brought more than 32,500 Christians to Wembley Stadium for eight hours of prayer and worship.

It also hosts online prayer gatherings at 7am and 7pm each day via Zoom, drawing hundreds of participants.

In an open letter to the UK Church, Dr Oloyede explained the inspiration behind the Shine at Midnight Vigils:

"There was a time – not so long ago – when church halls across the UK would echo to the sound of earnest intercession through the night. Bonfires of prayer lit up our spiritual landscape. The early Methodists, the Moravians, the Welsh revivalists – they all knew this holy secret: the power of night vigil prayer. But now, the wells are dry."

He added that prayer vigils are "the legacy we have forgotten".

"The enemy does not sleep – and neither should our intercession. The darkness of our day – moral collapse, spiritual apathy, broken families, and a dying church – cannot be fought with lukewarm prayers and once-a-week gatherings."

NDOPW is offering resources to churches planning their own events, starting with its first online Shine at Midnight Vigil, running from midnight on Friday 4th July until 8am on Saturday 5th July.