The day has been organised as the Union enters the next phase of the Futures process, with recommendations being prepared for November's Council.

It came about after a recent meeting of the Association Team Leaders and the Senior Management Team from the National Resource 'sensed that this was an important time to call our churches and Baptist family to prayer'.
'As we journey with each other into a new future, we need to stop at the beginning of this autumn and spend time on our knees before God,' said the statement on the BUGB website.

'On Sunday 9 September 2012 we would like to invite you and your church to do something we are all called to do as Christ's disciples - pray.

'For most churches this will be your first time altogether after the summer and, in so many ways, this will mark the beginning of the new "Church Year". There couldn't be a better way of setting off together, and we encourage you to use the day imaginatively.'

One church has already pledged to combine the Day of Prayer with a one-off gift offering to Home Mission.

A number of resources have been prepared, including a sermon outline and reflection from Revelation 3:14-22 from the Revd Geoff Andrews, team leader of the London Baptist Association, plus prayers and topics for prayer, and hymn and song suggestions.

Plans are being developed to invite people to share prayers online through social media.

Visit the BUGB website for all the resources.