All of the world’s eyes will be on Co. Fermanagh during this month. As representatives of the Body of Christ SAMS wants to encourage you to be aware of the significance of this gathering, focus during the month of June on this gathering and pray. We along with the whole of the church across the nations have a responsibility to pray for all those who are in authority over nations and this is a clear opportunity and privilege to do so.
Why do we need to pray for the G8 Summit?
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
(1 Timothy 2:1–4).
These Heads of State each carry enormous responsibilities and huge pressures of the world, its difficulties and its problems on their shoulders. So, we are calling you, as a member of the Body of Christ across the nations to stand together at this time and pray in the months coming up to, during the G8 itself and in the days after.
Regardless of denomination or background, God has called us to pray for our leaders so please stand with us in unity and pray for the G8.
Please follow this 8 Day Prayer Guide and join us as we pray:
- That as leaders come into Northern Ireland they would come into the presence of God, receive God’s help and be blessed
- For God’s protection, that everyone will be kept safe and well throughout their stay
- That they will receive wisdom and insight from God
- That God’s will is done as they discuss issues that are of global importance
- For their families and personal lives
This is a moment in history, a great opportunity. As they gather we should pray for God’s will to be done – ‘for justice to roll like a river and righteousness like a never failing stream’ (Amos 5:24) and for God’s Kingdom values and purposes to be expressed through their decisions.
Please us the prayer guide for the month of June pre, during and post the G8 itself.
Background
G8 stands for the ‘Group of Eight’. First held in 1975 in France and has since become the annual summer summit of Heads of States of 8 Nations. These nations include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, UK and USA. Originally established to overview global economic developments, it has extended itself to cover almost all of global affairs.
- Between them, the 8 Heads of State, although only 14% of the world population:
- Represent the majority of the Un Security Council. Represent about 51% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2011.
- Are the main financial givers to the World Bank and IMF. Control 96% of the world’s nuclear weapons
Members
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, UK, USA and the EU.
Each one of the eight nations holds the presidency of the G8 for a year, 2013 is the year of the United Kingdom’s presidency. The Presidency is responsible for hosting the G8 and also for setting the agenda for the Summit. David Cameron has already set the agenda for 2013 and he aims to use the Presidency to ‘help generate growth, jobs and prosperity for the long term…(by) focus on open economies, open governments and open societies to support free trade, tackle tax evasion and encourage greater transparency and accountability’.
