National Day of Prayer Called in Scotland Ahead of Vote for Independence

Teresa Neumann : Sep 3, 2014
Carey Lodge – Christian Today

"We do not wish to see a Scotland which is independent from God. The last thing we want is a secular state… in which His day is not worth valuing and in which His blessing is not worth considering." -Reverend David Miller

(Scotland)—Christian Today reports Christians in Scotland are urging First Minister Alex Salmond and Better Together leader Alistair Darling to join in prayer ahead of their nation's national referendum on independence.

On September 17, churches will reportedly be open between 7am and 10pm for people to come in and pray specifically for the future of their country. At the turn of each hour, notes a report in Christian Today, the Lord's prayer will be recited, and prayer offered particularly for "an outcome that benefits Christ's Kingdom in Scotland."

The report also notes that churches are being encouraged to pray the Sunday before the vote.

Scotland has not been independent since 1707 when it joined with England. If Scotland votes Yes on the upcoming referendum, proceedings will begin to make the transition to independence. According to Business Insider, following a Yes vote, "the country will be in full control of its defense, tax revenue, fiscal and foreign policies, and immigration. Discussions will have to take place to transfer power over from Westminster to the Scottish Parliament.

The changes would be huge, which is why the Church has called for prayer.

Said Fred Drummond, national director of Evangelical Alliance Scotland: "God is the ultimate authority and we have a Biblical responsibility to pray for our nation and its leaders at this crucial time. History has shown that prayer changes the course of history," he added, "because God responds to the prayers of His people."

Reverend David Miller was quoted as saying the vote would be "an opportunity to have a different country and a different future."

"We do not wish to see a Scotland which is independent from God," he said. "The last thing we want is a secular state… in which His day is not worth valuing and in which His blessing is not worth considering."