Battles are still being fought in Tripoli today but jubilant rebels are already anticipating the end of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.

Thousands of people packed into Green Square in the heart of the city last night to celebrate the advancement of the rebels.

There are reports of heavy fighting around Gaddafi’s compound but the exact whereabouts of the colonel are uncertain. His three sons are reportedly being held by rebels.

Prime Minister David Cameron cut short his holiday to chair a meeting of the National Security Council in Downing Street this morning.

He said that the regime was “falling apart”, but added that this was “no time for complacency” and that the transition to a new government must be a “Libyan-led and Libyan-owned process”.

David Innes, of Arab World Ministries, said that the events in Libya and across the Arab world reflected the desire of the young people to have more say in the governing of their country.

He appealed to Christians to pray for a quick end to the conflict in Libya and for believers to be strong during the period of uncertainty.

Regardless of what transpires from the revolution, Mr Innes said the coming months would be challenging for Libya and require substantial rebuilding as a result of the devastation left by the fighting.

As Libyans wake up to a different country, he said prayer was the most important thing.

“We are watching with interest to see what will develop in the nation,” he said.

“Some Christians in North Africa see this as a God event and a chance to boldly declare their faith. Libya has very few known believers but we have seen Libyans coming to faith recently.

“One Christian there told us ‘Please remember me’. They are small in number but we are praying that Arab believers will have authority in the Lord and disciple their nations to see the church grow there.

“We know numbers have never been an issue for the Lord and we are praying that the glory of God will be revealed and that we will see the church develop.

“We want an atmosphere where people are free to follow the Lord but more importantly, that the church will be strong.”