|PIC2|Millions of Christians around the world raised their hands up in united prayer and worship on Pentecost Sunday as part of the fourth annual Global Day of Prayer.

The UK was among 212 nations registered to take part, with major prayer and cathedral events taking place across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland under the common theme of "Your Kingdom come ... on Earth as in Heaven".

In London, thousands of Christians gathered at Millwall football stadium in central London to pray for God's love and Holy Spirit to fall upon London, particularly communities blighted by gun and knife crime.

The message on the day was overwhelmingly one of hope and unity. "When the church unites in prayer there is no stopping it," said Jonathan Oloyede, senior Associate Pastor of Glory House and visionary of Global Day of Prayer London. "Prayer changes things," he added.

Last week, Prime Minister Gordon Brown hosted a reception at 10 Downing Street in honour of Global Day of Prayer in which he praised the contribution of faith groups to the United Kingdom.

"When our government leaders begin to value what the church is doing in this country, we are in for revival," continued Pastor Oloyede.

Newly elected London Mayor Boris Johnson took to the stage to ask that Christians pray for young victims of gun and knife attacks as well as their families. A total of thirteen young people have been shot or stabbed to death in the capital so far this year.

He paid tribute to devout Catholic teenager Jimmy Mizen, who was murdered on Saturday in an unprovoked attack in a south-east London bakery the day after his 16th birthday, and Borough teenager Lyle Tulloch, who was murdered a week ago.

"In the last few days we have seen the deaths of Lyle Tulloch and Jimmy Mizen and I'm sure their parents will need your prayers," said Johnson.

He pledged to work with faith groups in combating gun and knife crime, saying, "There are too many parents across London today who have lost their young children or young teenagers in the last year to gun crime and knife crime ... together we can do something, together we must do something, and together we will do something."

The father of murdered schoolboy Damilola Taylor, Richard Taylor, also joined the event to ask that Christians pray for every family affected by gun and knife crime across London, before the entire stadium fell silent for two minutes in memory of victims.

The Rt Rev Tom Butler, whose Southwark Diocese encompasses Millwall, welcomed Global Day of Prayer to South London. "I am very happy that Global Day of Prayer has come south of the river," he said, admitting that the diocese was all too familiar with gun and knife crime. "My hope is that this will encourage Christians from all over London to first of all praise God and then to work together and pray together for the good of all the citizens of London for the months and years ahead."

The Global Day of Prayer movement was founded nearly 10 years ago by South African Christian businessman Graham Power to start the world praying for revival after he was inspired by 2 Chronicles 7.14.

The verse reads, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Global Day of Prayer London also forms part of the Hope08 movement uniting UK churches in practically demonstrating the Gospel's message of love in their communities. Christians taking part in Global Day of Prayer events across the UK are being encouraged to follow up their 11 May events with 90 days of blessings that will help achieve Hope08's goal of giving one million hours of kindness to the nation.

A number of popular Christian musicians and artists lead worship on the day, including All Souls Orchestra, Godfrey Birtill, Geraldine Latty, Noel Robinson, Dave Bilbrough, Muyiwa and Graham Kendrick.

Global Day of Prayer London pulled together Christians of all denominations and traditions. Jane Holloway, UK Co-ordinator of the Global Day of Prayer, said, "It's just so exciting to see us celebrating the diversity of the body of Christ."

Global Day of Prayer London organisers are aiming to bring the event to Wembley Stadium in 2010.