|PIC1|The London Global Day of Prayer event, which gathered about 18,000 worshippers at West Ham United stadium on Pentecost Sunday was officially a great success according to a new survey.

The recent survey, carried out by Premier Christian Radio on behalf of the GDOP London, revealed an extremely high level of "satisfaction" among those that attended the event, with 95 per cent of people saying they would be excited by the prospect of a similar event taking place in 2008.

It was also found that 97 per cent of tickets were largely purchased in advance, and encouragingly 81 per cent of those surveyed claimed that their main motivation for attending was prayer.

The survey further showed that 31 per cent of those who surveyed came with their families and 45 per cent came with their friends and other Church Members.

In addition, 93 per cent found the event "uplifting and inspiring" with 97 per cent saying they enjoyed the music, and 88 per cent saying that they appreciated the speakers leading the prayer event.

Interestingly further feedback showed that 26 per cent wanted more time for prayer if the event was held again, and 30 per cent said in particular, "silent prayer" was something they would want to see incorporated to a programme.

Organisers of the event have said they are greatly encouraged by the overwhelming positive response and feedback received to the event, and are increasingly optimistic as the movement applies for charitable status this year to continue to raise momentum towards 2008.

The Bishop of Barking, David Hawkins, who is the Chair of the Global day of prayer Core and Steering groups, said: "We see this Pentecost event as an annual united prayer gathering that will build through and which will become a feature in the calendar of every diocese, denomination, church grouping and network in London."