Christian leaders from a wide variety of denominations, ministries and prayer networks gathered last week at New Life Christian Centre in Wembley, London, to be challenged to unite together to mobilise the church to fast and pray for the nation throughout 2011.

Ian Christiansen Senior Minister of New Life Christian Centre called the gathering after receiving a word from the Lord earlier this year to call the whole church to fast and pray for the nation.

"We were delighted to see 60-70 leaders from around the nation and there was an excellent response from those who were present," said Pastor Ian.

He added: "We heard from Anglican minister Keith Powell from the West Country who shared how God has spoken to him about 2011 being a pivotal year for fasting and praying."

Global Day of Prayer London Convener Jonathan Oloyede addressed the gathered leaders with a very challenging message to work together in unity, saying: "This is the time for leaders to lay down their titles, brands and denominational labels and unite together at the cross in prayer. If we can truly covenant together in unity we will see restoration, renewal and revival in our generation."

GDOP London is working in close partnership with Ian Christiansen to mobilise a sustained season of prayer and fasting through their 500 Days of Prayer Initiative.

Oloyede added: "These chosen days of fasting and prayer by leaders will be part of the 500 Days of intercession for Great Britain and we urge every denomination, stream and church network to choose their dates to fast and pray."

After the meeting there was an overwhelming response from key church, ministry and prayer network leaders to take up the challenge of uniting together.

Roger Forster founder of Ichthus Fellowship said: "I think it's essential that the leaders stand together in unity otherwise the churches never will. Unity is essential as a prayer base.

"The Spirit of God moves off the base of unity, but that unity only comes about through prayer and also our requests are made known by the stimulation of each other's hearts and lives.

"We want to thank God that we've had this opportunity to be able to share today and we want to see it reproduced all over the country so people can pray and be led in prayer by their leaders. God does nothing but by prayer says John Wesley."

"There are many different streams and denominations across the country. You could say they're different currents in an ocean and each current does a particular thing, but yet every current needs to come together for the ocean to be what it is," said Clive Urquhart, Pastor of Kingdom Faith Church.

Jane Holloway, from the World Prayer Centre said: "It's almost impossible to say how important it is because until we get leaders involved from all churches or denominations, ministries or organisations, then we will never get the whole of the body of Christ mobilised in prayer."

AOG National Leader John Partington said: "I believe it is absolutely essential and important for leaders to unite together in prayer. Personally my wife and I have found today both thrilling and stimulating and challenging. But more than that I feel that I've got to carry something of this message to the churches that I represent because I believe this is essential for our nation."

In partnership with GDOP London's 500 Days of Prayer, Ian Christiansen senior pastor of New Life Christian Centre is calling the UK church to the following days of prayer and fasting throughout 2011: January 30, April 30, July 30 and November 30.

The next gathering of Christian leaders will take place at New Life Christian Centre on June 6.

The Global Day of Prayer London (GDOP) is a movement of collaboration across the Christian Church in the capital towards Unity, Prayer and Transformation, and is part of a global network which began in South Africa at the turn of the Millennium.

In 2009 over 250 million Christians united in 220 countries to pray. In London, GDOP has been a focus of prayer and Christian action since 2006 with prayer networks now in every London borough. West Ham Stadium 07, Millwall Football Stadium in 2008 and West Ham stadium in 2010 saw a combined attendance of 40,000 Christians attending.

From August 1st, 2010 - December 31, 2011 GDOP London is coordinating 500 Days of Prayer calling for:

• 500 people who will stand in the gap, choose one day throughout 500 days to fast and pray
• 100 Churches or 0rganizations who will take a day to pray each month through the 500 days
• 1 Million Christians who will set their mobile phone to 12noon and pray the Lord's Prayer each day