What is Christ Day?

“Christ Day” is a national day of prayer where believers in Christ from all over a country come together in united prayer for their country. The first “Christ Day” was held in Switzerland in 2004. The second was held in Finland in October 2008. Here is an update for this most recent event:

PRAISE GOD FOR HIS BLESSINGS ON CHRIST DAY FINLAND !! The scripture II Chronicles 7:14 literally came to life in a hockey stadium in the city of Turku, Finland on 18 October 2008. The preliminary event leading up to this day was an “international Prayer Forum” of some 120 guests from 24 countries who came to observe what God was doing in the Finnish church. After a day and a half of sharing, praying, and fellowship, these guests took part in the second event, the Christ Day itself – which was a series of three, 2-hour meetings occurring on Saturday afternoon and evening.

The goal was for all 415 Finnish districts to be represented and at the last moment that goal was achieved. About 7500 Finns filled the stadium as youth and children’s choirs sang, praise bands led corporate worship, and speakers called the group to repentance, reconciliation, and new challenges to help fulfill the Great Commission. The highlight of the day was the 3:00 pm session which had the parade of flags (see the picture below). Even more of a highlight was to see 30 leaders from aspect of Finnish church life, coming together on the stage, with each praying one by one for God’s blessing on Finland. It was very moving to see Pentecostals, Lutherans, Catholics, Orthodox, Free Churches etc all united together. Equally impressive was to see how much of the leadership for this event came from young leaders in their late 20’s or early 30’s and how the more elderly church leaders honored and responded to their faith and initiative. The very fact that it was designed by Finnish Christian leaders to be a blessing to the Body of Christ in Finland, gave it great credibility and substance. As Markku Happonen, Forum Coordinator, said, “This was really a Finnish event!’

Next steps are already in place for follow-up to this event that will lead to the launching of a prayer movement across the Nordic and Baltic countries. Spain, represented by a number of catholic and evangelical leaders, was well represented at the Forum. Key representatives from Spain were very impressed and announced that they will aim toward a Christ Day in Spain in 2012. Numerous other countries made similar commitments.

Those leading the effort in Finland felt it was all they hoped it would be. Please pray and look forward to the next spiritual fires that will be lit across the continent of Europe in the weeks and months ahead.