Australia’s Largest Christian News Site

The Canberra Declaration community never ceases to amaze us.

Last week, we asked you to fill out a survey form about how the Canberra Declaration can best pray in 2025 – including for the federal election.

Thank you to everyone who responded and filled out this survey. We have read every comment and greatly appreciate all your feedback.

After only four days since sending that email, we have had a 30% increase in the number of people who filled out the survey compared to last year. This growth in completed surveys is phenomenal.

The prayer survey results are now in. They are incredibly clear about the direction the Canberra Declaration community should take – and very, very encouraging!

Prayer is Essential

A whopping 99.4% of respondents indicated that prayer is extremely or very important in revitalising and restoring Australia’s Judeo–Christian values.

Rhonda M. wrote, “God does not act unless His people pray.”

“This is where the real work is done to release God’s power and influence in our world”, said Bev G.

Others quoted Lord Alfred Tennyson’s famous words, “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.”

Another response wisely focused on the importance of faith, prayer, and action working together. Monica B. wrote, “Faith-filled prayer without works is dead” (James 2:14–26).

“For decades, I have lived in the reality that my prayers have to be accompanied by works. King David and Jesus both lived in that reality. Prayer, even with fasting, by itself is not enough.”

Turning the Tide Through Prayer and Fasting for the 2025 Federal Election

The survey results were just as emphatic when asked whether we should commit to 21 days of prayer and fasting for the 2025 federal election.

95% of those who took the survey said that they were very supportive or would support this prayer initiative!

Laurie S. simply said, “Go for it!” Bev G. used these words: “This is where the action will be happening and God’s power released.”

The responses continued to emphasise the importance of praying for the election. “Yes!”, responded Lynn T. “Please don’t stop this initiative. 🙏🏽 The future of Australia is dependent on it. We are the Great Southland of the Holy Spirit, and we need to contend for that.”

Bev S. expressed that there is far more prayer happening than on a Zoom call. “Such an important initiative”, she wrote about the election. “Even though I don’t always make it on Zoom, our intercessor group prays along with your prayer points. I love having the daily devotions.”

We believe God has spoken through the collective wisdom of His people and that praying for the election is on His heart for the Australian Church. So, it is all systems go for this election prayer campaign. The 21 days of prayer and fasting for the election will begin on Sunday, 13 April, and conclude on election day, Saturday, 3 May.

At this time in our nation’s history, we are convinced we are at a critical crossroads. There is much in the political sphere that seeks to actively erode our Judeo–Christian values and heritage.

As a result, we are calling this prayer campaign “Turn the Tide”. More details will follow soon!

But we can tell you that during this special season, we will remember and celebrate Jesus the Messiah’s sacrificial death and resurrection, as well as ANZAC Day. In addition, we will launch an important initiative on Easter Monday, 21 April – the National Day of Repentance.

Prayer for the USA and GO Month in May

A very strong 86% of people were supportive or very supportive of praying for the USA.

A similar number (88%) backed GO Month in May (a month of increased prayer and evangelism).

Kerrie H. comments about the former, “Our connection with the USA is vitally important in the natural as well as in the spirit. We are in this world together. I would support prayer and fasting.”

“Yes”, wrote Jan B. “I see America and what happens there as extremely important. We are affected by what happens there. Indeed, the world is affected.”

Others raised the question about the emphasis on the USA, with David R. asking, “Why the USA in particular? Surely Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Israel/Gaza are greatly in crisis and need our prayers.”

When it came to intensifying prayer and evangelism in May (GO Month), there was unanimous agreement about the centrality of the Church’s mission to share the gospel. Also clear was the conviction that sharing the good news about Jesus cannot be confined to May.

As Monica B. put it, “The Gospel is the only solution to the world’s current problems. And the Great Commission is Christ’s blueprint for success. Going is essential and not just for one month per year.”

Others emphasised that while the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20) is a continuous task, GO Month helps keep the Church on track.

“It should be happening all year round”, began Andrew M., “but to make a special goal for that month is a great starting point.”

Kerrie H. wrote, “This is a great initiative, and I very much appreciate the daily devotions and the encouragement to share with five people.”

Finally, Regina G. was motivated to put faith into action, writing, “It’s about time I got on board with doing this and not just knowing about it.”

Praying for the Church in October

In answering the question of whether we should pray for the restoration and revitalisation of the Church in October, an incredible 96% of people said a resounding ‘Yes!’

The comments about praying for the Church were particularly revealing. Elly W. wrote, “I believe that a strong church precedes a strong nation.”

Similarly, Rhonda P. endorsed this October prayer campaign, saying, “I believe the Church is vital to pray for because it is under so much attack. I fully support this initiative.”

Others commented on how critical it was to see the Church revitalised. Margaret S. responded, “We desperately need to see our churches revitalised. We cannot continue to operate in the same way we have for many years as we are not reaching much of our communities.”

Many others in the survey expressed a similar concern that the Church has drifted from a clear proclamation of biblical truth and has been distracted from the simple gospel message. Meryl R. wrote, “The church drastically needs to be encouraged to commit to preaching the true gospel of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ’s atoning death.”

Perhaps no one expressed the importance of the Australian Church in transforming individuals and society as pointedly as Chris R. “If the Church is taken out of Australian life”, he wrote, “our country will collapse.”

Appreciation for Daily Prayer Devotions and Zoom Prayer Meetings

Multiple people in the survey commented on how helpful they found the daily devotions that accompany the major prayer campaigns.

Mark G. conveyed it this way. “Daily devotions can be like a rudder on a boat. They help us to steer the correct course.”

Lynn T. expressed her appreciation by writing, “Thank you, Canberra Declaration, for these extraordinary devotions. They fill me up, encourage me in my daily walk, and inspire me big time to look beyond myself and my own dramas to the outside world that is dying around me.”

When it came to the Zoom prayer calls, many commented that although they could not commit to nightly meetings, they appreciated knowing that others were praying online.

The survey also revealed that often, the prayer points and prayer devotions were used in other small groups as a resource.

For others who are not fortunate enough to have a prayer group in close proximity, the online prayer meetings provide an irreplaceable opportunity to meet with other believers.

Karin R. expressed just this sentiment. “We can be isolated as believers”, she wrote. “Some believers cannot find anyone else to pray with and therefore lack the joint encouragement of a body of believers praying together with one heart and one mind.”

Seeking His Throne of Grace During This Important Time

With prayer for the election just around the corner, our attention must be firmly fixed on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Only He can bring the revival and restoration that our nation so desperately needs.

His final victory over sin, death and all His enemies is assured at His return (1 Corinthians 15:23–26). And right now, we can rest assured that He is with us, and His throne of grace is wide open to our prayers and intercession (Hebrews 4:12).

We look forward with anticipation to all He desires to accomplish for Australia and His Church during this important time.

Yours for raising up prayer for our nation this federal election,

Samuel Hartwich & Warwick Marsh

___

Photo via Adobe.