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Each October, the Canberra Declaration sets aside 31 days as an intensified time of prayer and fasting.

Back in March, after prayer, careful consideration and consultation with the Canberra Declaration community, we decided to pray for the Australian Church and the release of the gospel this October.

God has chosen the Church – the Body of Christ – to reach the world with the good news of Jesus Christ. That’s why it’s vital to uphold the Church and pray that it thrives and grows.

Watch as I (Warwick) announce this exciting time of 31 days of prayer and fasting below!

A Church Resurgence Following Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

Charlie Kirk‘s assassination stopped the world — ranging from the attack on the Western value of free speech it represents, to the radical motives of the shooter, the gloating of Charlie’s enemies at his death, and the sobering realisation that martyrdom is back in the neo-pagan West.

But perhaps the most stunning news is the overwhelming response of non-Christians who’ve been motivated by last week’s tragedy to return to church, pick up their Bible or ask a Christian friend about Jesus.

One Australian pastor wrote, “I had a bunch of people at church this morning who had never stepped foot in a church before. We already had a lot of that happening before this past month, but it seems to have grown since these successive cultural moments, and ultimately since Charlie was killed.”

Astonishingly, this Aussie expressed on X, “I have this really strong urge to pick up a Bible… It’s a really strange feeling.”

I have this really strong urge to pick up a bible.

I don’t own one, I never have.

I keep getting signs.

A feeling that I’m being pulled in a certain direction that I have never experienced before.

It’s a really strange feeling.

So many people have reached out, I appreciate…

— BroBro🇦🇺🏇🏻 (@realRick_AUS) September 16, 2025

We would never in our wildest imaginations have thought we’d be launching into October following such a church resurgence.

Even some Aussie mainstream media outlets have broadcast this return to Jesus. Responding to her American interviewee saying, “What we’re seeing right now is nothing short of a true revival“, Sky News presenter Gabriella Power responded, “Right here in Sydney, Australia, it is happening too. So many people are feeling called to go to church for the first time.”

From Church Resurgence to Church Reformation and Revival

To echo Paul’s words, “Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice”! (Philippians 1:18).

Yet when people go to church or ask a friend about Jesus, what response will they receive? Will they find an Aussie church passionately engaging in loving God and people, excited about sharing the news of eternal life in Jesus Christ? A deep and lasting work of God’s Spirit requires a Church committed to the gospel and the life-transformation that results from it (John 10:10).

That’s why we are incredibly excited for October, when we will pray for:

1. God to pour out his blessing and Spirit on every church in Australia and its leaders (Hebrews 13:7).
2. All churches in Australia to grow in Christlikeness and win people to Christ (Acts 6:7).
3. Widespread adoption of Reaching Australia 2033 and its plan to activate every believer in personal evangelism (Acts 1:8).
4. Revival for Australia and for millions to come to Christ (Isaiah 64:1–2).

In preparation for this month of prayer and fasting, the Canberra Declaration held an official launch on Wednesday, 24 November. We were honoured that four special guests joined us for the official launch. Watch them explain how God is moving right now in response to prayer in the video below!

Sign Up for Daily Devotions

Every morning during this October prayer and fasting campaign, we will send out daily devotions via email.

If you haven’t yet signed up for free, daily devotions during October to help inform your mind, move your heart and fuel your prayers, do so by clicking the orange button below. You will also find more information, including downloadable and sharable posters, by clicking on the same orange button.

We warmly invite you to sign up for this upcoming month of prayer and fasting, as we anticipate all that God intends to accomplish during this important time.

It’s an incredible time to be alive.

Yours for a thriving and growing Australian Church,

Samuel Hartwich & Warwick Marsh