MORE than 4,000 Christians will gather on the South West Coastal Path on Saturday (May 20) in an historic event to create a ring of prayer around the region.

All styles and traditions of churches across the South West are being invited to take part as a sign of unity between them.

The 630 miles of coast path forms the longest national trail in the country, covering from Minehead to Poole, in Dorset, and is used by thousands of people each year for exercise, observing nature, spending time with friends, or quiet contemplation.

It will be the third year the churches event has taken place, with about 3,000 people taking part in 2022 in a moment for the Church to ‘step outside the home’ and join together with others.

Saturday’s gathering will take place between 10.30 am and 11.00 am when the path will become a chain of prayer as Christians from around the region worship and pray for their friends and neighbours, their villages, towns, and cities, the various groups, charities, agencies, and companies which work in the region, those who suffer from illness and disease, and for local churches across the communities in which they serve.

As people take part, they will be guided in their prayers by a special audio prayer guide which can be listened to on headphones or from a loudspeaker.

The event is being organised by a variety of different organisations and churches across the region, including Creation Fest, South West Youth Ministries, Diocese of Exeter, Rediscover Church, Hope Baptist Church, and more.

Leaders believe it will be a significant occasion as Christians can stand together as a united group of people.

Every Christian across the South West, whatever age or style of worship, is invited to join in during the day.

The idea is to have Christians posted in groups on every mile of the path, worshipping God and praying for the nation.

The initiative is not confined to one denomination or group within the faith, but provides a common place for people of all backgrounds to come together as one and pray for the region.

One of the organisers, Pastor Mark Pugh, from Rediscover Church, in Exeter, said: “Churches are involved in communities in so many practical ways – providing love, care, and hope through food banks, debt relief counselling, social settings, families provision, youth groups, and so much more.

“Each of these activities is motivated by a conviction that God cares and invites us to be channels of His love into the lives of others.

“We also believe prayer has a powerful part to play in addressing the needs in our communities, not only physical and emotional, but also spiritual needs as well.

“As thousands of Christians join together at South West Awake we will be praying that our communities will thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”

Individuals and churches can sign up to the event at www.southwestawake.com.