Caz Gatehouse explains what it is and how we can all get involved in praying for 5
What is Thy Kingdom Come?
Thy Kingdom Come (TKC) is a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus. During the 11 days of Thy Kingdom Come, it is hoped that everyone who takes part will:
- Deepen our own relationship with Jesus Christ
- Pray for 5 friends or family to come to faith in Jesus
- Pray for the empowerment of the Spirit that we would be effective in our witness
How can you get involved?
There are resources for all ages to get involved – from apps, to Prayer Books, to videos, and even an escape room – check out the website! But here’s a few ways you can get involved!
Pray for 5
Start asking God now to put on your mind five people you can pray for during TKC. During the 11 days spend time praying for them. Think of a way to help you remember:
- Write the names on a card and hang some where you will see it.
- Get a length of cord and tie 5 knots in it – wear around your wrist each day.
- Place 5 small buttons or coins in a bag and place in your pocket – pray each time you find them.
- If you want to do this as a family, have a pot with 5 lolly sticks or strips of card in, each with the name of one of your 5. Take turns to pull out a stick and pray for that person.
Prayer Journal and bookmark
We have 50 copies of the new Prayer Journal for you to pick up and use. Why not think of someone you know who has drifted away a bit from church and take one round to them, and write an encouraging note to them on the bookmark? (Large print copies can be downloaded and printed from the website.)
The App
Download the TKC App on your phone or device from Apple or Google Play. This will have daily readings and prayer ideas, along with a video to watch each day.
Lectio 365 is also launching a Thy Kingdom Come mini-series on the Lectio 365 app! Download the app for free, and join them from 13 May for inspiring content to encourage you as you pray.
Escape Room and youth reflections
This year there is an online Escape Room – although designed for young people, anyone can have a go! A series of youth reflections are also available to download, with thoughts from Guvna B, Elle Limebear, and many more.
Diocese of Norwich Family Prayer Map and App
There are copies of the map for you to pick up in church (let me know if you would like one but can’t get to church). They are also available as a digital download and there is an app that will feature daily games and videos, including the Cheeky Pandas (see below). There are also Family Adventure Podcasts you can listen too as well!
Cheeky Pandas
The Cheeky Pandas Series is a fun-filled and Bible-based series of videos, aimed at children up to about 10 years old. There is a video for every day of TKC (see TKC’s Facebook and YouTube channel), as well as activity packs to download and print. There is also a Cheeky Pandas Prayer Journal – I have 20 copies of these, so if you would like one let me know! And a Cheeky Pandas playlist on Spotify.
Blessing Walk
You are not limited to just praying for your 5 people! Why not pray for people you pass as you go for a walk? Find somewhere to sit for a moment or two – as people pass just pray silently for God to bless them!
To find out more, follow TKC on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and go to the website www.thykingdomcome.global, where you can check out and access all the resources as well!
Caz Gatehouse, children’s minister
