Australia’s Largest Christian News Site

Australia Prays was one of the most remarkable prayer events this nation has ever seen, and we have already begun to see God answer our prayers.

We have just witnessed a remarkable event this weekend. An estimated 2,000–4,000 believers from across the nation joined ‘Australia Prays’ on the video call and webcast. Every major denomination was represented, and the sense of unity in God’s presence was palpable. You can access the full webcast below.

For a succinct summary of the day, check out Warwick’s latest Daily Declaration article Australia Prays: The Biggest and Broadest Call to Prayer in Australia’s History. “I have never seen anything quite like it in my five decades of following God,” he wrote, the only comparable event being 1988’s National Gathering to dedicate Parliament House.

We were blessed to have an incredible array of ecclesiastical, civic, Indigenous and community leaders share God’s Word and many talented musicians lead us in worship. Among the many amazing things to report was that in response to our invitation to politicians, Labor parliamentarians outnumbered members of the Coalition — a possible sign that the ALP is awake to its need to return to the party’s Christian roots.

While we know that God’s answers to prayer will be seen over time rather than immediately, we are encouraged by a number of events that have unfolded already since Sunday. We report on these recognising the different views Australians have on lockdowns and covid treatments, so we invite you to use your discernment.

The first of these came on Sunday afternoon, as Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a shift in covid strategy. “We can’t live in lockdown forever,” he said, also stating that zero covid cases is an unattainable goal for the nation. Though the PM has made similar suggestions in the past, this is his clearest such statement to date, and it comes as welcome news to Aussies who have suffered terribly under these heavy-handed policies.

There have been positive signs in the media also, with increasing numbers of high-profile journalists offering a corrective to the unnecessary levels of fear that have gripped the nation. Kerry O’Brien, for instance, warned on Sunday about a drift towards authoritarianism and the militarisation of police.

The same day, the Institute of Public Affairs released the results of a NSW survey asking respondents if they believe that the economic and social costs of lockdowns are greater than the health risk of covid. 41 percent agreed with this statement, while only 36 percent disagreed. Clearly, the public mood has begun to shift.

Beginning this week, Australia has also been receiving much attention in the international press, with reporters and commentators from the United States in particular expressing concerns about the lack of balance and perspective from some of our leading politicians. Given that our government itself defines Australian values as comprising “respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual,” we see this accountability from the Anglosphere as a necessary, if painful, rebuke—and a further wake-up call.

And though its TGA provisional approval was announced last Friday, the use of a new antiviral drug has begun this week in Australia. Sotrovimab has been proven to stop Covid-19 cases progressing to severe disease, especially among older patients. The 7,700 doses already purchased by the Australian government are likely to help save many Australian lives. Praise God!

As revivalist Lou Engles has noted, “You should look for the answers to corporate days of prayer and fasting in the headlines of secular newspapers.” We believe that what we’ve seen over these last few days is just the beginning of what God will do.

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory,
for the sake of Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness!”
—Psalm 115:1