27th July, 2012

Christians all around the world are being asked to pause in prayer at 8.12am (GMT) Friday as bells are rung across the UK to mark the beginning of the Olympics and Paralympics.

The All the Bells project, also known as Work No 1197: All the bells in a country rung as quickly and loudly as possible for three minutes, is the brainchild of Turner-prize winning artist Martin Creed and part of the London Festival 2012.

More than Gold, an organisation which aims to help churches make the most of the Games, has invited Christians around the world to join in prayer as the bells are rung.

Today also marks the final day of More Than Gold’s 70-day Prayer Relay – "a cascade of praise and prayer"  which began on 18th May and has toured the UK alongside the Olympic Torch Relay.

Batons containing prayers have been handed over from community to community as the relay made its way around the country and Christians have paused to pray for the Games, those involved and their communities.

"This Prayer Relay has celebrated both the diversity and unity of the church," says Jane Holloway, chair of More Than Gold’s prayer team. "Prayers have been written in different styles, handed over in a variety of locations and in each town or city Christians have committed to praying together. We believe God wants to bless this nation in this significant year."

- DAVID ADAMS

~ www.morethangold.co.uk

~ www.allthebells.com