By Lydia Houghton, Evangelicals Now.
The Free Church of Scotland is encouraging Christians to each pray for ten people in their lives, throughout this year and beyond, as part of a new nationwide prayer initiative.
Engage 2026 plans to see believers across Scotland praying daily for friends, family, colleagues, neighbours and others God has placed in their lives – including those they may find it difficult to connect with.
Rev Alasdair Macleod, Free Church Moderator, said: “As Christians, we believe that when we pray, God hears and answers.
“There is much to pray for in our families, our communities, our nation, and our world. Ultimately, we long for those around us to come to know Jesus for themselves.”
“We can challenge ourselves to pray urgently, faithfully, and persistently. This is an invitation to sustained intercession, trusting in God’s power and perfect timing to bring gospel change in many lives. As we pray, we do so with confidence that He hears us — and we watch expectantly for opportunities to share about Jesus.”
Opportunity – that’s what Macleod deems as answered prayer, stating that the Free Church of Scotland wants to help individuals and congregations prepare for such gospel-sharing chances.
The denomination’s vision is that, if each person commits to praying for ten others, “the potential reach is significant as 10,000 people pray for 100,000 individuals across the nation”.