THOUSANDS of Christians will pray together in Oxford’s South Park for one of the biggest gatherings of worshippers in the city.

It will be the fifth annual Love Oxford event, supported by 40 churches across the city.

The aim of the day, on Sunday, May 23, is to praise God, hear preaching from city pastors and to pray for the peace of the city.

The Rev Charlie Cleverly, rector of St Aldate’s Church, said: “About 4,000 Christians will gather in South Park to pray for the peace of the city where God has placed us.

“This event seems even more important in the context of a General Election, global recession and volcanic ash events, through each of which I believe God beckons us to consider him.”

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Unchanging truths passed on from generation to generation’.

The day will start at 10.30am with a warm-up for families and children, before the main Love Oxford service begins at 11am.

The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev John Pritchard, will greet the crowd before the preaching begins.

He said: “This is one of the key moments in the Christian year in Oxford.”

To cater for inclement weather, a large marquee will be set up, and there will be a Christian sport event organised by Oxfordshire group Vertigo, which runs Christian activities for 13- to 18-year-olds.

Love Oxford will also link up with the Global Day of Prayer. The event when Christians pray together around the world, takes place at 7pm with guest speaker John Arncott.

There will also be a presentation of the Oxford Street Pastors initiative, and an update on Streetprayer, which has seen Christians throwing open their doors to join together in prayer.

Steve Jones is senior pastor at Oxford Community Church, one of the churches organising the event.

He said: “The event is a great inspiration for Christians to work together in making a positive contribution to the life of the city.”

Love Oxford is free, funded by donations from churches and individuals.

A collection will be taken on the day, but anyone who would like to contribute in advance should make cheques payable to Love Oxford at Love Oxford, c/o Joanna Braithwaite, 40 Pembroke Street, OX1 1BP.

fbardsley@oxfordmail.co.uk For more details about the event visit the website at loveoxford.org.uk