From rising fear among school children to the deep trauma experienced by young people, families, and professionals, this is a moment for the Church to kneel together and “not give up” praying (Luke 18.1) for our city.

Knife crime continues to devastate communities across London. Behind every headline is a child made in God’s image, a family grieving unimaginable loss, and a neighbourhood wrestling with fear. As London City Mission’s work — including early‑intervention initiatives like Operation Forgiveness — shows, the Church has a vital role in offering hope, presence, and prayer.

• Protection for children who feel unsafe
  Many young people report carrying knives because they are afraid and believe they need to protect themselves. Pray that God would break down this “spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1.7) and replace it with his peace.
• Healing for those living with deep trauma
  Over 90% of young violent offenders have experienced childhood trauma. Pray for God’s restoration through the hope of the gospel, in lives shaped by fear, loss, and instability.
• Supportive relationships with trusted adults
  In primary schools the Operation Forgiveness team have worked in, almost every child can name a trusted adult. Pray these adults would stay present, responsive, and compassionate as pressures increase into adolescence.
• Hope for teenagers who feel alone
  Older teens often feel they’re facing the world without support. Pray they would find belonging through churches, mentors, and safe communities.

• Comfort for grieving families
  Families experiencing the trauma of losing children to violence need God’s nearness and healing. Pray for them to know “the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1.3) as they walk through indescribable grief.
• Healing for traumatised communities
  Pray for peace in schools, estates, high streets, and youth spaces scarred by violence. Ask God to break cycles of fear and retaliation.
• Forgiveness where anger and revenge take root
  Pray that the forgiveness Jesus teaches — as explained through Operation Forgiveness — would motivate young people away from the pull toward vengeance and prevent further violence.

• Freedom from cycles of aggression
  Pray for young people entangled in violence, exploitation, coercion, or gang involvement, that they would encounter the truth of the gospel and be “set free” (John 8.32).
• Protection from those exploiting children
  Ask God to expose those who manipulate, threaten, or recruit children into dangerous lifestyles and to bring justice.

• Strength for teachers and youth workers
  They step daily into situations of fear and trauma. Pray for wisdom, resilience, and grace to guide young people well.
• Protection and clarity for police and medics
  Pray for skill and discernment as they respond to crises, de‑escalate conflict, and care for victims.
• Effectiveness for churches delivering early intervention
  Pray especially for Operation Forgiveness teams working in schools to empower children with the tools of forgiveness, hope, and courage.

• How we see young people
  Pray that we would see London’s children as our children: “fearfully and wonderfully made” in God’s image (Psalm 139.14), loved by him, and entrusted to us.
• How we welcome young people
  Ask God to inspire our churches to use their spaces for youth clubs, mentoring, after‑school support, and safe community gatherings where they can encounter the good news of the gospel.
• How we reach young people
  Pray that we would be passionate about reaching out to our local schools connecting with teachers and students. Here are 5 ways to adopt your local school.

• Reaching young people early
  Early intervention is one of the most effective ways to prevent violence. Pray for the Church’s wholehearted involvement in supporting children before harmful patterns take root.
• Transformation through forgiveness and hope
  Operation Forgiveness helps children process fear and develop resilience before adolescence. Pray God increases its reach and impact across London’s schools.