28 JULY 2025
Wake Up, Church!
James Aladiran calls the UK to prayer as a spiritual battle intensifies over the nation
In this stirring episode of the Elim Leaders Podcast, host Mark Pugh sat down with James Aladiran, founder of Prayer Storm, to explore the spiritual urgency facing the UK today. Speaking from Colorado Springs, James shared a prophetic call to arms for the Church, a call to awaken, contend, and reclaim the spiritual airways over Britain.
Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.
Listen to Episode 3 and subscribe at elim.org.uk/elimleaderspodcast.
In this episode
A Church that prays is a Church that lives
James doesn't mince words: “The Church needs to wake up.” Drawing from the book of Acts, he paints a picture of an “awake Church” as one marked by fervent, unrelenting prayer. “The Church was born out of a prayer meeting,” he reminds us. “We need to return to that culture.”
He warns that growth without prayer is not necessarily a sign of God’s blessing. If we don’t see the ancient landmarks of fasting, prayer, and consecration, something else is responsible for that growth and not the Holy Ghost.
The lullabies of comfort and entertainment
James identifies two major forces lulling the Church into spiritual slumber: entertainment and comfort.
He challenges believers to embrace discomfort as a spiritual discipline. Fasting isn’t just about food. It’s about telling your flesh it’s not in charge.
Fasting: A pathway to spiritual hunger
Far from being a religious duty, James described fasting as a way to awaken spiritual hunger. When you fast, you realise how weak you are without God. It humbles you. It exposes what’s in your heart. And it sharpens your discernment.
He shares how a 40-day fast in 2007 laid the foundation for his current ministry, proof that spiritual investments often bear fruit long after the moment has passed.
Don’t let the quiet revival stay quiet
With reports of a quiet revival among Gen Z, marked by Bible buying, baptisms, and a hunger for prayer, James urges the Church not to become complacent. “The prayer that births revival is the prayer that sustains revival. We must not take our foot off the gas.”
He warned that spiritual momentum can be lost if not stewarded through continued intercession. When God moves, the enemy moves too. We need to be alert.
Battle for Britain: A call to contend
Inspired by the historic Battle of Britain, James is leading a national prayer gathering this August in Manchester. The event, titled Battle for Britain, is a bold step of faith booking a 10,000-seat venue to mobilise intercessors across the UK.
This is not just about one event. It’s about raising the prayer temperature in the Church and awakening families to pray like never before.
Action points: how you can respond
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Reignite your prayer life: Start small, but start now. Look at your diary and carve out time to seek God.
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Embrace spiritual discomfort: Fast, unplug, and create space for God to speak.
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Join the movement: Be part of the Battle for Britain gathering in Manchester, 21–23 August. Book your place at prayerstorm.org.
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Lead by example: Whether you’re a seasoned intercessor or just starting out, your hunger for God can inspire others.
As James reminded us, “You don’t have to be good at prayer to start. Just start. And as you do, your hunger will grow.”
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Stay tuned for our next episode with more inspiration and transformational leadership.