The title on my video and blog post today is, Investigation for silent prayer. Today’s video looks at the latest development surrounding Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, who is once again being investigated by police for silently praying outside a UK abortion facility. This is now the third time she has faced police scrutiny for standing quietly and praying. Many, including myself, believe this is completely unjust.
Deep down, I believe they know prayer has power. The Bible tells us it does, and I have seen its power with my own eyes.
A Quick Recap of Isabel’s Case
Public reports and commentary have highlighted that Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, a Catholic pro-life volunteer, has previously been
arrested and acquitted in relation to silent prayer near an abortion clinic in Birmingham. Despite earlier outcomes in her favour,
she is reportedly being investigated again for the same quiet act of prayer. Many are asking the same question: what harm is she doing by silently praying?
Beyond the legal details, this raises a wider issue about freedom of thought, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion in the UK.
>When silent prayer can be treated as a problem, it suggests a deeper discomfort with Christian faith being expressed in public.
Are There Double Standards?
In recent months there have been many public demonstrations and visible expressions of different beliefs in our streets and city centres.
Yet Christian expressions—street preaching or even silent prayer—often seem to draw disproportionate police attention.
That disparity is concerning and deserves honest discussion in a free society.
🇬🇧 Reminder: UK 2023….
Islamification in progress.
Block whole streets through mass Islamic prayer directed by a man on a foghorn…and it’s OK..
But one Christian lady on a pavement praying silently near an abortion clinic will be arrested.. pic.twitter.com/L6BnlPJKjf
— Frantruth 🇬🇧 (@frantruth) November 28, 2023
Why Prayer Still Matters
As a Christian, I know that prayer changes things. The New Testament is clear that God hears and answers prayer.
Below are some key passages (NKJV) that affirm this truth:
Matthew 21:22
“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
Mark 11:24
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”
John 14:13–14
“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”
Acts 4:31
“And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit,
and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”
Philippians 4:6–7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
James 5:16
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
1 John 5:14–15
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
A Personal Reflection
Recently I was in Greece, travelling from Thessaloniki by boat, taking in the deep blue sea, the mountains and the scenery
that so clearly declare the handiwork of God. I’m often reminded, whether I’m walking across the fields at home or looking out
across the Aegean, that God’s truth remains constant—whatever the culture or the headlines may say.
We are living in serious times. The Bible speaks of days when truth is resisted and when many will be lovers of themselves.
For more on what the Bible says about deception and spiritual danger in the last days, see my post on End Times Strong Delusions!
All the more reason for Christians to stand firm, speak the truth in love, and keep praying. Jesus came to give life—eternal life—and
to set people free.
Invitation to Pray
If you’re watching or reading this and you’re not yet a Christian, but you sense God drawing you, you can respond today.
Salvation is a gift—Jesus paid for it with His death and resurrection. If you want to receive that gift and begin a new life with Him, you can pray:
Dear Lord Jesus, I acknowledge You as Lord and Saviour of my life. I repent of all my sins and I ask You today to take over complete
control of every aspect of my life. Amen.
If you prayed that prayer and meant it, the Holy Spirit will begin a new work in your life. Whatever happens, you can know you have the gift of eternal life.
And you can walk in the power of prayer every day. To take the next step in growing your faith and understanding God’s Word, you might like to read my post
Change Your Life!
If you’d like to think more about eternity and what comes after this life, you may find my post
Ozzy Osbourne Has Died — What Happens Next? helpful.
Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you think silent prayer should be investigated? Have you experienced answers to prayer?
Please leave a comment—my aim is to help and encourage.