by Rachel Hall

LET’S PRAY TOGETHER FOR SHEFFIELD Jesus is the HOPE for our city

by Rachel Hall

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” – Romans 15:13

So much has happened in our nation since the last edition of Arise! magazine. Our city has experienced changes in leadership (locally and nationally). We have experienced grief resulting from the loss of our Queen, a faithful and constant leadership figure. The war in Ukraine continues, and now we also approach Winter with many in fear about the cost of living and energy bills. So what is heaven's perspective at this time? Christ is indeed the Hope in which we put our trust. What does ‘Christ’s kingdom come’ look like and how do we agree with heaven in prayer to see this manifest in our city? Bring these topics before God and look to Christ as you pray and ask for His perspective; 1. Change in leadership and the Queen’s passing Comfort, O God, all those who are impacted by the death of Queen Elizabeth in our city. We ask for opportunities to share the truth of Jesus – the Everlasting One – to all those who are feeling shaken. May we have the courage to live out our faith displaying your gospel at this time. Bless all of those in leadership positions in our city. Lord, we ask for heavenly strategy and partnerships to be released, for our city to prosper. Give our government and local authority wisdom to lead well through all the current difficulties we face.

2. Cost of living/ energy crisis God, thank you that you know all the needs of those people living in our city. You are a good Father and you desire to meet our needs. We ask for a release of generosity and innovative ideas so that all can have food, housing and warmth this winter. We ask for wisdom for your church to know how to respond to those in need and the grace to be generous and faithful – not fearful – at this time.

3. Unity At this time we believe that unity across the body of Christ is a key focus for prayer. We have seen unity increase in Sheffield, but we know that there’s so much more to do.

Father, in your word, you call us One in You. We ask that you would lead us into a greater knowledge of this truth. Help us to love one another, to show mercy over judgement, to be quick to forgive and to build one another up. We ask for our church leaders to build strong connections and friendships across the city and for many to see Jesus through the unity we display. We ask all this in your precious Name. Amen.

Rachel Hall is the Prayer Coordinator for Together for Sheffield, and a part of the Arise Sheffield team.

Are you encouraged by what you ’ ve read in Arise? Do you long to see Sheffield transformed? Our city needs you! Become an Arise supporter today to help bring believers together for the good of our city by:

Sharing the Gospel across Sheffield

Supporting city-wide prayer-walking Helping your community rise up

All supporters are also sent their own printed copies of Arise! magazine.

Give today and help Sheffield Arise: arisesheffield.org/yes