July to October 2016 Prayer Diary

JULY to OCTOBER 2016

CARE Prayer Diary Making a Christian difference through prayer

York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, took 250 years to build – from 1220 until its consecration in 1472. Its 128 medieval windows contain 60 per cent of all early stained glass in the whole of England.

Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu holds the second highest office of the Anglican Church.

He describes his priorities for ministry: ‘to seek God’s rule of justice, righteousness, peace and love, to be part of God’s movement of change, meeting real concerns with real life, to reach out to all by standing at the intersection where human need and God’s love meet, being willing to take risks and be vulnerable, the servant of others as Christ was servant of all, and praying constantly, sharing in God’s groanings and broken-heartedness for His world.’

The CARE Prayer Diary is written by Celia Bowring.

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Celia Bowring

JULY 24 – 30

ENGLAND’S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE ‘The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! … Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love … He is our help and our shield.’

PSALMS 33: 11-20 (ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION)

SUN

24

Lord of history, thank You for those who gave their lives for the sake of the gospel so that biblical Christianity could undergird English culture, informing our systems of government, law, education, literature, music, art and care for the vulnerable. Amen.

MON

Pray for those in Parliament, the media, academia and other influential areas who are determined to relegate the Christian faith to the margins of British society. Ask God to raise up more people who can challenge this in a spirit of grace and truth.

TUES

Give thanks for the long-standing reputation of England, along with the rest of the UK, for generous giving to overseas aid and development needs, both from the Government and individual donors. Please pray that Christian organisations in this field will continue to be well supported in their vital work.

WED

Father, thank You that throughout history English missionaries have preached the gospel in every corner of the world, invariably in the context of providing education, medical care and other important services. We lift to You those known to us who serve similarly in our time. Amen.

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THURS

28

Ask God to strengthen, direct and grant success to Christians in positions of national leadership who believe God is calling them to follow in the footsteps of evangelical social reformers of earlier centuries, such as William Wilberforce, Elizabeth Fry, Lord Shaftesbury and Josephine Butler.

FRI

THANKSGIVING: for the English Bible first translated in the 14th century by Wycliffe, worked on further and printed by Tyndale in 1525 and made widely available by King James I in 1611. Pray for all who today are bringing God’s Word to adults and children who have yet to read and understand its wonderful truth and life-changing power.

SAT

Intercede for our schools, colleges and universities, many of which have church foundations. Pray that the historic influence and learning of Christianity would not be rejected in favour of secularised education that largely discounts biblical truth and values.

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‘For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace … is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role-model of reconciliation and forgiveness, He stretched out His hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people of whatever faith or none.’ (Queen Elizabeth II)

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JULY 31 – AUGUST 6

TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT ‘If I go up to the heavens, you are there … If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.’

PSALM 139: 8-10 (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION)

SUN

31

Heavenly Father, may Your merciful protection cover people using all forms of transport, pedestrians and any others in potential danger. Grant wisdom and concentration to drivers and to police and rescue services who respond to accidents. Amen.

AUGUST IS NATIONAL ROAD VICTIM MONTH

MON

Remember those working in the UK aviation industry, which earns almost £30 billion each year for Britain and employs over 250,000 people. Pray especially for the crews, working on 102,000 flights every day around the world, to be kept safe and enabled to fulfil their duties well.

TUES

Pray for the 300,000 plus drivers of heavy goods vehicles, mostly aged 50 or more, working across the UK and mainland Europe for long unsociable hours, often under difficult conditions. Ask God to help them and bless them and their families.

WED

Lord, please help policy makers and politicians nationally and locally as they devise transport plans that are increasingly environmentally friendly, improve people’s health and reduce accidents and delays. Amen.

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THURS

4

On the eve of the Opening Ceremony remember all those travelling to and involved in the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Pray about the challenges around the Zika virus, Brazil’s financial stability and concerns over athletes’ illegal drug use, asking God to grant His peace and protection over the coming weeks.

FRI

THANKSGIVING: for RoadPeace, a national charity that supports victims and those who have been bereaved as a result of a road traffic accident. Pray that their campaigns for better safety and for improved justice will make a significant difference in reducing danger and to those whose lives are shattered by such tragedies.

SAT

Remember those who find it difficult to undertake essential travel because of health problems, inaccessibility of services and high transport costs. Pray that friends and neighbours will be prompted to help where possible and for planners to understand what is needed and find ways to provide more buses, trains, car-sharing and other schemes.

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‘A road death is not a normal death – it is sudden, violent, unexpected, and premature. Every day, five people die on the roads in the UK and 3900 die worldwide. One in 75 of us is bereaved through a road crash.’ (roadpeace.org) 4

AUGUST 7 – 13

THE GOSPEL AND YOUNG PEOPLE ‘With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow … Wisdom is a life-giving tree, the source of happiness for all who hold on to her.’

PROVERBS 3: 5, 18 (CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION)

SUN

7

Lord, we pray for a worldwide turning of children and young people to the truth and grace of the gospel. Please increase the faith of evangelists, church leaders, teachers, Christian sportsmen and women and other well-known believers. Grant them courage to use opportunities wisely to share the good news. Amen.

MON

Pray for the thousands of children and young people at Christian camps, festivals and other events – that many will hear and understand the gospel and accept Christ into their lives. Pray too for those whose faith has dimmed to be renewed in their desire to follow Him wholeheartedly.

TUES

Remember those whose families would strongly disapprove of their children abandoning the religion of their upbringing and vehemently oppose their decision to turn to Christ. Pray that these young people will grow and find others to share their faith with, who will encourage and help them.

WED

Father, please grant creativity and skill to writers, illustrators, film makers, game designers and others producing materials to teach children about the Bible and help them to understand what it means to trust in Jesus. Use their gifts and faith in You to reach many, throughout the world. Amen.

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THURS

11

THANKSGIVING: for every Christian educator and communicator ministering the truth and grace of God’s word to young people through music, drama, religious education, prayer opportunities, telling Bible stories, counselling support, and many other ways.

FRI

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY Pray that today’s activities will be effective in promoting the welfare of young people throughout the world, especially highlighting those in unsafe, oppressive and deeply impoverished situations. Ask God to encourage and equip Christians working among them.

SAT

Pray for those involved in chaplaincy for young people: in young offenders institutions, with Army, Navy and Airforce cadets, in hospitals, schools, colleges, adventure centres, sports teams and other settings. Ask God to give them opportunities to share the love of Christ in word and deed.

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‘The gospel is so simple that small children can understand it and it is so profound that studies by the wisest theologians will never exhaust its riches.’

(Charles Hodge, Presbyterian theologian and principal of Princeton Theological Seminary, 1797 – 1878)

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AUGUST 14 – 20

RURAL LIFE ‘You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it … settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth. You crown the year with your bounty’ PSALMS 65: 9-13 (ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION)

SUN

Lord our Creator, we praise You for beautiful countryside and for every opportunity to enjoy its diversity. Grant wisdom to those responsible for planning and development to protect the environment, as they meet other community needs. Amen.

MON

Remember church leaders who minister to several congregations across a widespread area. Ask God to encourage and strengthen them as they lead many Sunday services and support each community through preaching, teaching, pastoral care and practical projects.

TUES

Pray for progress in the provision of fast reliable internet connections and better mobile phone reception in rural areas where the service is currently inadequate. Pray especially for businesses that depend on these vital communications – that they will grow and so create more job opportunities in their localities.

WED

Almighty God, we pray this year will see good harvests throughout the world, especially in places that are prone to extreme weather conditions of flooding, droughts and heatwaves. Please strengthen farmers who struggle to grow crops and raise livestock and grant them success. Amen.

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THURS

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THANKSGIVING: for organisations such as Hope Together, Rural Evangelism Network, Rural Mission Solutions and Village Hope that are reaching out with the gospel, helping Christians to grow in their faith and encouraging practical initiatives throughout the UK.

SAT

INTERNATIONAL MOSQUITO DAY Pray about the worrying spread of the Zika virus – described by the World Health Organisation as a ‘public health emergency of international concern.’ Ask God to help those working to stop the Aedes mosquito that spreads this disease and to find treatments or vaccines to fight it.

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Pray about the crisis facing the dairy industry, as the UK’s 13,000-plus dairy farms are struggling with falling milk prices and rising debt levels.

Less than one-third of the land in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales is classified as ‘urban’, yet around 60 per cent of the population lives in these areas. The number of older people living in villages and sparsely populated areas is increasing and a significant number are on low incomes. Many are living longer and inevitably increasing their use of health services and other facilities. (Action with Communities in Rural England – acre.org.uk)

AUGUST 21 – 27 RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS ‘He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?’ MICAH 6: 8 (ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION)

SUN

21

God of justice and mercy, may we recognise the responsibility we have to do good, to defend the truth and to reach out to those in need. Grant us wisdom to know the right time to stand for important human rights and when You are calling us to humbly accept and trust You in difficult situations. Amen.

MON

Intercede that any future British Bill of Rights will unequivocally defend religious freedom. Pray for Christians to work effectively with those in Parliament and other places of influence, as they oppose those who would marginalise the voice of faith.

TUES

Pray about difficult court cases and local authority decisions concerning the custody of children – that informed, wise judgements will be made in their best interests. Remember parents and others who have to relinquish their rights and children who will find such separation very difficult.

WED

Father, we lift to You the refugees, particularly from Syria, who have fled, risking their lives to find a place of safety in Europe. Please enable governments to respond with justice, wisdom, mercy and humility, so that these people can be helped immediately and in the longer term. Amen.

THURS

Remember those working in challenging environments: at sea, in the armed forces, police and emergency services, on demolition and construction projects, in factories and handling hazardous materials. Pray that employers will take proper responsibility for their health and safety and respect their workers’ rights.

FRI

THANKSGIVING: for organisations such as CARE, Christian Concern, Christian Institute, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Evangelical Alliance, Maranatha, Nationwide Christian Trust and others that are speaking out on behalf of those whose human rights to life and freedom are under threat.

SAT

Pray about increasingly common situations where someone’s religious beliefs conflict with their obligations to their employer. Pray that the ‘reasonable accommodation’ provision in other laws may also be used as a balancing tool to protect religious freedom.

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‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.’

(Edmund Burke, 18th century Irish statesman.)

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AUGUST 28 – SEPTEMBER 3

BACK TO SCHOOL ‘I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.’

EPHESIANS 3: 16, 17 (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)

SUN

28

MON

Pray about the teaching of religious education and that Christians will continue to be welcomed into schools to lead assemblies, deliver lessons, music and drama presentations, organise groups and other activities that convey the unique truth and amazing grace of the gospel.

TUES

Pray that those who inspect schools throughout the UK will be discerning and wise as they assess standards of education in a variety of settings. Especially pray for ‘failing’ schools not to be too disheartened and to receive the help they need.

WED

Father, we ask that increasing numbers of prayer groups will be set up to support local schools through the Pray for Schools network in the UK. Please bless Jane, Heather, Elizabeth and Claire – the volunteer coordinators for this work in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Amen. (prayforschools.org)

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THURS

1

Pray about the pressure on UK schools caused by the rising numbers of school-age children – that the necessary extra teachers and resources will be provided to meet everyone’s needs. Remember those faced with particular problems such as social deprivation, family breakdown and lack of English language.

FRI

THANKSGIVING: for Open the Book, now in 400 primary schools with 11,000 volunteers, presenting a three-year rolling programme of interactive, dramatised Bible storytelling.

Pray that increasing numbers of children will learn more about God’s life-giving Word through this and similar projects. (openthebook.net)

SAT

Please remember those starting at a new school who may be feeling anxious and alone.

Pray that teachers and other staff will be vigilant and effective in preventing problems like bullying that can be so devastating to children and teenagers.

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Lord, please encourage everyone taking part in Education Sunday on 11 September, or Back to School with God church services over the next few weeks that commission pupils, teachers and other congregations at the start of a new academic year. Help them to settle in well, find friends, engage in their learning and participate in other important activities. Amen.

There are 24,000 schools in England, 1,030 in Northern Ireland – most of them Roman Catholic or Protestant, 2,500 in Scotland – 366 of them being Roman Catholic, one Jewish and three Episcopalian, and 1,670 in Wales – about 250 of which are church-run.

Around one third of state-funded schools in England are designated as ‘faith schools’ – the vast majority of them Christian.

SEPTEMBER 4 – 10

RESCUE AND RESTORATION ‘See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord! Praise his name!” ’ ISAIAH 12: 2-4 (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)

SUN

4

Heavenly Father, we cry out to You for all who are ill-treated, traded and exploited by others through human trafficking, forced labour, cruel imprisonment and other woeful situations. Please send those who can rescue them in Your name, and grant healing and comfort through Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

MON

Entreat God to rescue and restore people who have become addicted to activities that are potentially or actually harmful to themselves and to others: gambling, drug, alcohol and other substance abuse, pornography, abusive sexual and other illegal activities.

TUES

Remember those who have been unjustly detained by governments and other agencies on the grounds of their political and religious beliefs, and their families. Pray that organisations such as Christian Solidarity Worldwide, working to free them, will have great success as a result of their advocacy, diplomatic pressure and prayer. (csw.org.uk)

WED

Lord, please rescue those who experience domestic violence.

May they find courage to seize the best opportunity to escape and find support. Grant that police, social services, health professionals and courts will be understanding in these painful situations. Amen. (refuge.org.uk)

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THURS

8

Pray that the Government will soon enact the Modern Slavery Act provision for child victims of trafficking to be given guardians with legal authority to make decisions based on their best interests. Pray they will receive the educational, medical, emotional and legal support and care they need following their traumatic experiences.

FRI

THANKSGIVING: for every effort to protect endangered wildlife species across the world.

Remember those working for the restoration of habitats, creation of wildlife ‘corridors’ and preventing poaching. Pray that more governments will act upon the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, so trade in wild animal and plant specimens does not threaten their survival.

SAT

WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY Ask God to comfort those affected by someone close to them taking their life. Pray that more help will reach those at risk of suicide, so that the tragically high annual figure of 800,000 may be reduced and many individuals rescued and restored.

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Today, an estimated 45.8 million people are in some form of modern slavery in 167 countries. Of these, 58 per cent live in five countries: India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan. North Korea, Uzbekistan, Cambodia, India, and Qatar have the highest estimated prevalence of modern slavery in proportion to their population. (globalslaveryindex.org/findings)

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SEPTEMBER 11 – 17

OLDER PEOPLE ‘Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father … Treat older women as you would your mother … Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her.’

1 TIMOTHY 5: 1-3 (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)

SUN

11

MON

Thank God for older members of our churches who are enriched by a lifelong experience of walking with the Lord and are willing to serve, mentor and care for others through practical action and prayer. Ask God to endue them increasingly with characteristics of humility, discretion, unselfishness, patience and joy.

TUES

NATIONAL DEMENTIA CARERS DAY Give thanks for this day, which aims to provide unique insight into what it is like to be an informal carer, addressing the challenges and how they are overcome and sharing positive stories of how loved ones can be helped to live well with the condition. Please ask God to strengthen and encourage all who are affected by dementia.

WED

Lord, we lift to You those older people living as ex-pats outside the UK who are facing economic, health and other difficulties. Please help them to find the help they need from friends and family, consulates, English-speaking and other local church communities. Amen.

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THURS

15

Remember the one million or so older people in the UK who regularly go an entire month without speaking to anyone. Pray for this to change as those in their families and neighbourhoods recognise their need for companionship and take action to befriend and include them in more activities.

FRI

THANKSGIVING: for Care for the Future, seeking to mobilise and inspire Christians in their ‘third age’, and for the 2.5 million people in the UK aged 65 and over who volunteer. Pray that more of those with much to offer, who are no longer in full-time employment, will find fulfilling roles that will help others and also enhance their own lives. (care.org.uk/future)

SAT

Ask God to grant wisdom to governments throughout Europe in the light of major demographic changes, as birth rates decline and life expectancy lengthens. Intercede that these trends will not result in more countries legalising euthanasia.

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GRANDPARENTS’ DAY Father, thank You for the wisdom, listening ear and practical help that grandparents can contribute – especially as they share their Christian faith. We pray for those today who feel out of touch and miss seeing their grandchildren – that these families would be prompted to make contact soon. Amen.

In June 2015 the UK population was estimated at almost 65 million, with just under 18 per cent aged 65 or over. There are 14 million grandparents. In the next 23 years the number of over-85-year-olds is predicted to more than double to over 3.4 million. Nearly one in five people alive today in the UK will see their 100th birthday.

SEPTEMBER 18 – 24

CURRENT POLITICAL ISSUES ‘I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.’

1 TIMOTHY 2: 1-3 (NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

SUN

Mighty God, we lift to You the Ministers and other elected representatives who sit in Cardiff, Holyrood, Stormont and Westminster as they consider many matters. May they be unprejudiced, wise and selfless, calling upon Your help. Amen.

MON

Continue to pray that Baroness Howe’s Online Safety Bill will influence and encourage the Government. Pray for increasing support of her recommendations for greater controls on internet and mobile services providing online access and that age-verification mechanisms are placed on pornographic websites and on demand programming services.

TUES

Pray for legislation to be introduced throughout the UK to protect those with gambling problems – both in betting shops and online. Pray for the permitted stake for Fixed Odds Betting Terminals to be reduced and for better ‘opt-out’ measures to be put in place.

WED

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE ‘Building Blocks for Peace’ Lord, grant success to all who are working to implement the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that could make such a difference to those living in great poverty and in the midst of conflict. Amen. (un.org/en/events/peaceday)

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THURS

22

Pray about the Government’s proposed anti-extremism legislation that could endanger Christians’ freedom to share the gospel with children and young people. Ask God to restrain those who seek to marginalise Christianity and restrict the expression of evangelism, worship and prayer from public life.

FRI

THANKSGIVING: for the anti-trafficking legislation that is now in place in every part of the UK, resulting in perpetrators of trafficking, sexual and other exploitation being prosecuted and victims having the right to justice and proper care. Pray that these laws will be increasingly effective in the fight against modern slavery.

SAT

Intercede for the citizens and political establishment of the United Kingdom following the decision to leave the EU. Pray for people who opposed one another to be reconciled and willing to move forward together at a time of economic, security and social challenges.

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‘What is morally wrong cannot be politically correct.’ (Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth President of the United States) 11

SEPTEMBER 25 – OCTOBER 1

FORESTS ‘Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever!’

1 CHRONICLES 16: 33, 34 (ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION)

SUN

25

MON

Remember the 300 million people who live in the world’s forests and many more who depend on them for their livelihoods. Pray especially for Bible translators, missionaries and other Christian workers who travel to remote areas, asking God to protect them and enable them to share the gospel effectively.

TUES

Pray that those engaged in illegal logging due to increasing demand for timber, paper and other products, and ‘slash and burn’ clearances to provide land for planting crops, will be stopped. Remember especially the rain forests of Brazil and Indonesia where millions of trees are destroyed each year.

WED

Lord, please give wisdom and strategic insight to naturalists as they study the amazing ecosystems of different types of forest. Please grant success to projects to protect and nurture the many species of animals, birds, insects, plants and other life forms that exist in these complex environments. Amen.

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THURS

Please pray about the serious problem of deforestation resulting in over 6.5 billion trees being lost each year due to human activities and natural disasters. Ask God to grant wisdom and courage to those fighting major forest fires and rescuing people affected by them.

FRI

THANKSGIVING: for the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign, which has resulted in over 14 billion trees being planted by individuals, countries and companies. Pray especially for the success of schemes using drones to drop ‘tree seed bombs’ into inaccessible areas.

SAT

Remember the UK Forestry Commission and private owners, who together manage the 12,000 square miles of forest in Britain. Pray for the 40,000 people employed in forestry work and processing timber, paper and other wood products.

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God, we praise You for the splendour and amazing life-giving properties of the world’s 100,000 different species of trees. Please help governments and agencies to protect trees from illegal activities and for reforestation to take place where they have been lost. Amen.

Forests are essential to the livelihood and cultures of people around the world, and are home to 80 per cent of the Earth’s land-based plants and animals. Water flows through forest root systems, filtering clean drinking water for millions of people. Forests are the Earth’s lungs, absorbing toxins from the air and producing clean oxygen for all life to breathe. They hold vast amounts of carbon dioxide and act as a cooling system for the planet, fighting climate change.

OCTOBER 2 – 8

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE ‘Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.’

GALATIANS 6: 2 (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)

SUN

Loving God, thank You for the worldwide growth of the modern hospice and palliative care movement and especially for the vision of Dame Cicely Saunders, called by You to start this life-affirming and compassionate work. Please continue to bless those who are involved: staff, volunteers, financial donors, patients and their families. Amen.

MON

Ask God to grant His compassion, strength and insight to professional people who work in hospices and in people’s homes providing medical and nursing care, therapy, spiritual encouragement and help, counselling and bereavement support.

TUES

Intercede against efforts to legalise any form of physician-assisted dying in the UK and for wise strategy for those who uphold the importance of caring for people to the end of their natural lives.

Pray that CARE’s ‘Finishing Line’ resource will be widely used to inform Christians about this issue. (care.org.uk/finishingline)

WED

We pray for our local hospices and other palliative care providers. Please send the staff and volunteers, finances and other resources for home visits, day services and in-patient accommodation. Let Your comforting presence be evident to all. Amen.

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THURS

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Intercede for the 92,000 people – of the total of 500,000 who die each year in the UK – whose lives end with unmet needs for palliative care. Pray for better provision to be put into place to meet the steeply rising demand for end of life care over the next few decades.

FRI

THANKSGIVING: for the 220 hospices in the UK providing over £1 billion worth of care each year and the hundreds of fundraisers who generate this. Ask God to continue to bless their endeavours and cause many more individuals, businesses and grant making organisations to join those who support this cause already.

SAT

WORLD HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE DAY ‘Living and dying in pain: It doesn’t have to happen’ Pray that today’s focus will hasten progress internationally to provide all people with life threatening illness and their families with the palliative care, comfort and pain management they need and deserve. (thewhpca.org)

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Due to unnecessarily restrictive regulation of morphine and similar drugs in many countries, poor education and training, and the high cost of such palliative medication, 75 per cent of the world’s population does not have adequate access to controlled medications for pain relief.

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OCTOBER 9 – 15

WIDOWS AND ORPHANS ‘For the LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords … who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed. He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing.’

DEUTERONOMY 10: 17, 18 (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)

SUN

9

MON

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY – ‘Dignity in Mental Health’ Remember the 350 million individuals worldwide who suffer from depression. Pray for greater acceptance, understanding and care for people with mental health problems, especially if they are alone and vulnerable.

TUES

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL Intercede for girls in developing countries who are trapped in a cycle of poor childhood health, little education, premature – often forced – marriage and early childbirth. Ask God to grant success to all who campaign about these and other injustices against girls and young women.

WED

Dear God, we bring to You the 250,000 child soldiers in the world today. You love each individual – boys and girls who have run away, been abducted or sold and are now taking part in conflicts, or working as porters, spies, cooks or sex slaves. In Your great mercy please set them free and grant them Your peace and healing. Amen.

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THURS

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Intercede for the almost 3,000 children who arrive alone in the UK every year and seek asylum. Pray for local authorities most affected such as Kent – looking after 932 unaccompanied migrant children – as they fulfil their duty of care to them.

FRI

THANKSGIVING: for organisations like ACET, Compassion, Samaritans Purse, Tearfund and World Vision that support vulnerable women and their families in some of the poorest countries. Pray for continuing success in setting up thousands of micro-enterprises that can generate income and give them dignity and hope for the future.

SAT

Pray today for anyone you know who has recently been bereaved – that God would comfort and provide for them in their need. Especially remember children who have lost mothers and fathers and men and women who are grieving for their lifelong partners.

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O Father of the fatherless, we praise You for caring for the poorest people in the world and for Your promises to grant them true justice one day. Please help and guide us to show practical compassion to those whom we can help and guide us in our giving and praying. Amen.

There are an estimated 250 million widows in the developing world, over 115 million of whom live in abject poverty. These women lack inheritance rights, basic human rights, marketable skills or education, childcare options and social support.

Some are forced into servitude or beggary, and those with children are forced to surrender them to an orphanage, or to the streets. Thousands of Christian initiatives exist to help these women – releasing God’s compassionate justice into their lives.

LOVED is an initiative of

Miscarriage Healing Retreats In the UK, one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage. Yet this loss is rarely spoken of, and the grief is surrounded by a lonely silence.

LOVED seeks to support those affected by miscarriage in any way, by offering day retreats to reflect, find peace and understanding.

They provide an opportunity to share with others who have also felt the pain of such a loss and to acknowledge that these babies were loved.

For further information visit weareopen.org.uk/loved

Meet the CARE team!

We are on the road this autumn, hosting a series of special evening events to meet our supporters. Come along and bring your friends to hear some inspiring stories of how God is at work in our nation and ask us your questions over coee and cake.

Worcester Slough Southend Yeovil Preston Peterborough

8 September 13 October 20 October 3 November 10 November 24 November

Contact Charlotte to find out more and to book your free place.

e events@care.org.uk t 020 7233 0455

We hope you can join us!