CARE Prayer Diary Jan-April 2018

january to april 2018

CARE Prayer Diary Making a Christian difference through prayer Both lives matter

POLITICS IN BRITAIN

Persecution and Freedom Dispossessed People Gambling Issues Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Special Needs Education Fairtrade Justice Modern Slavery The Gift of Motherhood Water for Life Peacemakers Easter Hope UK Parliaments and Assemblies Life Issues

The Victoria Falls in Zambia, pictured on the cover, was known to the local Kololo pepole as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. It’s a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur. It is the greatest known curtain of falling water in the world. You can see columns of spray from miles away when in the rainy season. More than five hundred million cubic meters of water per minute plummet over the edge, which is 5,604 feet wide, to cascade 354 feet down.

The CARE Prayer Diary is written by Celia Bowring.

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Celia Bowring

JANUARY 21 – 27

PERSECUTION AND FREEDOM ‘Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?’

ROMANS 8:35 (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)

SUN

21

Dear God, we intercede for our 215 million brothers and sisters in the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, suffering because of their faith. Grant them a powerful sense of Your presence and love and help them to be courageous as they face persecution. Amen.

MON

Pray that more governments and world leaders will use their influence to condemn the growing violence and harsh discrimination against Christians and those of other faiths. Remember the heads of repressive regimes, asking God to soften hearts and change attitudes.

TUES

Intercede for Christians in many refugee camps that are essentially controlled by militant Islamists who are threatened, driven away and even killed. Pray that the authorities will act to stop this and that Christians who are vulnerable to such violence will find refuge and hope.

WED

Lord of the Church, thank You for the thousands who are forsaking extreme Islamism to follow You. Protect them and help their faith to grow as they meet secretly and access broadcasts and websites providing Bible teaching, worship and prayer. Amen.

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24

THURS

25

THANKSGIVING: for organisations that support the persecuted church, such as: Barnabas Fund, China Aid, Christian Freedom International Mission, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, FRRME, Network News, Open Doors, Release International and Steadfast Global.

FRi

Please pray for the many church leaders who will attend the P Word Conference in Cardiff tomorrow, co-hosted by CARE and Naked Truth. Pray that they will be equipped to help people who want to be set free from an addiction to pornography. (pwordconference.com/cardiff)

SAT

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY – ‘The power of words’ (hmd.org.uk) Pray that the truth about the wicked genocides that took place under the Nazis and in Armenia, Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur will not be silenced through lies, indifference or forgetfulness – that stories of courage, love, faith and hope will live on.

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27

In North Korea, if a secret church is discovered, everyone is taken to the death camps, including all relatives of the families – even if they have not been involved in worship activities. One Christian found in possession of a Bible was taken to prison. A friend said of him, ‘When he came to faith, he made the decision that one day he would die for Christ.

Every Christian in North Korea has made that choice.’ (Open Doors)

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JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3

DISPOSSESSED PEOPLE ‘He won’t brush aside the bruised and the hurt and He won’t disregard the small and insignificant, but He’ll steadily and firmly set things right. He won’t tire out and quit.

He won’t be stopped until He’s finished his work—to set things right on earth.’

ISAIAH 42:3-5 (THE MESSAGE)

SUN

28

MON

Pray about the millions worldwide affected by leprosy and for the 200,000 new cases each year – more than half of them in India. Give thanks that this disease is curable and for the extensive efforts to eliminate it altogether. Pray for the Leprosy Mission working in 30 affected countries. (leprosymission.org.uk)

TUES

Remember those who are helping at Night Shelters in hundreds of churches throughout the winter – offering a hot meal, a bed and breakfast to homeless people. Pray that many of these guests will also receive advice and support that can help them to rebuild their lives.

WED

Father, we bring before You the tragedy in Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia and many other countries where nearly 20 people each minute are forced to leave their homes because of conflict or persecution. Have mercy on them in their desperate plight and provide the food, shelter and protection they need. Amen.

THURS

Pray about the 100,000 children in the UK who run away from home every year, mostly because of abuse, neglect, sexual exploitation or unhappiness at home or in a placement. Ask God to guide them to places of safety and for them be given long-term help.

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FRI

THANKSGIVING: for the generosity and compassion of Christians and others around the world towards those who are despairing and helpless as they face danger, poverty, homelessness, poor physical and mental health – through no fault of their own.

SAT

Pray that humanitarian support will reach the 430,000 Rohingya refugees who have fled violence in Myanmar into Bangladesh, which itself has scant resources, and for good communication between the Government and aid agencies helping these people whose future is fragile and uncertain.

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4

HOMELESS SUNDAY – ‘Time for Action!’

Lord, please grant the will and the wisdom to those in local authorities and our national governments to understand the needs and find more effective ways to help the growing number of people who find themselves homeless. Amen.

The UN Refugee Agency reports in the last year the highest levels of displacement on record – 65.6 million people forced from home, 22 million refugees, over half of them under the age of 18, who have fled their country. Ten million stateless people have been denied a nationality and access to education, healthcare, employment and freedom of movement.

FEBRUARY 4 – 10

GAMBLING ISSUES ‘LORD, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me … For troubles surround me— too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head.

I have lost all courage. Please, LORD, rescue me! Come quickly, LORD, and help me.’

PSALM 40:11-13 (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)

SUN

God, our Rescuer, we lift to You everyone who is struggling with an addiction to gambling. Please show them a way out of this problem, which so often results in serious debt, relationship breakdown, mental health issues and other difficulties. Amen.

MON

Pray that GAMSTOP, the national online gambling self-exclusion scheme that will soon be in place, will be effective in protecting people with a gambling compulsion. Give thanks for Lord Browne of Belmont’s excellent debate about this last November.

TUES

SAFER INTERNET DAY Ask God to inspire those in government, the communications industry and organisations seeking to protect vulnerable children and adults online – as today hundreds of organisations across the UK will unite to consider ways ‘to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively’.

WED

Lord, we pray that the convincing evidence submitted to the Government’s consultation will persuade them to massively reduce the £100 stake per spin on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) that target poor and vulnerable people. Amen.

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THURS

Remember the situation in Northern Ireland, which has the highest rate of problem gambling in the UK, but where the legal status of FOBTs – ‘the crack cocaine of gambling’ – is unclear. Pray for clarity and prompt positive action to reduce the devastating impact of these machines.

FRI

THANKSGIVING: for everyone who has managed to break free from a harmful gambling habit, and the encouragement their stories can be to others. Remember the excellent work of individuals and organisations that provide counselling, mentoring and other support.

SAT

Pray that, just as tobacco sponsorship of sports ended in 2003, soon the decision will be taken to ban betting companies from advertising on footballer’s shirts, in sports venues, on television and online, all of which normalise gambling, especially for young people.

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Around 70 per cent of the UK population will gamble this year, encouraged by excessive advertising and new ways to bet, like phone apps. Developing a dependency on gambling can seriously affect individuals and those close to them. It harms mental, physical and emotional wellbeing, causes unmanageable debt, and triggers other addictions and crime. Only one in ten receive the help and treatment they need.

5

FEBRUARY 11 – 17

ROBOTICS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (A.I.) ‘Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God … Let Your work appear to Your servants, and Your glory to their children. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us.’

PSALM 90:2,16,17 (NEW KING JAMES VERSION)

SUN

11

MON

Pray that, as public awareness and interest grows about robots and A.I., there will be a clear Christian voice bringing wise and prophetic contributions to the many debates taking place around the ethical and practical implications.

Please pray for CARE’s robotics conference on 29 June.

TUES

Remember the Government’s plans to invest in the development of driverless vehicles, and those working on the technology needed for this to happen. Pray for insight and innovative ideas to produce machines that are environmentally friendly and beneficial to many people.

WED

Lord, please demonstrate Your mercy and grace to our world at this time of revolutionary change as robots and A.I. become increasingly integral to our lives. Help us to discern what is good, and where developments could undermine what it means to be human, made in Your image. Amen.

THURS

Pray for the success of cyber security experts as they use A.I. to detect and repel attacks on computer systems by hackers and other criminals. Remember those employed at the National Cyber Security Centre, as they work to ensure that the UK is one of the safest places in the world to live and do business online.

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THANKSGIVING: that many dangerous, dirty and strenuous tasks can now be done by machines. Pray for such technology that greatly improves people’s lives to be available in the poorest parts of the world, resulting in better health and living conditions for many communities.

SAT

Pray about the long-term effects of robots and A.I. being used in factories, transport, delivery systems and other work previously carried out by men and women who will lose their jobs. Pray for new employment opportunities to open up and that we will be able to adapt to change.

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Creator God, from the beginning You have known how human discoveries, inventions and actions would affect our world, for good or ill. We are thankful that everything is visible to You, the future is in Your hands and nothing that takes place ever surprises You. Amen.

‘We believe in a God who made space and time and built into them all the technology possibilities humans have ever devised. He commanded us to have dominion – to subdue the earth. We don’t always do it right and are sometimes puzzled about what doing it right would look like. But the latest technologies aren’t a surprise to God and they shouldn’t be for us.’

(The Robots are Coming: Us, Them and God by Nigel Cameron, CARE Publications)

FEBRUARY 18 – 24

SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION ‘Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.’

2 THESSALONIANS 2:16,17 (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)

SUN

18

Lord, You have compassion for those who lack strength and we lift to You every child and adult living with physical and learning disabilities, serious illnesses and emotional problems. Please grant great skill and patient tenderness to all who teach and care for them. Amen.

MON

Remember the 15,000 children in the UK who are born each year with a disfigurement and the many others who acquire a disfigurement during their childhood, who often suffer bullying, prejudice and discrimination at school. Ask God to bless the work of Changing Faces. (changingfaces.org.uk)

TUES

Pray for families awaiting an Education Statement that will ensure that their child has the right support to make progress in school – often a difficult process. Pray that sufficient funding, care and the right specialist teaching will be made available for them.

WED

Heavenly Father, please encourage and equip those involved in the education of children and adults who have special needs, at home, in mainstream and special schools: parents and other family members, carers, therapists, teachers, befrienders, medical professionals and many others. Amen.

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THURS

22

Remember the 45,000 deaf children in the UK, 40 per cent of whom have additional special needs. Ask God to help their parents – very few are deaf themselves – to understand and to access the best education so that their children can have every opportunity to fulfil their potential.

FRi

THANKSGIVING: for every ministry that reaches out with the gospel to people with disabilities. Pray that increasingly, churches will actively welcome and encourage them to be part of the family, providing the best resources to help children and adults to meet with God.

SAT

Intercede for families with disabled children in the poorest parts of the world who are unlikely to thrive, or be given an education. Pray for Christian initiatives that provide equipment, special schooling, orphanages, training programmes and other projects offering hope and opportunity.

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In developing countries, children with disabilities are less likely to start school and if they do, they are unlikely to transition to secondary school. Access to school is often limited by a lack of understanding about their needs, trained teachers, classroom support learning resources and facilities.

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FEBRUARY 25 – MARCH 3

FAIRTRADE JUSTICE ‘The LORD detests the use of dishonest scales, but He delights in accurate weights …

Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker; but helping the poor honours Him.’ PROVERBS 11:1, 14:31 (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT 26 FEBRUARY – 11 MARCH SUN

25

MON

Pray that Fairtrade Fortnight will inspire millions of people around the world to choose the Fairtrade option and buy one of 4,500 products with the Fairtrade Foundation mark that are available: coffee, tea, chocolate, gold, cotton, flowers, sugar and other products.

TUES

Remember the poorest labourers in developing countries, including children, who are paid so little and expected to work so hard but have no choice if they are to survive. Pray that increasingly such situations will become known and employers will be forced to treat them fairly.

WED

Lord, we pray for the success of international efforts to improve the pay and appalling working conditions for some gold miners, and to stop the ‘blood diamonds’ trade that finances violence and conflict. May more retailers choose to sell free trade gold and jewellery, and may people increasingly buy them. Amen.

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THURS

1

Give thanks for Traidcraft, founded in 1979 on Christian principles, with the mission to enable people to live out the Christian faith in the area of fighting poverty by working for trade justice for growers and producers in the poorest countries of the world. (traidcraft.co.uk)

FRI

THANKSGIVING: for the thousands of schools, churches, universities, businesses and even whole towns that have decided to choose fair trade goods. Pray that more people will make the effort to shop like this so that the producers in countries far away can benefit.

SAT

Pray about moves by some large supermarket chains to stop selling Fairtrade tea, replacing it with their own ‘fairly traded’ branding. It is feared this will mean that workers receive less pay and other benefits. This may also apply to growers of bananas, chocolate, coffee, sugar and other produce.

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Heavenly Father, please prosper people who conduct their business with integrity and treat their workers honourably. May those who are dishonest and exploit others be found out, brought to justice and where possible, make amends. Amen.

There are 1,226 Fairtrade producer organisations in 74 countries employing 1.74 million farmers and workers. On top of a fair wage these communities receive a premium payment to invest in education, health and other important services.

MARCH 4 – 10

MODERN SLAVERY ‘“Hear this, you who trample the needy and do away with the poor of the land … buying the poor with silver … I will never forget anything they have done.”’

AMOS 8:4,6,7 (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION)

SUN

Father, we intercede for the millions of people who have been forced into slavery, suffering physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Nothing is hidden from Your eyes and we trust You will bring justice to both the victims and perpetrators of this evil trade. Amen.

MON

Please pray for positive progress through the House of Commons for Lord McColl’s Bill to extend the time the Government would allow for trafficked victims to recover more fully from their exploitation and to rebuild their lives, making them less vulnerable to the risks of re-trafficking.

TUES

Pray for Victoria Atkins MP, Minister for Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability and her team to fulfil the Government’s commitment to improve the support offered to victims of modern day slavery and adopt some of the excellent measures that are included in Lord McColl’s Bill.

WED

Lord, we lift to You the terrible predicament of vulnerable trafficked children, many of whom are rescued only to disappear again into the clutches of their traffickers. We ask for more independent advocates and guardians to be appointed across the UK to protect and support them through times of trauma and fear. Amen.

THURS

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Today’s activities highlight the overall widening gap between men and women, especially in the developing world, in the areas of education, economic opportunities, health and political empowerment. Pray for greater equality and justice for disadvantaged and vulnerable women and girls. (#PressforProgress)

FRI

THANKSGIVING: for the patient determination of abolitionists who are fighting the scourge of human trafficking and exploitation throughout the world. Pray that their unity, faith and passion for freedom will grow and result in the release of victims and the successful prosecution of chief perpetrators.

SAT

Continue to pray for the purchase of sex to be made illegal in England, Scotland and Wales – as it is in Northern Ireland. Pray for women, children and some men who have been forced into prostitution to find a way out and to be granted all the support they need to make a new start.

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‘The single root cause of commercial sexual exploitation is male demand. As long as sexual access to women and girls can be bought and sold as though we were objects, there can be no real equality and no real social justice,’ (MSP Ruth Maguire, November 2017 debate in Scottish Parliament)

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MARCH 11 – 17

THE GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD ‘I taught Ephraim to walk. I took them up in my arms. But they did not realize I was the one who took care of them. I led them with kindness and love. I was to them like a person who lifts a little child to their cheek. I bent down and fed them.’

HOSEA 11:3-5 (NEW INTERNATIONAL READER’S VERSION)

SUN

11

MON

Ask God to grant insight, patience and love to mothers of step children and those who are adopted or fostered. Pray that He will strengthen the relationships between parents and help them to nurture every member of their families.

TUES

Pray for those who grieve: women who long for a baby but have never conceived or whose pregnancy ended in miscarriage or still birth. Also remember parents bereaved of their children because of illness, accident or other reasons.

WED

Lord, please help and comfort any mother who has become separated from her child because of conflict, refugee and immigration issues, imprisonment, mental health, marriage breakdown and custody problems, work commitments, or any other reason. Amen.

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14

THURS

15

Intercede that women who are pregnant, living in refugee camps and other overcrowded and dangerous places may receive the care they need in childbirth and in raising their babies and older children. Pray for midwives and others helping them.

FRI

THANKSGIVING: for the contribution of mothers who are not in paid employment so have more time to support their local church and community in prayer and practical ways: through volunteering, providing hospitality, organising groups and events, and using their creative gifts.

SAT

Remember mothers, especially those bringing up children on their own, who find it difficult to juggle employment, family and other responsibilities. Pray that they will have financial means, practical back-up, as well as the emotional and spiritual support they need.

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MOTHERING SUNDAY Loving Father, the compassionate care that we so appreciate in mothers often reflects Your love for us. Please encourage all women today who look after children and manage their homes, alongside many other commitments, especially those who are finding this a challenge. Amen.

The Modern Families Index found that only one fifth of UK families say they have found the right time and money balance for their family to thrive. More than a third say they haven’t got enough time or money. 48 per cent of couple families both work full time. 57 per cent of single parents work full time.

MARCH 18 – 24

WATER FOR LIFE ‘Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks of this water [from a well] will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”’

JOHN 4:13, 14 (ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION)

SUN

Almighty God, Creator of all things, we come to You to drink this spiritual water that will quench our thirst and give us eternal life. Please give us wisdom and loving boldness as we share the good news of Jesus with others, and send Your Spirit to draw many to Yourself. Amen.

MON

Remember delegates attending the World Water Forum, ‘Sharing Water’, in Brasilia this week to consider how to conserve and manage our water supply in ways that ‘enhance our environment for the benefit of all life on Earth’. Pray for a change in attitude from those who dismiss concerns about water pollution and shortage.

TUES

Pray about the serious pollution of springs, rivers, lakes and seas by untreated sewage, plastic and other rubbish, chemical and radioactive substances. Ask God to encourage the many local initiatives to clean up waterways and to prevent contamination in the first place.

WED

Lord, we pray for more efficient methods of collecting water to be established in remote parts of the developing world, so that women and children do not have to spend many hours each day fetching it, instead of working, caring for their families or going to school. Amen.

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THURS

22

WORLD WATER DAY – NATURE FOR WATER Pray that today’s activities across the world will educate and encourage governments, industry, agriculture, business and local communities to work together and safeguard this precious resource of water – using ‘nature-based solutions’ such as reforestation and improved agricultural practices.

FRI

THANKSGIVING: for the encouraging progress being made to provide clean water and hygienic sanitation to people in the poorest places in the world. Pray that the Sustainable Development Goal, to give everyone access to safe water by 2030, will be reached

SAT

Remember those working in the UK water industry to supply clean water and sewerage services, reduce leakage and maintain the infrastructure of pipes, treatment works and storage facilities. Pray that we as consumers will use our water wisely.

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2.3 billion people in the world – one in three – do not have a decent toilet.

844 million people in the world – one in ten – do not have clean water.

Around 289,000 children under five die every year from diarrhoeal diseases caused by poor water and sanitation.

That’s almost 800 children per day, or one child every two minutes.

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MARCH 25 – 31

PEACEMAKERS ‘Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him … Amen.’

HEBREWS 13:20,21 (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION)

SUN

25

MON

Pray for Christians involved in Prison Fellowship’s Sycamore Tree restorative justice programme in 36 prison establishments. The scheme helps offenders to realise how their actions affect others and to make amends where possible – shown to radically reduce reoffending rates.

TUES

Remember those who are experiencing a mental illness at this time; many will be feeling isolated and even ashamed about it. Pray that they will find someone who will understand and help them to find the treatment they need for peace of mind and strength to lead as normal a life as possible.

WED

Intercede for young people in deprived inner-city areas involved in gangs, violence and crime, desperately needing to find true peace. Pray that they will have a life-changing encounter with Jesus because of the words and deeds of Christians that they meet.

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THURS

29

Ask God to grant courage and wisdom to government diplomats, UN peacemakers, organisations and individual envoys who are working to bring peace and security to places across the world where there is political instability, violence and situations that could escalate into war.

FRI

GOOD FRIDAY Lord Jesus, we are so thankful that You died on the cross to redeem us from the power of sin and reconcile us to the Father. May the Holy Spirit fill us with the peace that passes all understanding, and guard our hearts and minds that we may increasingly trust in You in all situations. Amen.

SAT

Remember families where relationships have broken down, especially where children are caught up in conflict between parents. Pray for friends and professionals who will come alongside them to listen, give comfort, offer counsel and support them in practical ways.

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12

Prince of Peace, where disputes, hurts, resentment, envy and pride have fractured relationships and caused distress, please help Your people to seek peace with one another. May Your Spirit soften our hearts and show us how to be humble, repentant, forgiving and loving. Amen.

‘If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a great storm without He will make peace within.

The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble.’

(Thomas Watson, 17th century Puritan preacher)

APRIL 1 – 7

EASTER HOPE ‘Christ Jesus, our Saviour … broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News … I know the One in whom I trust, and I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until the day of His return.’

2 TIMOTHY 1:10,12 (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)

SUN

1

EASTER SUNDAY Risen Lord, we worship You and give thanks for the glorious Easter hope by which we have been saved – ‘raised up and seated with Him in the heavenly realms’. Amen.

MON

WORLD AUTISM DAY Pray for the 700,000 people in Britain who have autism – a lifelong, developmental disability that affects how they communicate and relate to others and their experience of the world around them – to be better understood, supported and championed to thrive, from childhood into the rest of their lives.

TUES

Pray about the growing lack of knowledge of the Bible and the basic tenets of Christianity in our The Garden Tomb in Jerusalem nation’s children. Ask God to help us to withstand the drift in today’s society towards a secular mindset and to protect our right to share the gospel freely.

WED

Redeeming God, we intercede for those who formerly believed in You, but no longer do so. Amid life’s circumstances and through the lives and prayers of Christian family, friends and colleagues please stir up their spirits to respond once again to the gospel. Amen.

THURS

Remember chaplains and other Christians who support UK prison inmates both during their sentences and on release. Pray for Caring for Ex-Offenders, Changing Tunes, Clean Sheet, Kairos, Langley House Trust, Prison Outreach, Prison Ministry, Proclaim Trust, The Welcome Directory, Reflex and other groups.

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FRi

THANKSGIVING: for every Christian initiative to communicate the truth and grace of the gospel to children: in school assemblies, lessons and clubs, youth groups, churches, holiday clubs and mission events. Pray that many young people will understand and accept the message of Jesus.

SAT

Pray for Christians who have gone abroad – as short-term volunteers, Bible translators and missionaries, or to work and witness in the context of a professional role. Ask the Holy Spirit to encourage them with answers to prayer, fresh strength and renewed hope.

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‘In 1979, there were an estimated 500 Christians from a Muslim background in Iran. Today, there are hundreds of thousands – some say more than one million. Whatever the exact number, many Iranians are turning to Jesus as Lord and Saviour.’ (Elam Ministries)

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APRIL 8 – 14

UK PARLIAMENTS AND ASSEMBLIES ‘I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.’

1 TIMOTHY 2: 1-4 (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION)

SUN

Almighty God, we bring before You the elected representatives of each of our Parliaments and Assemblies, and members of the House of Lords. Please instil in them a spirit of integrity and service and help them to put the welfare of the people of the United Kingdom before personal or party interests. Amen.

MON

Intercede for a solution to Northern Ireland’s political problems following the breakdown of the power-sharing agreement between the DUP and Sinn Fein. Pray for James Brokenshire MP, Northern Ireland Secretary, as he negotiates with the Stormont party leaders.

TUES

Pray about problems around the Scottish Government’s intended Named Person Scheme to monitor the wellbeing of every child in Scotland, especially the real concern that parents’ rights to raise their children in accordance with their values and beliefs could be undermined.

WED

Lord, please show grace and favour to the politicians, negotiators and civil servants who are trying to make Holyrood – the Scottish Parliament progress on the various aspects of Brexit. May the final agreement be fair and workable for all parties. Amen.

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THURS

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THANKSGIVING: for the ‘light and salt’ influence Christians can have as they serve in the UK Parliaments and Assemblies as elected representatives, civil servants, advisers and other staff. Ask God to strengthen and protect them, particularly when they feel under increased pressure.

SAT

Pray about the recent distressing accusations of sexual harassment and assault against several politicians at Westminster, Holyrood and the Welsh Assembly. Pray that the truth about each allegation will be made clear and appropriate action taken.

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Pray for our Prime Minister and the Government as they seek to tackle their key priorities: strengthening the economy, investing in infrastructure, education, the NHS, housing, improving employment opportunities and legislation about domestic violence.

‘In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father ... For the maintenance of democratic values and principles, for the pursuit of justice, equality and fairness for all, and for humility to imitate Christ and to be the servant of others. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.’ (From a Service for the New Parliament, St Margaret’s Church, Westminster in June 2010)

APRIL 15 – 21

LIFE ISSUES ‘For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being.’

JOB 12:10 (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)

SUN

15

Father God, we pray for every baby who is on the brink of being born. We also remember those of any age whose lives are hanging by a thread, possibly nearing the end of their days. Please bestow Your grace and love upon all who care for these precious ones. Amen.

MON

Pray that those involved in current debates about abortion will heed recent ComRes polling findings that most people are opposed to removing legal restraint from the practice of abortion – with only 12 per cent in support of this. Ask God to continue to give CARE and other agencies, who want to defend the unborn, opportunities to speak about this with wisdom, grace and truth.

TUES

Please pray that the Care Not Killing coalition, of which CARE is a member, and other organisations representing disabled people, will be well prepared to thwart any fresh attempts to bring forward legislation allowing physician assisted suicide in the UK. (carenotkilling.org.uk)

WED

Lord, please grant wisdom and success to Christians and others in Northern Ireland who are committed to protecting the most vulnerable and are challenging the campaign to legalise abortion there because it is claimed that the existing rules are a breach of women’s human rights. Amen.

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THURS

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Pray that doctors, nurses and midwives who would overwhelmingly seek to protect all human life will speak out against to moves within the British Medical Association and the Royal Colleges of Midwives and Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to support the further liberalisation of abortion.

FRi

THANKSGIVING: for Hospice UK, the national voice for over 200 hospices providing vital care to 200,000 people with terminal or life-limiting illnesses, and supporting their loved ones. Pray for staff and the 125,000 volunteers engaged in caring, fundraising and advocacy. (hospiceuk.org)

SAT

Remember people who are in a deep coma, and those experiencing ‘locked in syndrome’ – who are seemingly comatose, but are actually aware. Ask God to comfort their families and friends, and guide those who are looking after them about their treatment and care.

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Hospice care aims to affirm life and death, working with and within local communities to tailor palliative care around the needs of those with a terminal or life-shortening condition, and support carers, friends and family before and after bereavement. Staff and volunteers offer expert support that places equal emphasis on clinical, physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs, understanding that everyone is different.

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Making a Christian difference

 equips individuals and the local

church for prayer and action

 impacts the political world  provides research and briefings

for parliamentarians

 trains Christian graduates through

Edinburgh

the CARE Leadership Programme

 supports the vulnerable

through advocacy

Belfast facebook.com/careorguk instagram.com/careorguk twitter.com/careorguk twitter.com/careprayerdiary PrayerMate: praynow4.org/care

Cardiff

Chairman Rev Lyndon Bowring | Chief Executive Nola Leach 53 Romney Street | London | SW1P 3RF | 020 7233 0455 | mail@care.org.uk Charity No: 1066963 Scottish Charity: SC038911

care.org.uk