CARE Prayer Diary January-April 2020

JANUARY – APRIL 2020

CARE Prayer Diary In this issue: Hope in the midst of suffering Education matters True love The United Kingdom Speaking for the voiceless Mental health Building fairer communities Celebrating diversity Rural living Human dignity and life Our gospel responsibilities People in prison Fragile earth

100th

edition See page 11

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see: all I have needed Thy hand hath provided-Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Thomas O. Chisholm

As I write this 100th issue of the Prayer Diary, it’s deeply reassuring to reflect that in a world of change and uncertainty we can trust our Heavenly Father, the Creator and Sustainer, and source of love, forgiveness, hope and life. As Spring returns unfailingly each year our hearts are encouraged that God holds everything in His hands. He only is the one who can act as we pray.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

The CARE Prayer Diary is written by Celia Bowring.

JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 1

HOPE IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING SUN 26

MON 27

WORLD LEPROSY DAY – ‘Overturning the stigma of leprosy’ Almighty Father, Giver of life and health, look mercifully on those who suffer from leprosy. Stretch out your hand to touch and heal them as Jesus did during His earthly life, and grant wisdom to those who are seeking the prevention and cure of the disease. Amen. (Leprosy Mission prayer) HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY – ‘Stand Together’ 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. 25th anniversary of the Bosnian genocide.

Lord of all compassion and righteousness, please confirm in us the heavenly hope that one day You will truly recompense anyone who has experienced unimaginable suffering and deal with the people who inflicted cruelties on them. Amen.

TUE 28

We praise You, Lord Jesus, that every chain of sin and oppression were destroyed at the cross. Please reveal the wonderful hope of the resurrection and Your promise of eternal life to anyone in despair and feeling weak. Amen.

WED 29

Father, we lovingly remember our brothers and sisters all over the world who are persecuted because of their faith in Jesus. Please guard them from their enemies, provide for their material needs and bestow courage and hope upon them. Amen.

‘The Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.

He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine …

Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.’ PSALM 33:18-22 (NLT)

THURS 30

Lord, we intercede for the 70 million people driven from their homes because of persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations. Please encourage Christian initiatives that are helping them to rebuild their lives and find true peace and hope. Amen.

FRI 31

Thank You, God of all comfort, for every Christian ministry that reaches out with practical help to people experiencing pain caused by bereavement, ill health, financial disaster, broken relationships, injustice and other trials. Amen.

SAT 1

Father, we pray for the estimated 11 million people in prison worldwide, many held without trial, in squalid conditions, when they might be freed. Please shine Your light into these dark places to bring deliverance and hope. Amen.

‘The best we can hope for in this life is a knothole peek at the shining realities ahead. Yet a glimpse is enough to convince our hearts that whatever sufferings and sorrows currently assail us aren’t worthy of comparison to that which waits over the horizon.’ (Joni Eareckson Tada, global advocate for people with disabilities. At 17 a diving accident left her a quadriplegic.)

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FEBRUARY 2 – 8

EDUCATION MATTERS FEBRUARY 2 - 16 LOVE OUR SCHOOLS FORTNIGHT (prayforschools.org) SUN 2

Lord of all knowledge and wisdom, please help our children – from nursery to sixth form – to benefit from their time at school. May they learn, be nurtured and encouraged, enjoy friendships and develop their gifts and interests. Amen.

MON 3

Heavenly Father, please inspire many Christian parents, grandparents, staff, pupils and friends to pray for their schools regularly and offer practical support where needed, especially in this ‘Love our Schools Fortnight’. Amen.

TUE 4

Dear Lord, thank You for Christians in chaplaincy roles in schools, colleges and universities. Please give them insight, patience, wisdom and love for the students and staff members they care for and open opportunities to share Your grace and truth. Amen.

WED 5

God of love, please guide all who are involved in delivering Relationships and Sex Education in schools; that children may be informed and taught appropriately, and education authorities will recognise the benefit of consulting parents and respecting their concerns for their children. Amen.

‘Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.’ PROVERBS 22:6 (AV)

THURS 6

Lord Jesus, You have deep compassion for those who need help. Please bless children and young adults with additional education needs because of a learning disability, life-limiting illness, physical impairment, or mental health issue. Amen.

FRI 7

Lord, thank You for every opportunity in the UK for children and adults to learn, develop gifts and skills and be part of a learning community. Please inspire those in authority to increase access to many kinds of education. Amen.

SAT 8

Father, we think of the millions of children in developing countries who are denied any education or can learn very little that would equip them for a fulfilling life. Please prosper every initiative to build and maintain good schools in such areas. Amen.

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A 2017 UNESCO report said an annual £30 billion would give the world’s 2.2 billion children equal access to learning.

Right now, only 83 per cent of children in education complete elementary school, and 45 per cent aged 15-to-17 will finish secondary school. 264 million boys and girls are denied access to education.

FEBRUARY 9 – 15

TRUE LOVE

FEBRUARY 10 – 16 ‘CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS AWARENESS WEEK’ (nacoa.org.uk) FEBRUARY 11 – 17 ‘NATIONAL MARRIAGE WEEK’ (marriage-week.org.uk) SUN 9

Jesus, Your command is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength – and to love others as ourselves. Please forgive us when we fail, and help us to ‘see You more clearly, love You more dearly and follow You more nearly each day. Amen.

MON 10

Father, please reveal Your unconditional love to children whose parents struggle with alcoholism that prevents them from caring responsibly for their child. Help these children to find the support they need. Amen. (Nacoa Helpline: 0800 358 3456)

TUE 11

SAFER INTERNET DAY ‘TOGETHER FOR A BETTER INTERNET.’ Lord, we want children to benefit from the internet. We pray about cyber-bullying, danger from predators, access to pornography and gambling sites and other online risks. Thank You for initiatives that educate, equip, counsel and protect them. Amen.

WED 12

Dear God, please bless and prosper Christian organisations that demonstrate Your love to vulnerable children who are at risk of, or have been excluded from school and need committed, caring support to set them on the right track. Amen.

(Transforming Lives for Good: tlg.org.uk)

‘We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us … Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.’ 1 JOHN 3:16-18 (NLT) THURS 13

Father, we remember the 100,000 children in local authority care, many of whom are waiting to be adopted or fostered. Please raise up more Christians willing to provide the security and acceptance that lies at the heart of true love. Amen. (homeforgood.org.uk)

FRI 14

ST VALENTINE’S DAY We are so grateful Father, for Your gift of love. We celebrate relationships within families, among friends and towards our neighbours, wherever they may be. Above all, thank You for the love of Christ who laid down His life for us. Amen.

SAT 15

Jesus, ‘Bridegroom of the Church’, please bless engaged and newly-wed couples, those raising families, and partners in later life. Strengthen their love and commitment; that they may be especially wise and selfless in testing times. Amen.

‘Marriage Week’ is an annual celebration encouraging people to believe that marriage is worth investing in. Research shows that stable families make for happier children, grown-ups and a wider community. Couples who work at their marriage are more likely to stay together and be that stable family, leading to a happier society.

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FEBRUARY 16 – 22

THE UNITED KINGDOM

SUN 16

Father, please continue to bless and guide our Queen with wisdom and grace as she seeks to live out her Christian faith both in her service to this country and across the Commonwealth, and at home with her family and friends. Amen.

MON 17

Lord, we intercede for Scotland as debates about the future continue in the Parliaments and across society. Please help those with strongly held views on constitutional matters to avoid serious division and discord; that justice and freedom might prevail. Amen.

TUE 18

God of righteousness and mercy, please speak to politicians and others about how to reverse the growing inequality between the UK’s richest and poorest, that is impoverishing millions of people. Amen.

WED 19

Lord, we bring You the ongoing situation in Northern Ireland where the absence of the Devolved Assembly at Stormont over the past years has led to many difficulties.

Please raise up leaders of wisdom and integrity who can find lasting solutions that make for peace. Amen.

‘Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling-place he watches all who live on earth – he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.’ PSALM 33:12-15 (NIV) THURS 20

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Holy Spirit, please increase faith, inspire compassion and instil hope in members of the UK churches that are stepping up to prayer, evangelism and community involvement during 2020. We long for Your power and love to bring healing and salvation to our land. Amen.

FRI 21

Lord, thank You for every benefit that has come from the union between England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales for the last three centuries. Please grant wisdom to those considering further powers to the devolved Parliaments and Assemblies and the possibility of Scottish independence. Amen.

SAT 22

‘… May they never lead this nation wrongly through love of power, desire to please, or unworthy ideals, but laying aside all private interests and prejudices keep in mind their responsibility to seek to improve the condition of all mankind’. Amen. (Prayer for our politicians, said before every House of Commons session.)

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest reigning monarch, is loved and respected across the globe. Renowned for her devotion to duty and service, she has been an important figurehead for the UK and the Commonwealth during times of enormous social change. The Queen has links with over 600 charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organisations.

FEBRUARY 23 – 29

SPEAKING FOR THE VOICELESS FEBRUARY 24 – MARCH 8 FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT: Cocoa, Women and a Living Income. (fairtrade.org.uk) SUN 23

Thank You, Father, that You see the suffering and hear the cries of all who feel they are invisible and forgotten. Please grant that those who are speaking up for the disenfranchised, the destitute and the desperate will be heard and heeded. Amen.

MON 24

Lord our provider, we pray for cocoa farmers in West Africa – especially women, often overlooked and under-represented – who are unable to make a living as prices have been at crisis levels. May more of us switch to buying Fairtrade products where possible. Amen.

TUE 25

God of righteousness and truth please bring to justice individuals, gangs, cartels, paramilitary groups, state sponsored organisations and governments that exploit those with no voice; denying their rights – through trafficking, slavery, addiction and other means. Amen.

WED 26

LENT BEGINS Holy Spirit, as we approach Easter please inspire us with greater insight and gratitude for the amazing sacrifice Jesus made to redeem and save us. Help us therefore to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly before You, giving generously and speaking up on behalf of those in need. Amen.

‘Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honours God.’ PROVERBS 14:31 (NIV) THURS 27

Lord of life, we remember the over 200,000 unborn babies aborted in the UK last year, and the women who were involved. Please grant grace, courage and wisdom to those determined to speak out about this tragic situation. Amen.

FRI 28

Thank you Lord, for everyone who uses their position to demand justice and freedom for people who are persecuted for their faith and their stand for justice.

Please protect and strengthen them and inspire many others to follow their example. Amen.

SAT 29

Father, please bring justice to the 240 million children affected by conflict; enduring violence, displacement and exploitation. May freedom and restoration come for the estimated 30,000 child soldiers recruited in 17 countries. Amen.

‘The suffering and the pain which we hear about requires those of us with the privilege of political freedom to demand justice and human dignity for those who do not enjoy these freedoms. We cannot afford the luxury of silence.’ (Lord Alton, tireless Christian campaigner for life and courageous advocate for persecuted people.)

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MARCH 1 – 7

MENTAL HEALTH

SUN 1

SELF INJURY AWARENESS DAY Father, please lead young people who ‘self-harm’ – in an attempt to manage their feelings of anger, distress, fear, worry, depression or low self-esteem – to connect with Christian organisations like Self Harm, or other mainstream initiatives that can help them. Amen. (selfharm.co.uk)

MON 2

Dear God, we pray for the significant number of people with learning disabilities who also have mental health problems and find it difficult to access help. Please bless every effort to provide appropriate services for this group of patients. Amen.

TUE 3

O Lord, draw near to patients who have been diagnosed with dementia, and to those who care for them. Please send help, especially if symptoms worsen and difficult choices must be made; so that the best treatment and support may be found. Amen.

WED 4

Lord Jesus, You empathise with human feelings of anxiety, sadness, regret and disappointment and You see when such burdens become too heavy to bear.

Please send Your healing Spirit to those who need Your peace and grace amid their fear and pain. Amen.

‘Jesus says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”’ MATTHEW 11:28,29 (NIV)

THURS 5

8

Loving God, may those suffering from post-traumatic stress: war veterans, emergency service workers, survivors of assault, abuse, accidents and other horrific events, receive the medical and therapeutic treatment they need and loving care from families and friends. Amen.

FRI 6

Thank You Lord for the increased understanding of mental health issues, especially with many well-known people sharing about their own problems and more information and practical support being available. Please help us all to empathise with those who suffer. Amen.

SAT 7

Lord our Healer, we pray for our stretched NHS mental health services staff caring for growing patient numbers with limited resources. We intercede for a significant increase both in funding and in training opportunities to meet the urgent needs of children and adults. Amen.

• • • •

Nearly half of 17-19-year-olds with a diagnosable mental health disorder has self-harmed or attempted suicide.

Less than one per cent of the NHS budget goes to children and young people’s mental health services.

One in eight children have a diagnosable mental health disorder.

One in three adult mental health conditions relate directly to adverse childhood experiences. (youngminds.org.uk)

MARCH 8 – 14

BUILDING FAIRER COMMUNITIES

SUN 8

MON 9

TUE 10 WED 11

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY ‘An equal world is an enabled world’ Creator God, You made human beings in Your own image and crowned them with glory and honour. We long for both men and women to experience greater respect and dignity so that individuals, communities and nations may flourish. Amen.

COMMONWEALTH DAY Almighty God, please grant success to The Commonwealth Blue Charter commitment by all 53 member countries – 46 having marine coastlines – to co-operate actively ‘to solve ocean-related problems and meet commitments for sustainable ocean development’. Amen.

Dear Lord, we remember the serious regional inequalities in Britain and pray that the proposed improved transport links, wise investment in northern cities and other initiatives will bring greater prosperity to many communities. Amen.

Lord, please reveal solutions to the growing pressures on prisons, the Crown Prosecution Service and other branches of our justice system, with underfunding and staff shortages resulting in some people being denied justice and fewer cases being tried. Amen.

‘Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate … let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.’ AMOS 5:15,24 (ESV)

THURS 12

Father God, as the UK and our European neighbours continue to negotiate on future financial, political and legal arrangements, please help everyone concerned to deal fairly and honestly for the benefit of all sections of society. Amen.

FRI 13

Lord thank You, for inspiring and equipping Christians to come alongside disadvantaged people in their communities – who are homeless, short of essentials, unwell and living with a disability, suffering abuse, lonely and excluded. Amen.

SAT 14

Lord, we intercede for peace and justice across the world to replace the discrimination and oppression different groups show each other. Please raise up more people of integrity and courage to speak of the responsibilities You teach us to love one another. Amen.

‘Only 113 countries ensure equal pay for equal work; 104 make certain jobs off-limits for women; 39 legally prevent daughters from inheriting the same proportion of assets as sons; 36 limit what wives can inherit from their husbands; 29 restrict the hours women can work; 18 allow men to prohibit their wives from working; 17 limit women’s freedom to travel outside the home.’ (Melinda Gates The Moment of Lift.)

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MARCH 15 – 21

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

SUN 15

Creator God, we are astounded by the intricacy, beauty, order and glory of all You have made: planets, stars, oceans, mountains, forests, fields, coastlines, plains, snowscapes, deserts and all the millions of species within these habitats. We bow before You in awe! Amen.

MON 16

Lord, please impart knowledge and wisdom to all who are trying to protect endangered species like bees, coral reefs, elephants, giraffes, insects and whales. We pray that governments will be more willing to cooperate in this crucial task. Amen.

TUE 17

Father, thank You that every person has been made in Your image and yet is different from anyone else, bringing such diversity of gifting, personality, appearance and culture both today and across the millennia of history. Teach us to celebrate this diversity. Amen.

WED 18

Almighty God, please send Your Holy Spirit upon Your people from every nation, tribe, people and language redeemed through the death and resurrection of Your Son. May the Church ever grow in unity, grace and truth; increasingly reflecting the love of Jesus. Amen.

‘I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb … they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”’ REVELATION 7:9,10 (NLT) THURS 19

Lord, please help teachers, social workers, police officers, health professionals and others working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, to overcome any barriers of language, culture, ethnicity and creed. Amen.

FRI 20

Thank You, Lord for the contribution that immigrants to Britain have made over the centuries, through their material wealth, hard work, intellectual and creative gifts, traditions and cultures. We especially appreciate those who have blessed us through their Christian faith. Amen.

SAT 21

WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY Father, many misunderstand and discriminate against children and adults with learning disabilities like Down Syndrome. We pray for attitudes to become far more accepting so that they are valued and given better access to healthcare, education and other opportunities for them to flourish. Amen.

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‘More depth of beauty is felt from a choir that sings in parts than from one that sings only in unison. Unity in diversity is more beautiful and more powerful than the unity of uniformity … Untold differences exist. When the diversity between the peoples of the world unites in worship to God, the beauty of their praise will echo the depth and greatness of God’s beauty far more than if the redeemed were from only a few different people groups.’ (John Piper)

100 edition th

of the Prayer Diary!

JANUARY to APRIL 2017

England and Wales Edition

CARE Prayer Diary Making a Christian difference through prayer

27475 Care Prayer Diary Jan - April AW.indd 1

15/12/2016 14:09

OCTOBER 2019 to JANUARY 2020

CARE Prayer Diary Making a Christian difference through prayer

In this issue: Mercy and Grace Life and Liberty Gratitude Children’s Welfare Care for Creation Compassion Justice and Transparency When Someone Dies Light of the World New Beginnings Christians in the Workplace Politics and People Families in Need

27 OCTOBER – NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR LIFE 35503 Care Prayer Diary Oct 2019-Jan 2020 STG6.indd 1

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We hope this resource has been a blessing for you and your church family. Perhaps you have been praying with us for many years.

We’d love to hear from you. What have been your highlights? How have you been using the diary?

CARE’s Executive Editor, Celia Bowring, has been writing the Prayer Diary for over 30 years.

Read with us as she shares her thoughts.

What’s unique about the CARE Prayer Diary?

The wide range of topics that reaches way beyond the issues CARE deals with.

What’s the process behind writing it?

Lyndon and I choose the topics together, I spend about 60 hours writing and he does the final edit. Then our gifted colleague Hannah chooses the pictures on the cover and for each week.

How have you kept it fresh after 100 editions?

I really don’t know but it’s an amazing privilege! And I love writing the prayers, so it feels like a real gift from God. How do people use the Prayer Diary?

I know that people have used it in their home groups, in church bulletins and services, and in their private prayers. Some also just dip into it occasionally and that’s great too.

How is it available?

Apart from the printed version, you can also access these prayers on CARE’s website, by email, on Twitter and via the PrayerMate app. We have a small number of large print copies, if you would find that useful.

When will you stop writing it?

I’ll keep going for as long as it’s valued – and for as long as God gives me the inspiration and strength.

What’s the hardest part?

Sometimes the awareness of the spiritual battle can make it hard work so I’m very grateful for the support of friends and colleagues.

And ‘Thank you’ to all you lovely people who encourage and pray for me!

To read the Prayer Diary online, or to sign up for the daily prayers by email, please visit: care.org.uk/prayer /careprayerdiary

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If you have any queries or if we can help you in any way please telephone 020 7233 0455.

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To contribute to CARE’s ongoing ministry please go to care.org.uk/giving

Are your local schools covered in prayer?

Pray for Schools (PFS) wants to see 'every school a prayed for school'. Thousands of schools across the UK are being prayed for by individuals, churches and PFS groups.

Can you join us to pray?

Pray for Schools provides inspiration, resources and practical ideas; linking with many other initiatives to increase prayer for schools in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. In Scotland, Scripture Union oversees PFS.

Find out more on our website, on social media or by emailing us at: england@prayforschools.org, wales@prayforschools.org, tim.martin@care.org.uk (NI) prayforschools.org

@prayforschools

/prayforschools

MARCH 22 – 28

RURAL LIVING

SUN 22

WORLD WATER DAY: Water and Climate Change O God, please help those in the Environment Agency to make timely progress in distributing resources fairly across the country so that local authorities, contractors and others can construct and manage crucial flood and coastal erosion schemes that protect communities at risk of flooding. Amen.

MON 23

Jesus, our Good Shepherd, please refresh church leaders in villages and more remote places who, because their congregations are widely spread out, often feel tired and dispirited. May they find more helpers to assist with their pastoral work and evangelism. Amen.

TUE 24

Lord, we remember farmers in the poorest parts of the world at risk from extreme climatic conditions, the exploitation of others, social unrest and poverty. Please cause their crops and flocks to be fruitful and enable them to sell what they produce at fair prices. Amen.

WED 25

Father, we remember the essential work of the Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust and other ecological initiatives as they plant trees, manage wooded areas and protect the animals, birds, insects and plants that live in them. Amen.

‘For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.’ 2 CORINTHIANS 9:10 (NLT) THURS 26

Creator God, thank You for the UK’s 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and 15 National Parks: coastal cliffs, mountain ranges, wild moorland, ancient woodlands and meadows that are all of great beauty, scientific importance and ecological value. Amen.

FRI 27

Lord, we thank You for rural churches and local ministries, and for organisations like Hope Together, Rural Evangelism Network, Counties and Village Hope that encourage people to grow in their Christian faith and reach out to others. Amen.

SAT 28

Lord, we pray that all rural areas in the UK will soon have access to efficient broadband connections that is so essential. Please bless the work of farming, tourism, small businesses and many other enterprises that bring life and prosperity to communities. Amen.

About two-thirds of the land in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales is classified as rural and about 30 per cent of the UK population lives there. The number of older people in villages and sparsely populated areas is growing; many on low incomes, living longer and likely to need more medical and caring services.

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MARCH 29 – APRIL 4

HUMAN DIGNITY AND LIFE

SUN 29

God our Redeemer, thank You for Your great love for human beings made in Your likeness. Help us always to see others as You do, remembering that each life is unique, precious and to be protected from conception to natural end. Amen.

MON 30

Lord, please draw near to people who have failing health, and comfort those who care for them. We ask that they would be treated with compassion, respect and dignity especially near the end of life; able to die in peace toward others, themselves and with You. Amen.

TUE 31

Father God, today as a new abortion law is enforced in Northern Ireland, please help doctors, midwives and other staff who oppose this to know what to do when asked to assist with abortions. May women and unborn babies have some protection under the new framework. Amen.

WED 1

Lord, please continue to bless CARE’s Open ministry; providing retreats for women after a pregnancy loss and pastoral care training for church leaders. We pray too for the work of Pregnancy Centres Network and the many local Christian groups they support. Amen. (weareopen.org.uk) (pregnancycentresnetwork.org.uk)

‘Jesus says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”’ MATTHEW 11:28,29 (NIV)

THURS 2

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God of compassion, we grieve over every unborn and newly born life lost through miscarriage, illness, disability, injury and other distressing circumstances. Please help bereaved parents and others to find consolation as they say goodbye to their precious children. Amen.

FRI 3

Thank You, Lord, for all who show such skill and dedication to look after children and adults who have serious physical, mental and emotional disabilities. Grant them patience and hope in the hard times. Amen.

SAT 4

Lord, we pray that efforts by MPs and others in Westminster to bring Great Britain’s abortion legislation in line with the new law in Northern Ireland – the most liberal in Europe – will fail, and that people will heed evidence and arguments showing how harmful this would be. Amen.

Annually over 200,000 abortions are carried out in the UK. The World Health Organisation estimates that every year in the world there are 40-50 million abortions. Behind these terrible statistics lie tragic stories of loss for women, families and communities, and the reality that our world has been deprived of so many amazing, creative, loving lives.

APRIL 5 – 11

OUR GOSPEL RESPONSIBILITIES

SUN 5

MON 6 TUE 7

WED 8

PALM SUNDAY We praise You King Jesus for Your humility; riding into Jerusalem on a donkey and receiving the hosannas of ordinary people, knowing all that lay ahead. Just as You did not flinch from obedience to the Father, may we gladly give ourselves to whatever service He asked us to do in Your name. Amen.

Thank You Lord for church initiatives reaching out to people in need: from lunch clubs for older people and children in school holidays to foodbanks, from debt advice to sheltering the homeless. Help them also to share the gospel message. Amen.

Father, we pray for Christians You call to stand up for truth, justice and compassion in politics, media, business, industry, law, finance, education, medicine, care for the environment and other areas. May they hold fast to Your Word and be worthy ambassadors of Christ. Amen.

Lord, please raise up people with vision and resources so that more church buildings can be used for social gatherings and offer essential services such as post offices, GP surgeries and shops, besides being places of worship. Amen.

‘For by grace you have been saved through faith … not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.’

EPHESIANS 2:8-10 (ESV)

THURS 9

Holy Spirit, please reveal to us what good works You have ordained for our lives.

May you especially shape and guide children and young people through their education, giftings, relationships, interests and encounters with Jesus to discover what You have called them to do. Amen.

FRI 10

GOOD FRIDAY Lord, we are forever grateful for the cross. We worship You Lord Jesus – our Suffering Saviour, Risen Redeemer and Coming King. Thank You Father for sending Your beloved Son to die; that all who believe in Him might have eternal life. Amen.

SAT 11

Lord our Saviour, may Your people be peacemakers, encouraging forgiveness and reconciliation in families, workplaces, churches, communities and further afield.

Please give wisdom, courage and favour to those trying to do this where there is little hope of agreement. Amen.

‘I felt my heart strangely warmed. I did trust in Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.’

‘Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.’ (John Wesley 1703-91)

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APRIL 12 – 18

PEOPLE IN PRISON

SUN 12

EASTER DAY Lord Jesus, we rejoice in Your resurrection when You overcame sin, death and the devil. Please help us to trust in ‘that power that raised You from the dead and seated You in the place of honour at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms’ so that our faith and love might grow. Amen.

MON 13

Father, we intercede for those whose lives are dominated by severe mental illnesses, harmful addictions, oppression by other people or enslavement to spiritual influences of evil. Please set them free by Your love and power. Amen.

TUE 14

God of justice and mercy, please help prison workers to maintain humane attitudes towards inmates, especially in situations where overcrowding, serious staff shortages, drug abuse, violence and other issues make their job so difficult. Amen.

WED 15

Lord Jesus, we ask You to strengthen our brothers and sisters worldwide who are in prison because of their faith. We pray too for the estimated three million Uyghur people and other Muslims detained without charge in brutal political re-education camps in Xinjiang, China. Amen.

‘So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.’ JOHN 8:36 (ESV)

THURS 16

Loving Saviour, we pray for the hundreds of deeply troubled young people in Britain being held in young offender institutions, secure children’s homes and training centres – many convicted of violent offences. Please rescue them from the tragic downward spiral of their lives. Amen.

FRI 17

Thank You Lord for Christian ministries that demonstrate Your love to prisoners, exoffenders and their families; coming alongside and supporting them through prayer and practical care. Please continue to open doors for the gospel and speak to those who feel they are without hope. Amen.

SAT 18

Father, please help staff in HM Prison Services responsible for around 88,000 people in custody, to find ways to make prisons safer places, to improve conditions for inmates and staff and to reduce reoffending rates. Amen.

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In 2018, over 53,000 people experienced Alpha in prison. It currently runs in over 900 prisons and secure facilities, in 46 countries. ‘Prison can be a place of transformation, and Alpha for Prisons has proved again and again a means by which many prisoners have found transformation – new purpose, direction and faith. It is truly a remarkable work.’ (Graham Tomlin, Bishop of Kensington)

APRIL 19 – 25

FRAGILE EARTH

SUN 19

Creator God, we marvel at all You have made – intricately balanced and miraculously sustained by Your eternal wisdom and mighty power – on earth and throughout the unfathomable reaches of the universe. Amen.

MON 20

Dear Lord, we pray for people in New South Wales following November’s devastating bush fires, and for those in other places that face similar threats. Grant wisdom to those responsible for taking precautions, firefighting, rescuing people and wildlife and restoring communities. Amen.

TUE 21

WED 22

O God, You created the amazing Amazon region, which spans eight South American countries and contains 1.4 billion acres of dense forests, 4,100 miles of winding rivers and a tenth of the world’s species. Please help those who are seeking to protect this vast area. Amen.

EARTH DAY CLIMATE ACTION Almighty God, we recognise the urgent need for all countries to cooperate by taking measures to reduce carbon emissions drastically. May the leaders of any states that are unconvinced that the world’s environment is under threat be persuaded and equipped to take action. Amen.

‘God created human beings in his own image … male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”’ GENESIS 1:27,28 (NLT) THURS 23

Father, we pray for impoverished communities at risk from extreme weather, many steadily degraded through poor farming, destruction of vegetation and other problems. Please send help to restore their land and increase productivity. Amen.

FRI 24

Lord, thank You for every initiative that encourages people to live more simply, care for the environment and work towards sustainable solutions to global problems. We remember the wonderful Christian organisation A Rocha UK, that lost three senior staff in a fatal road accident last autumn. Amen.

SAT 25

Father God, we pray for world leaders to support countries that are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, pollution and other problems. Please expose instances of greed, indifference and selfishness that endanger the future for people and the environments in which they live. Amen.

‘“We can’t have a common future if we leave behind the vulnerable segments of our population, who often stand to be hardest hit by climate change ... Our policies have to be made with our children’s future in mind. Leaders need to think big and act bigger.”’ (Angel Gurría, Secretary-General, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD))

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