CARE Prayer Diary April - July 2020

APRIL – JULY 2020

CARE Prayer Diary In this issue: Safety on our Streets Music Mercy and Grace Sharing God’s Word Care in the Community Hope for the World Children at Risk The Image of God Men and Women of Integrity The Nations of Europe Invisible Disabilities Internet Issues National Health Service

‘Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.’

Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) 1

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength as our labours increase, To added afflictions He addeth his mercy, To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed ere the day is half-done, When we reach the end of our hoarded resources Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Annie Johnson Flint (1866–1932) Orphaned as a child, Annie was adopted by a loving Christian family. She dreamed of being a concert pianist but developed rheumatoid arthritis so severe that by the age of 30 she could no longer walk. Despite intense pain in her fingers, Annie became a prolific writer and her faith in Christ was unshakeable.

The CARE Prayer Diary is written by Celia Bowring.

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Celia Bowring

APRIL 26 – MAY 2

SAFETY ON OUR STREETS

SUN 26

Merciful Lord, we intercede for places that are blighted by warfare, crime and poverty where the streets are unsafe, especially at night. Please bring peaceful order through political action, wise policing and constructive rebuilding in these broken communities. Amen.

MON 27

Lord, we pray for policemen and women who are under huge pressure as they work to protect the public and fight crime. Please help local and national government, police leaders and Crime Commissioners to recruit more frontline officers and provide necessary resources. Amen.

TUES 28

Dear Lord, please watch over key workers as they travel to their jobs, and others leaving home for essential shopping, exercise and other important reasons.

Help everyone to be wise and careful so that they are not exposed to coronavirus, or unknowingly pass it on. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WED 29

Saviour God, please guide those tackling the spiralling problem of violent gangs and drug dealers, in our towns and cities, where disputes are increasingly being settled with guns and knives. Please rescue young people from these horrific crimes. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

‘Rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You’ll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community liveable again.’ ISAIAH 58:12 (MSG) THURS 30

Lord, our Good Shepherd, please continue to bless Street Pastors, Street Angels and other Christian ministries that train over 20,000 volunteers to offer reassurance, safety and support to vulnerable people at night in many UK towns and cities, by listening, caring, and helping. Amen.

FRI 1

INTERNATIONAL FIREFIGHTERS DAY is on 4 May Heavenly Father, thank You for the skill and bravery of firefighters serving across the world. Please watch over them as they risk their own safety to save lives and properties. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

SAT 2

Lord, thank You for every emergency service team that attends traffic and other accidents on our roads. Please enable them to respond to dangerous situations rapidly and wisely as they bring crucial help to injured people. Amen.

Every year across the world more than 1.3 million people are killed on a road.

The UK Department of Transport report there were 1,784 road deaths in 2018 with over 25,000 people seriously injured.

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MAY 3 – 9

MUSIC

SUN 3

INTERNATIONAL DAWN CHORUS DAY Thank You, Lord, that we can enjoy the incomparable music of birds whose singing greets the dawn of each new day all over the world. Please grant success to every initiative to monitor and protect endangered species and to preserve and cultivate habitats where birds can flourish. Amen.

MON 4

God of all creativity, around the world there is such an incredible variety of music-making. We pray that the rich musical memories and unique skills of thousands of ethnic traditions will not be forgotten as more commercial material is streamed worldwide. In Christ’s name. Amen.

TUES 5

Father, we thank you for the growing trend in creating community choirs.

We pray especially for fledgling groups to thrive and be of real value to their members. Amen. (In 2017, the UK had an estimated total of 40,000 choirs of various kinds, representing over 2 million people.)

WED 6

Lord of all beauty and harmony, thank You for the gift of music in its myriad forms: in nature, with human voices and musical instruments. Please especially uplift our spirits as ‘through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, we sing to God with gratitude in our hearts.’ Amen.

‘My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations.’ PSALM 108:1-3 (ESV) THURS 7

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Lord, we remember the 30,000 professionals working in all sectors of the British music business, many of whom are not highly paid and lack job and pension security. Please provide for them and their families as they contribute so richly to the enjoyment of others. Amen.

FRI 8

75TH ANNIVERSARY OF VICTORY IN EUROPE DAY Prince of peace, we remember the terrible destruction and suffering caused by war and give thanks for Your mercy and for the men and women who fought so bravely for freedom. Please may the peace and harmony among European nations, that has endured for these 75 years, continue. Amen.

SAT 9

Thank You, Lord, for music therapists who work with children and adults who have been affected by injury, illness or disability; using music to give pleasure, bring hope and healing to their emotional, mental and cognitive health and improve their social skills. Amen.

George Frederick Handel wrote The Messiah’s 260-page score in three weeks. On completing the Hallelujah Chorus, he reportedly said, ‘I did think I saw all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself seated on His throne, with His company of Angels.’

MAY 10 – 16

MERCY AND GRACE

SUN 10

Lord our Redeemer, thank You that because You died and rose again, we can approach the Father’s throne of grace with confidence; to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our need. Please help many of us to share this glorious promise with someone this week. Amen.

MON 11

God of all mercy and grace, we long for an end to the coronavirus crisis and we continue to intercede that those who are critically ill will recover. May many people turn to You in the midst of their uncertainty, fear and great need – and put their trust in Your Son. Amen.

TUES 12

Strong Deliverer, please help anyone who is trapped in an abusive relationship to escape and rebuild their lives. We think of those who are trafficked and enslaved, victims of domestic violence and others who desperately need Your merciful intervention in their lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WED 13

Lord, thank You for Your common grace. Following natural disasters, violent attacks and accidents, we so often hear of individuals showing selfless courage and responding so generously. May they discern Your hand in these situations. Amen.

‘Everything He does reveals His glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails.

He causes us to remember His wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our LORD! He gives food to those who fear Him; He always remembers his covenant.’

PSALM 111:3-5 (NLT) THURS 14

Father, thank You for the growing movement of prayer both in this country and further afield. Please strengthen and guide individuals, groups, churches, networks and initiatives that are encouraging people to intercede for our world. Amen.

FRI 15

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILIES Lord, during this National Marriage Week (11-17 May) we pray that husbands and wives, and other couples, will commit themselves afresh to be faithful and loving towards each other and to their families. Please help those in relationships that are at breaking point. Amen. (marriage-week.org.uk)

SAT 16

Creator God, we intercede for the development of innovative ways that can reduce the damage suffered by the natural world. Please inspire collaboration between scientists, inventors, entrepreneurs and others to deliver amazing solutions to pollution and other issues. Amen.

‘God gives out good gifts of wisdom, talent, beauty, and skill “graciously” – that is, in a completely unmerited way. He casts them across all humanity, regardless of religious conviction, race, gender, or any other attribute to enrich, brighten, and preserve the world.’ (Timothy Keller)

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MAY 17 – 23

SHARING GOD’S WORD

SUN 17

Lord Jesus, we worship You. With the Father and the Spirit, You brought all of Creation into being and hold all things together. Thank You for speaking to us in truth and grace through the wonders of nature, the love and wisdom of others, and the Bible. Amen.

MON 18

God our Saviour, we rejoice that so many people, especially in developing countries, are responding to the gospel. We ask that Bible teachers and pastors would be raised up to help these new Christians to grow in their faith. Amen.

TUES 19

Lord, please inspire many churches to join the ‘Hope Spaces’ initiative and create public places in their local communities where people are welcomed and encouraged to come and pray. May this bear much fruit for Your kingdom.

In Christ’s name. Amen. (hopetogether.org.uk)

WED 20

Father, please equip and encourage those who share Your Word with children and young people within families, in church, at school, through youth organisations and Christian events such as concerts, camps, festivals, sports and arts activities. Amen.

‘How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!’ ISAIAH 52:7 (NKJV) THURS 21

ASCENSION DAY. ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ begins (thykingdomcome.global) Almighty God, Your ascended Son has sent us into the world to preach the Good News of Your Kingdom. Inspire us by Your Spirit and fill our hearts with the fire of Your love, that all who hear Your Word may be drawn to You, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Church of England prayer)

FRI 22

Thank You for every organisation that makes the Bible accessible globally through print, television, radio, internet and sharing truth through preaching and personal testimony. May their work of spreading Your Word transform lives.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

SAT 23

Lord of truth and mercy, thank You for the Bible which, over the centuries has had a life-changing impact among people of so many cultures and civilisations.

Help us to increasingly treasure Your Word, feed upon it and share its good news with those around us. Amen.

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Eighteenth century French philosopher Voltaire vehemently opposed Christianity. He predicted ‘One hundred years from my day, there will not be a Bible on earth except one that is looked upon by an antiquarian curiosity-seeker.’ Fifty years after his death, the house where he once lived reportedly became a storehouse for Bibles and Gospel tracts.

MAY 24 – 30

CARE IN THE COMMUNITY

MAY 11 – 24 FOSTERCARE FORTNIGHT SUN 24

God of all compassion, please bless families that foster children long-term or in emergency situations. Please give wisdom, patience, and the capacity to love and accept, especially where previous bad experiences cause children to feel insecure and struggle to settle. Amen.

MON 25

Father, thank You for the many groups’ prayer-walking around their neighbourhoods, asking You to bless homes, schools, businesses, medical, social care and other community services. Please protect, inspire and lead them. In Christ’s name. Amen.

TUES 26

Lord, please inspire more churches to reach out to those who feel isolated and lonely. Equip them to help the 1.2 million older people, those living in poverty, those affected by disability and sickness, and refugees who need friendship and practical support. Amen.

WED 27

Father, we remember carers who visit people in their homes who are poorly paid and do not have enough time and resources to look after their clients properly.

Please strengthen and encourage them in this vital work and bring about changes to improve their situation. Amen.

‘Give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things …

He lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks.’

PSALM 107:8,9,41 (NIV) THURS 28

Loving Saviour, please bless the UK’s 130,000 registered social workers who seek to help individuals and families to try and improve outcomes in their lives. Grant them discernment, especially as they take life-changing decisions in cases of child protection. Amen.

FRI 29

Thank You, Lord, for every opportunity that Christians have: whether that is supporting those wanting to be free from debt and addictions, connecting with families and older people in need, or joining community projects engaged with issues such as the environment. Amen.

SAT 30

Lord, we pray for those who are often unseen and unappreciated but work hard to plan and provide essential community services, such as: education, healthcare, housing, transport, care for vulnerable people, policing, and other provisions. Amen.

Community health services, such as district nursing, palliative care, therapies, prevention of illness, school nursing and health visiting, account for around £10 billion of the NHS budget and one-fifth of its workforce. The aim is to keep people well and support them to live independently in their own homes.

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MAY 31 – 6 JUNE

HOPE FOR THE WORLD

SUN 31

PENTECOST Lord Jesus, we celebrate the Holy Spirit’s coming in power upon Your Church two thousand years ago and pray that we too may receive the joy, peace, truth, love, courage, wisdom and humble faith that we need to serve Your kingdom and do the Father’s will. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

MON 1

Lord of the Church, please send Christians into every nation to share the gospel; that many more men, women and children might know the ‘magnificent liberty’ of trusting You. Make us like light and salt, bringing Your hope, healing, truth and freedom that transforms lives. Amen.

TUES 2

God, please grant strategic wisdom and insight to Business Secretary Alok Sharma MP who is heading this November’s COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow, as he and his team make plans, set targets and negotiate with delegates across the world. In Christ’s name. Amen.

WED 3

Thank You, Father, for Your steadfast love and mercies new each morning as we arise to face the challenges, anxieties, sin and sadness besetting our world and touching our lives. Please help us to put our trust in Your great faithfulness for all things. Amen.

‘And the hope is that in the end the whole of created life will be rescued from the tyranny of change and decay, and have its share in that magnificent liberty which can only belong to the children of God!’ ROMANS 8:20,21 (PHILLIPS) THURS 4

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Lord of justice and mercy, we pray for UK Christian organisations that are working to bring change where there is greatest need, to help people in the most extreme poverty. Grant them the resources, partnerships, strategies and opportunities they need to achieve their aims. Amen.

FRI 5

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY Biodiversity Creator God, grant that this Day, which alerts millions of people in over 100 countries about the urgent need for action for the environment, will result in radical commitments by governments and others to protect billions of species, conserve natural habitats and tread lightly on the Earth. Amen.

SAT 6

WORLD OCEANS DAY is on 8 JUNE Lord, we intercede for effective measures to be found and urgently applied to protect the billions of species of plants, fish, mammals and birds living in our oceans and reverse the toxic effects of massive pollution. Thank you for the beauty and the incalculable benefits our oceans provide. Amen.

‘God is the only one who can make the valley of trouble a door of hope.’

(Catherine Marshall) ‘I’ve read the last page of the Bible; it’s all going to turn out all right.’ (Dr Billy Graham)

JUNE 7 – 13

CHILDREN AT RISK

JUNE 8 – 14 CARERS’ WEEK SUN 7

Lord, please rescue children and young people who suffer from abuse. We pray that anyone who exploits their position of trust and causes emotional and physical pain will be found out, punished and prevented from ever reoffending. Amen.

MON 8

Good Shepherd, please watch over the UK’s estimated 700,000 young carers who are responsible for looking after an ill family member. Please help them to access support in order to lead a more normal life. In Christ’s name. Amen.

TUES 9

Father, we pray for children who are exposed to harmful material such as pornography, and at risk of being drawn into inappropriate or unsafe relationships. We pray that the government will not further delay bringing in age verification checks that will protect them. Amen.

WED 10

Lord our Healer, please help young people who face mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, ‘conduct disorders’ leading to behaviour problems, selfharming, suicidal thoughts and eating disorders. Grant understanding and wisdom to those who counsel them. Amen.

‘Jesus said; “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.”’ MATTHEW 18:5,6 (NLT) THURS 11

Compassionate Saviour, we intercede for our world’s poorest children, with little access to life’s basic needs and no real hope for the future. Please prosper every endeavour to lift them from poverty and enable them to flourish. In Christ’s name. Amen.

FRI 12

WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOUR God of justice, we are appalled that so many children are exploited in this way * – robbed of their childhood, health and future prospects. We pray for more public condemnation of the practice of inhumane child labour and that this will put pressure on all governments to outlaw it. Amen.

SAT 13

Father, thank You for every initiative that cares for street children. Please equip them to help change the lives of children who are often abused, reduced to committing crime, made to beg, and sleep in unsafe places with no responsible adult to care for them. Amen. * “Hundreds of millions of girls and boys throughout the world are in work that deprives them of adequate education, health, leisure and basic freedoms, violating their rights … more than half exposed to the worst forms of child labour … in hazardous environments, slavery or other forced labour, drug trafficking, prostitution, and in armed conflict.’ (International Labour Organisation)

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JUNE 14 – 20

THE IMAGE OF GOD

SUN 14

Loving God, thank You for creating human beings in Your image to be stewards over the earth and to worship, trust and serve You. As Christians, ‘created anew in Christ Jesus’ help us faithfully to ‘do the good things planned for us long ago’.

Amen. (Ephesians 2:10)

MON 15

WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY Father, please help victims of elder abuse to find help, and grant wisdom and courage to family members, friends and staff members who are aware of such cases to speak out and bring them to the attention of those who can bring such cruel treatment to an end. Amen.

TUES 16

Lord, we pray that children and adults who have a disability or a life-limiting illness will increasingly be valued, cared for and granted opportunities in life.

May they always be protected by our country’s laws. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WED 17

Father, we intercede for unborn babies who are vulnerable because of a health or disability issue. Please protect them from the threat of miscarriage, dying in the womb, or being aborted; that they may live to be loved and cherished. Amen.

‘So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them…’

GENESIS 1:27,28 (NLT)

THURS 18

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Dear Lord, we pray for adults and children who are conflicted about their sexual identity – who feel that their gender is opposite to their biological sex. Please grant us compassion for these precious people who need the grace, truth and peace only You can give. Amen.

FRI 19

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the cross. It was at the cross that You demonstrated such unconditional love by dying to take away the sins of the world, offering salvation and new life so freely for everyone who believes. Amen.

SAT 20

WORLD REFUGEE WEEK is 15-21 June Almighty God, whose own Son became a refugee; look with mercy on those fleeing from danger, who are homeless and hungry. Bless all who work to bring them relief and inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts. Amen.

The accepted definition of elder abuse is: ‘the single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.’ This can be physical, psychological, financial, or sexual abuse and neglect.

JUNE 21 – 27

MEN AND WOMEN OF INTEGRITY SUN 21

FATHER’S DAY Please inspire men everywhere to demonstrate love to their families and to other children and vulnerable adults in their care. Help them to admit their weaknesses, share their responsibilities with others they trust and aspire to live as men of integrity. Amen.

MON 22

God of truth, we commit to You those in the financial, legal and business sectors here and abroad who may have to deal with dishonesty and practices of bribery and corruption. Please grant them the wisdom to see clearly what is right in such situations. Amen.

TUES 23

Lord, we pray for police officers and others whose work exposes them to the darkness of crime and abuse. Please guard their hearts and minds as they have to read, listen and watch material such as sadistic pornography and violence. Amen.

WED 24

Father, we pray for our politicians who may wield considerable power and sometimes be vulnerable to various temptations. Please help them in their personal lives and public duties to think, speak and act honourably, and seek Your mercy, strength and peace. Amen.

‘Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.’ EPHESIANS 5:8-11 (ESV) THURS 25

Holy God, we admit to our weaknesses and confess our sins that we might receive forgiveness and strength through Your mercy and grace. Please give us a growing deep desire to please You and be changed, day by day, more into the likeness of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

FRI 26

Thank You for all who serve as preachers and pastors in our churches. Please strengthen them, especially in times of trial and testing, and help them to come before You with transparent and humble hearts that are eager to discern what is pleasing in Your eyes. Amen.

SAT 27

ARMED FORCES DAY Almighty God, we commend to You all who serve in the Armed Forces, facing danger and risking their lives so that others might live in safety. Please help them to seek Your face and know that You watch over them with compassion and will help in times of need. In Christ’s name. Amen.

‘Integrity is built by defeating the temptation to be dishonest; humility grows when we refuse to be prideful; and endurance develops every time you reject the temptation to give up.’ (Rick Warren)

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JUNE 28 – JULY 4

THE NATIONS OF EUROPE

SUN 28

Lord of the nations, thank You for the Judeo-Christian heritage that has shaped European history and culture over many centuries. We pray that Christians will continue to be a godly influence right across society. Amen.

MON 29

God of all wisdom and might, please guide the British Government in its negotiations about the future relationship with the European Union. We pray for fair and workable agreements about trade, justice, immigration and other important matters to be reached. Amen.

TUES 30

Lord, we remember the hundreds of thousands of refugees who have come to Europe over the last five years, many risking their lives trying to reach safety.

We pray for them as they wait to be granted asylum and resettlement across the continent. In Christ’s name. Amen.

WED 1

Sovereign Lord, we pray for the countries in Europe; that their leaders would follow Your ways of truth, justice and mercy. Please raise up people of integrity to serve in government, particularly in places that are currently experiencing political and economic instability. Amen.

‘Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.’

DANIEL 2:20,21 (ESV) THURS 2

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God of mercy and grace, we intercede for areas of Europe that are still reeling from the effects of coronavirus on people’s health, livelihoods, and mental and emotional wellbeing. Please guide governments as they try to stabilise the economy and social fabric of their countries. Amen.

FRI 3

Thank You, Lord, for the faithfulness of Your Church across Europe. Please empower this generation to honour Your name and fulfil Your purposes. May Your Spirit equip us to preach the gospel, make disciples and lead loving, holy lives that can transform our communities. Amen.

SAT 4

Father, we lift to You the Council of Europe of 47 member states representing 820 million people, as it seeks to uphold human rights, democracy and the rule of law. May this body be a force for good, championing justice and peace for the sake of all people. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Europe borders onto the Arctic Ocean in the North, the Atlantic in the West and the Mediterranean in the South. It has 50 countries with a population of over 742 million.

There are 24 official EU languages and a further 200 others that are spoken throughout the continent.

JULY 5 – 11

INVISIBLE DISABILITIES

SUN 5

Lord Jesus, on the cross You suffered physical agony, ignominy, shame, and separation from Your Father. You understand our pain, weakness and grief. Please draw near and encourage those who live with the distress and loneliness caused by illness and disability. Amen.

MON 6

Lord, we remember those who have serious chronic conditions that are not obvious to others. Please grant them support and courage to endure daily pain, mobility challenges, breathing, eating and insomnia problems, depression, and tiredness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

TUES 7

Thank You, Lord, that drivers or passengers with early dementia, anxiety disorders, reduced mobility or other hidden disabilities may now apply for a Blue Badge that will make it easier to find parking. We pray that many will obtain one so they can venture out more confidently. Amen.

WED 8

Lord, please bring help to parents and other carers looking after children as they learn to adjust to limitations, deal with disappointments, and support their children with hidden disabilities regarding health, education and social issues and encourage them when life is difficult. Amen.

‘Whom have I in heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.’ PSALM 73:25-27 (NLT) THURS 9

Loving God, please strengthen adults and children who are on the autistic spectrum as they and their families cope with intense communication, sensory and anxiety issues, especially when others criticise and judge them because they do not understand this hidden disability. Amen.

FRI 10

Father, thank You for ‘sunflower lanyards’ that indicate that someone has a hidden disability; a scheme supported by the Royal National Institute for the Blind, Alzheimer’s Society, The National Autistic Society, Action on Hearing Loss, and others. Amen.

SAT 11

Lord, we pray for people with impaired vision, failing memory, hearing loss or speech difficulties as they try to navigate a world that assumes they are able to see, hear, understand, and communicate normally. Please help them to find the aids, strategies and patience they need. Amen.

An invisible disability is a physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside, yet can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses, or activities. Unfortunately, the very fact that these symptoms are invisible can lead to misunderstandings, false perceptions, and judgments.

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JULY 12 – 18

INTERNET ISSUES

SUN 12

Lord, thank You for online opportunities to share Your Word and to encourage others. Please inspire Christians who create and maintain websites, social media and other digital material using their technical, design, audio-visual, and writing skills. Amen.

MON 13

Father, please help us establish more effective safeguards so that children can enjoy the benefits of the internet and be well protected from dangers such as being groomed, bullied, and exposed to harmful material. Amen.

TUES 14

Lord, please guide Culture Minister Helen Whately MP as she works alongside others to support problem gamblers. We give thanks that using credit cards to gamble online is now banned and pray that many more people will use GAMSTOP’s self-exclusion scheme. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WED 15

WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY Father, we pray for many more young people to have access to education to develop a wide range of skills. We ask that that they would be equipped to find employment that fits their abilities and interests, provides future financial security and enables them to enrich their communities. Amen.

‘For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He holds success in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.’ PROVERBS 2:6-8 (NIV) THURS 16

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Dear God, thank You for the amazing advantages of the internet for business, commerce, health, education, social care, science, politics, arts and culture and for bringing people together. May these communications increasingly benefit those who are otherwise isolated. Amen.

FRI 17

Lord, thank You for the crucial work of our National Cyber Security Centre responsible for protecting the UK’s infrastructure, financial and other data and communications against threats from hostile nation states, criminal organisations, and malicious individuals. Amen.

SAT 18

Gracious God, we grieve over the devastating effects of pornography as some material becomes progressively more depraved and violent. Please protect those who, in the line of duty, must view this and by Your mighty power deliver those who want to be free from its grip. Amen.

The internet is accessed by 4.54 billion people – that’s 59 per cent of the world’s population.

A British Board of Film Classification survey found over half of children encounter pornography by age 11-13.

Online gamblers in the UK spent £5.6bn in 2019.

JULY 19 – 25

NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE

SUN 19

Dear God, we remember those who serve in hospitals: maintenance and domestic staff, nurses, midwives, administrators, therapists, pharmacists, doctors, paramedics, technicians, directors, and managers. Please help them to work together efficiently and cost-effectively. Amen.

MON 20

Lord, please give wisdom and success to those responsible for recruiting staff and apportioning funds throughout the NHS. We pray that more people will train to be doctors and nurses, and that fewer will leave their jobs earlier than planned because of stress. Amen.

TUES 21

Father God, please help us as a society to know how best to meet the needs of an ageing population. With many people living longer with complex physical and mental health conditions, may we provide compassionate and effective care for them. Amen.

WED 22

Lord, we pray that strategies would be found to reverse the trend of people developing serious problems because of unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, excess alcohol, drug use, mental health pressures, and other issues. Please draw near to help them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.’ 2 CORINTHIANS 9:8 (NIV)

THURS 23

Dear God, we remember all who care for the growing numbers of patients who suffer from mental health problems of many kinds. We intercede for more funding and members of staff to be provided so the urgent needs of adults and children may be met. In Christ’s name. Amen.

FRI 24

Father, thank You for those who have been involved with caring for vulnerable patients who are ill with Covid-19. We call upon Your mercy and grace for healing and protection, both in our country and across the world. Amen.

SAT 25

Lord, we are so grateful for NHS services in our communities: pharmacists, GPs, nurses, dentists and other practitioners working in a wide range of settings including people’s own homes, nursing homes, clinics, and schools. Please encourage and strengthen them today. Amen.

‘Society becomes more wholesome, more serene, and spiritually healthier, if it knows that its citizens have at the back of their consciousness the knowledge that not only themselves, but all their fellows, have access, when ill, to the best that medical skill can provide.’ Aneurin Bevan, one of the founders of the NHS.

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