Prayer Diary: April-July 2021

APRIL – JULY 2021

CARE Prayer Diary

In this issue: The future of: Education Freedoms Families Healthcare The Arts Sustainable Energy Global Cooperation Compassionate Caring Social Action Help With Addictions Human Life The Economy Justice

Our cover picture is of a meteorological satellite orbiting Earth, one of many that provide observations of global weather and climate patterns. These amazing machines also detect city lights, fires, effects of pollution, ocean currents, sand and dust storms and ice cover. But while we marvel at the human knowledge and capability of creating and operating such technology, it’s totally insignificant compared with God’s omnipresence, omnipotence and omniscience!

“God views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.

When He established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, when He made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, then He looked at wisdom and appraised it; He confirmed it and tested it.

“The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”

JOB 28:24-28 (NIV)

The CARE Prayer Diary is written by Celia Bowring.

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Celia Bowring

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APRIL 25 – MAY 1

THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION

SUN 25

‘Holy Spirit, please be with teachers everywhere. Put Your righteousness in their hearts and Your words on their lips to share with the children in their daily care. May classrooms not only fill students with knowledge but also wisdom, discernment, and integrity. Amen.’ (World Vision prayer)

MON 26

Lord, we remember children and young people who have been seriously disadvantaged by the closure of schools, colleges and universities during the Covid-19 crisis – especially those with problems at home, who could not access the online help they needed and found it hard to learn. Help them according to Your transforming grace! Amen.

TUES 27

Father, thank You for Christians who engage with schools, bringing Your ‘light and salt’ to staff and students. Please protect every opportunity to share truth, show compassion and promote harmony through their presence, practical involvement and prayers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WED 28

God our Rock, thank You for many encouraging reports of widespread regular prayer support for schools throughout Covid-19. May churches, prayer groups and individuals resolve to continue in this vital prayer ministry to local schools, for the sake of Your kingdom. Amen. (prayforschools.org)

‘Teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, help them do what is right, just, and fair ... insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young … fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge.’ PSALM 62:5-8 (ESV) THURS 29

Lord our Teacher, please guide young people who were unable to sit examinations and are struggling to move on to further education or employment. Be with any students who face problems with their courses, accommodation, and other issues. Through Your Spirit’s peace. Amen.

FRI 30

Lord, we pray for pupils who need extra support because families are facing financial crisis, are exposed to harm, or where mental health problems are a concern. Please grant special grace and wisdom to headteachers and other staff seeking to reach out to them. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

SAT 1

Thank You, Lord, for every innovative idea that will prepare young people for fulfilling and productive lives, especially those that are founded on godly wisdom. Please help Christians in education to speak truth to counter the secular worldview held by many teachers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘Simply teaching students to “pass exams blindly” will not prepare them for life in the 21st century. The Character Curriculum is the deliberate cultivation of seven really useful, transferable habits and attitudes – confidence, curiosity, collaboration, communication, creativity, commitment and craftsmanship.’ (Educating Ruby Guy Claxton and Bill Lucas)

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MAY 2 – 8

THE FUTURE OF FREEDOMS

SUN 2

Lord Jesus, we long to experience more of the freedom You promised as we follow You and live by the truth of Your Word. May many seek Your face and be liberated from the power of sin, death and the power of evil through Your sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. Amen.

MON 3

WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY Father, please watch over brave journalists worldwide who seek the truth and expose the activities of oppressive regimes and other organisations – sometimes risking their lives. Please help those who work to uphold press freedom where it is under threat. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

TUES 4

God our Deliverer, please help us to defeat the appalling global trade of human trafficking that ruins millions of innocent lives. Impart wisdom and knowledge to campaigners, law enforcers and others exploring new strategies and cutting-edge technologies to identify and rescue victims and prosecute their perpetrators. We ask this in the name of Your Son. Amen.

WED 5

Lord, we pray for victims of domestic abuse to escape from their attackers and find help to rebuild their lives. May many turn to You to be healed from physical, emotional and psychological wounds and receive strength to flourish: freed from fear through Your love. Amen.

‘Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free … if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”’ JOHN 8:31,36 (ESV) THURS 6

God of all holiness and truth, please restrain those in Scotland and elsewhere who are determined to change the law and restrict people’s freedom to express opinions that differ from secular and liberal views on life, moral values, faith and family life. In Your mercy. Amen.

FRI 7

Thank You, Lord, that after the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic, we can begin to enjoy greater freedom and adjust to a ‘new normal’. Please help us all to reflect on what we learned and live by ‘whatsoever is true, honourable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.’ In Jesus’ name. Amen.

SAT 8

Almighty God, we intercede for the release and restoration of falsely accused prisoners and those who are persecuted for their faith and love of freedom.

Please grant success to governments, pressure groups and Christian charities that campaign on their behalf. In Your name. Amen.

‘The right to freedom of religion or belief is also known as the “first freedom” given to humanity

by God. It’s a touchstone human right, often serving as a “litmus test” for whether other rights are at risk of being abused. It’s a right we must protect, defend and restore. (csw.org.uk) 4

MAY 9 – 15

THE FUTURE OF FAMILIES

MAY 13-23 ‘THY KINGDOM COME’ Global prayer for more people to know Jesus.

SUN 9

Holy God, thank You that the Cross made a way for us to ‘receive the Spirit of adoption’ and become ‘children of God’ and ‘fellow heirs with Christ.’ We pray for many more people to repent and trust in Him. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

MON 10

MAY 10-16 is UK MARRIAGE WEEK Loving Lord, we pray that more couples will overcome the considerable financial, social and emotional barriers that deter many from marriage – which research shows is best for everyone, through the power of Your love. Amen.

TUES 11

Lord, we give thanks that You love every family, including almost three million in the UK headed by lone parents. Please bring help to vulnerable adults and children. Guide and bless each one, granting them Your goodness and mercy for the future according to Your perfect will. Amen.

WED 12

MAY 10-23 is FOSTER CARE FORTNIGHT Heavenly Father, we pray that more families and individuals will choose to foster or adopt children. Please help those involved in placing them to make wise decisions and find ways to speed up the process, especially when long delays are causing heartache and harm. In Jesus’ name. Amen. (homeforgood.org.uk)

‘“A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the Church are one … each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.’ EPHESIANS 5:31-33 (NLT) THURS 13

Merciful Lord, we intercede for individuals and their families who are affected by poor mental health, resulting in great suffering, low educational attainment, lost income, quality of life and other ills. Please reveal ways to bring them healing and peace through Christ’s love. Amen.

FRI 14

Dear God, please strengthen and comfort families that have experienced bereavement, illness, financial hardship, relationship breakdown and other pains. May many find faith and hope in You. In the grace of Jesus Christ. Amen.

SAT 15

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILIES Thank You, Father, for the safety and comfort of family throughout Covid-19.

Help us to re-evaluate the benefits of family life and progress in improving opportunities, promoting marriage and relieving hardship. For Jesus sake. Amen.

‘Many causes [of children’s mental health problems] are cited … but we seem to insist on turning a blind eye to the greatest underlying reason; family instability and breakdown. Unless and until we, as a mature society grasp this nettle, we will not address the main cause and will never get on top of the epidemic.’ (Sir Paul Coleridge, Founder and Chairman of the Marriage Foundation)

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MAY 16 – 22

THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE

SUN 16

Father, we remember the NHS, emerging from the intense challenges of the pandemic and counting the cost of human suffering and other losses. Please heal, strengthen and comfort staff members who now need to recover. May wise decisions now be made according to Your gracious will. Amen.

MON 17

Lord, we commit to You the many investigations currently underway, involving 50,000 healthcare scientists within the NHS and elsewhere, that will result in patients’ healing and wellbeing. Please restrain anyone who might engage in harmful or unethical research. In Christ’s name. Amen.

TUES 18

Lord of all the earth, we pray for a spirit of generosity, wisdom and unity amongst WHO leaders and delegates to the Assembly (from 24 May to 1 June) as they consider ways to protect all people in case of a resurgence of Covid-19 and other life-threatening epidemics. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WED 19

Mighty God, we intercede for major improvements in the UK’s public health, as many people are at risk from obesity, cardiovascular disease, mental health problems and other conditions. Please reveal strategies to encourage healthy living and help us all to embrace disciplines of exercise, good diet and attitudes wherever possible, according to Your gracious will. Amen.

‘Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love … Make us glad for as many years as we have seen trouble … May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.’ PSALM 90:13-17 (NIV) THURS 20

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Creator and Sustainer of life, we pray that the British Medical Association, some Royal Colleges and others who have indicated support for the legalising of assisted killing will instead recommend greater investment in palliative medicine and hospice care. In Your mercy, Amen.

FRI 21

Lord our Healer, we are so thankful for the 1.7 million men and women who work in the NHS and pray Your blessing upon them. We ask that more people will be recruited and trained to meet the current shortage of nurses, GPs and other health professionals. For Christ’s sake. Amen

SAT 22

Lord, please direct those who are planning improvements to health and care systems to benefit everyone: valuing staff, harnessing innovative technology, and fostering cooperation and efficiency. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In 2018-19 the Department for Health and Social Care spent £130.3 billion, accounting for 9.8 per cent of the UK’s GDP. There were an estimated 1.5 million patient interactions with GP, community, hospital, mental health and ambulance services every day. In 2020, NHS services changed dramatically to meet the challenge of Covid-19, causing major disruption to the normal flow of patients through the healthcare system.

MAY 23 – 29

THE FUTURE OF THE ARTS

SUN 23

Eternal God, all Creation reflects Your beauty and we were made in Your image to cultivate and care for every part of it. Thank You for the diverse expressions of art that have enriched us throughout the centuries. Please continue to inspire the creativity of this generation in ways that will glorify You. Amen.

MON 24

Father, thank You that lockdown allowed many people to learn new skills and develop their gifts. May these enriching activities continue, and please help us all to unlock our innate creativity and find the confidence to express this more, by Your inspiration and love. Amen.

TUES 25

Lord, we pray for more initiatives that use art, music and other creative media to bring pleasure and stimulate memories and energy in older people. Please grant success to cultural centres such as museums and galleries that reach out to people online and in other innovative ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WED 26

Dear Lord, please help people engaged in performance arts who could not work for months because concerts, shows and events entertainment were cancelled. Please provide them with new opportunities as social distancing ends. May this bring blessing to many. In Your name. Amen.

‘With all my [David’s] resources I have provided for the temple of my God – gold for the gold work, silver, bronze, iron and wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colours, and all kinds of fine stone and marble – all of these in large quantities.’ 1 CHRONICLES 29:2 (NIV) THURS 27

Holy Spirit of all knowledge and insight, please inspire those with creative gifts to invent new ways to produce art of every kind, including through digital technology. Raise up artists of integrity and faith everywhere who will be a voice for truth, justice, beauty and love, to God’s glory. Amen.

FRI 28

Thank You God for the ingenuity, inspiration, wisdom and humour brought to us, especially online during lockdown: by musicians, artists, film makers, actors, dancers and many others. May the best of this work continue to flourish and enrich us all, for Christ’s sake. Amen.

SAT 29

Loving Lord, we treasure the world’s magnificent heritage of Christian beauty and truth represented in literature, music, architecture, painting, sculpture, carving, glass, mosaic and other artisanship. May they stir us, and future generations, to praise and magnify Your name. Amen

• ‘I did think I did see all heaven before me, and the great God himself.’ (Handel, on writing ‘The Messiah’) • ‘They (art and music) are not the thing itself; but only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have not yet visited.’ (C. S. Lewis) • ‘The true work of art is but the shadow of the divine perfection.’ (Michelangelo)

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MAY 30 – JUNE 5

THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SUN 30

Lord God, we earnestly pray for the development of an effective means to provide the immense amount of energy that the world needs. Thank You for the natural resources of wind, solar power, water, geothermal heat, and other energy sources, that reflect Your wonderful power and love. Amen.

MON 31

God of all power and might, please inspire engineers and others to build dams and hydroelectricity plants that are more ecologically friendly for animals, fish and plant life and adapt to weather events to protect the environment from drought and floods. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

TUES 1

Lord, we ask You to increase our knowledge and skills to find ever more efficient and economical ways to access and store the sun’s limitless power.

We pray that any government concerns about investing in solar energy will be resolved, and that Your will may be done. Amen.

WED 2

Lord of wonders, as we consider the extraordinary splendour, intricacy, variety and beauty of the world’s wildlife, we lift our hearts in praise and thanksgiving.

Please help us to redouble our efforts to nurture and protect the countless species of fauna and flora that inhabit land, sea and sky. In Your name. Amen.

‘God thunders wondrously with His voice … to the snow He says, ‘Fall on the earth’, likewise to the downpour, His mighty downpour ... From its chamber comes the whirlwind, and cold from the scattering winds … He loads the thick cloud with moisture; the clouds scatter His lightning.’ JOB 37:5-11 (ESV)

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THURS 3

Lord of the Church, may we honour You by living more wisely and selflessly.

Please help Christian organisations and individuals to be at the forefront of schemes to conserve energy, combat pollution and share resources with those in need. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

FRI 4

Thank You, Father, that more people in poorer countries can now access electricity through solar and wind power. We pray for many more communities to benefit from such projects and bring honour to Your name. Amen.

SAT 5

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY – BIODIVERSITY Lord, please grant success to every effort being made to protect the balance of the biological diversity of life on Earth, especially conservation initiatives such as national parks, wildlife refuges, game reserves and protected marine areas. We appeal to Your generous heart of grace. Amen.

The most widely used sources of renewable energy, in order of output: hydropower from flowing water, wind energy, solar power, bio-power using organic waste, geothermal energy from the heat inside the earth, ocean energy in the form of wave, tidal, current energy and ocean thermal energy and biomass from plants and trees.

JUNE 6 – 12

THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL COOPERATION SUN 6

Lord, we intercede for nations to work together with unprecedented cooperation, generosity and efficiency over the coming months and years in response to the problems caused by Covid-19, that has so far resulted in tens of millions of deaths. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

MON 7

Creator of the universe, we ask that November’s UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow will achieve increased commitments to cut carbon emissions and also, crucially, to fund and assist developing countries to access clean, green, resilient technologies. In Christ’s name. Amen.

TUES 8

God of justice, we remember the teams within INTERPOL, an organisation of 194 governments, that provides training, information and coordinates police and security services in the global fight against terrorism, cybercrime and organised crime. Please help them, according to Your generous mercy. Amen.

WED 9

Father, we pray for the best strategies to reach the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. May they be implemented and supported by governments, organisations, philanthropists, groups and individuals to bring dignity and hope to communities across the world. In Christ’s name. Amen.

‘With righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth … The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb … the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.’ ISAIAH 11:4-6 (NKJV) THURS 10

Lord, we are so thankful for prayers of unity for the Church worldwide.

Please inspire us to respond to the manifold needs of others: to hear the gospel and grow in faith, for practical provision, and grace to fulfil Your will in their lives, through Your power and love. Amen.

FRI 11

JUNE 11-12 G7 SUMMIT of Canadian, French, Italian, Japanese, German, UK and USA

SAT 12

WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOUR Father, we pray for the 152 million children – almost half of them working in hazardous conditions – who are forced into labour that threatens their physical, mental, social and educational development. May their plight come to worldwide attention. We appeal to You, our loving Redeemer and Lord. Amen.

leaders who meet annually to discuss global economic governance and energy policy.

Mighty God, please help delegates to reach good decisions for the future.

Grant wisdom to security services so that local communities and attendees can be protected, and protesters treated fairly, by your mercy. Amen.

The UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals to be reached by 2030: 1. No poverty, 2. Zero hunger, 3. Good health and well-being, 4. Quality education, 5. Gender equality, 6. Clean water and sanitation, 7. Affordable clean energy, 8. Decent work and economic growth, 10 Reduced inequalities, 12 Responsible consumption and production, 13. Climate action, 14. Life below water, 15. Life on land, 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions, 17. Partnerships to achieve these.

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JUNE 13 – 19

THE FUTURE OF COMPASSIONATE CARING SUN 13

Father, we pray for the UK’s 6.5 million carers to receive the support they need. We pray especially for those with physical and mental health problems themselves, and those balancing work and other family responsibilities with caring for those dependent on them. May You be their Strength. Amen.

MON 14

14-20 REFUGEE WEEK: ‘We Cannot Walk Alone’ God, please help governments and others to increase their aid to the world’s 26 million refugees, half of them children, and so many others displaced within their own country. For Jesus’ sake – who was a refugee too. Amen.

TUES 15

WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY Dear Lord, we pray for relief to come to any older people with care and support needs who are denied dignity, respect, proper care and kindness. Please help local councils and other agencies seeking to safeguard the estimated 500,000 over 65s who are at risk. For Christ’s sake. Amen

WED 16

Holy Spirit, thank You for being present in our lives, empowering us to care for others. Help us not to succumb to ‘compassion fatigue’ about global problems of poverty, injustice and damage to the environment. Please enable us to do whatever we can to help, through Your amazing mercy. Amen.

‘Always clothe yourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Bear with each other, and forgive each other ... even more than all this, clothe yourself in love that holds you all together in perfect unity.’ EPHESIANS 3:14-16 (ESV) THURS 17

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Loving Lord, in the aftermath of Covid-19, please help us to hold on to the spirit of kindness and concern for neighbours, and our appreciation of relationships when it was not possible to meet and share together. May these habits of compassion spread and take root right across society to transform the way we live, work and worship. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

FRI 18

Thank You, Lord, for measures during the pandemic that helped to reduce the numbers of people living on the street. Grant success for companies, celebrities, councils, organisations and volunteers who are working together to reach those who are facing homelessness. By Your generous grace. Amen.

SAT 19

Lord of the Church, please revive our hearts, inspire our congregations and mobilise the Body of Christ at large with a renewed desire to proclaim Your truth and demonstrate Your compassion through sharing the gospel and serving others. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

‘God has identified himself with the hungry, the sick, the naked, the homeless; hunger not only for bread, but for love, for care, to be somebody to someone; nakedness, not for clothing only, but nakedness of that compassion that very few people give to the unknown; homelessness, not only just for a shelter made from stone, but for that homelessness that comes from having no one to call your own.’ (Mother Teresa)

JUNE 20 – 26

THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL ACTION

SUN 20

FATHER’S DAY Lord, please inspire fathers everywhere to lead noble lives before their children and others who look to them for leadership. Help them in all their ways to ‘act justly, love mercy and walk humbly’ before You, defending the weak and affirming righteousness, truth and courage. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

MON 21

Father, please inspire more Christians to engage in social and moral issues that affect the future. Help us to use the gifts and opportunities You give to defend justice in our communities and the wider world, in the name of Christ, who is the remedy for every human need. Amen.

TUES 22

Lord, we pray for the future of social enterprises that have a strong social or environmental mission into which profits are invested. Please help them to make a difference that pleases You, through Your generous grace. Amen.

(A social enterprise is a cause-driven business whose primary reason for being is to improve social objectives and serve the common good.)

WED 23

INTERNATIONAL WIDOWS’ DAY Defender of orphans and widows, may we become more aware of the plight of millions of women in many countries who suffer hardship, abuse, social exclusion and injustice after their husband’s death. Please grant success to those campaigning for their rights and dignity for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

‘Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them … Then when you call, the Lord will answer.’ ISAIAH 58:6,7,9 (NLT) THURS 24

Lord, please multiply the blessings of church-led projects that, alongside preaching the gospel, serve the community, provide relief to those who are lonely, unwell, and facing crisis situations, reach out to families, and celebrate special times. In Christ’s name. Amen.

FRI 25

DAY OF THE SEAFARER Dear God, thank You for the two million sea-workers on whom global trade depends. Please protect and comfort those who are homesick, victimised and afraid. That they will be treated more fairly, and we ask that exploitative employers be brought to justice, according to Your will. Amen.

SAT 26

INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING Lord our Rescuer, please bring success to everyone who is fighting against these criminal enterprises from law enforcement agencies, social workers, community leaders, doctors and counsellors. By the power of Christ. Amen.

‘Engaged more than ever: small works compared with the political and financial movements of the day – a lodging house, a ragged school, a Vagrant Bill, a thieves refuge! No wonder people think me as small as my work; yet I would not change it.’ (Lord Shaftesbury, 1801-1885)

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JUNE 27 – JULY 3

THE FUTURE OF HELPING WITH ADDICTIONS SUN 27

Lord Jesus, thank You for saving us from sin. Please strengthen our resolve to find a way of escape whenever we are tempted to consider wrong thoughts, words and actions. Teach us to draw on Your merciful grace to receive forgiveness and extend it to others. In Your name. Amen.

MON 28

Dear God, we plead for deliverance for the increasing number of people who are seriously affected by problem gambling and gambling-related harms: relationship breakdown, loss of employment, debt, crime and deteriorating mental health. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

TUES 29

Lord, please give success to those who are concerned about the damage caused by pornography, particularly to children. We pray for effective age verification and other safeguards to be implemented soon and for much greater public condemnation of unscrupulous companies that earn millions from producing and distributing corrupt and criminal material. In Your mercy! Amen.

WED 30

Gentle Saviour, please draw close to people who are trying to escape from addictions to alcohol, drugs or other harmful substances, and those struggling with obsessive and compulsive behaviours, self-harm and eating disorders. Please help the NHS and others that care for patients to access increasingly effective treatments, through the compassion of Christ. Amen.

‘Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.’ PSALM 143:8-10 (NIV)

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THURS 1

Gracious Father, our hearts go out to those who have been driven to addictions of various kinds through tragic circumstances: childhood neglect, abuse and loss, the coercion of others, the desperation of extreme poverty, relationship breakdown and broken health. In the midst of such despair and suffering please pour out Your redeeming, healing love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

FRI 2

God our Healer, thank You for all those who support people affected by any kind of addiction, through friendship, counselling, medical and psychiatric help, rehabilitation, individual and group therapy and Christian ministry.

Grant them the wisdom and compassion of Christ. Amen.

SAT 3

Father, we remember the partners, families and friends of adults and children who are gripped by an addiction that harms both them and those around them. Please grant courage, understanding and hope as they live through this painful time, according to Your gracious will. Amen.

An addiction is an urge to do something that is hard to control or stop. Chemical addiction involves the use of substances. Behavioural addiction refers to persistent and repeated compulsive actions that are carried out even if they don’t offer any real benefit.

JULY 4 – 10

THE FUTURE OF HUMAN LIFE

SUN 4

Everlasting Father, thank You that Christ’s resurrection gives us the living hope of an ‘imperishable, undefiled and unfading’ inheritance in heaven.

May we always remember that we are all made in Your likeness, for good works You have prepared. Help us, Holy Spirit, to love our neighbours, through Your generous grace. Amen.

MON 5

Lord, we pray for the failure of any attempts to further liberalise abortion law. Please grant success to MLAs and others in Northern Ireland as they try to mitigate the legislation imposed by Westminster in 2019, especially concerning cases of babies with a disability. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

TUES 6

Almighty God, please grant wisdom to those developing robotics and artificial intelligence that will transform our lives. Please alert them to any possible harms and let their work benefit all humanity, and this world, which were created through Your infinite wisdom and love. Amen.

WED 7

Father, please continue to commission men, women, and children to share the gospel with those who have yet to receive Christ. Holy Spirit, we pray for millions of people to find salvation in Jesus, the Way, Truth and Life! Amen.

‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.’

JEREMIAH 29:11-13 (ESV) THURS 8

Father, we pray that physician-assisted suicide will never become legal in the UK. Please grant that palliative medicine will soon be available for all who need it and for the worldwide Hospice Movement to grow, providing holistic care to those nearing the end of their lives. May Your will be done. Amen.

FRI 9

Lord, we thank You for the compassion of so many people during Covid-19, and for the way governments protected human lives by prioritising the most vulnerable. May this attitude lead to society becoming more ‘pro-life’ with concern for those most at risk at the beginning and end of life. In Christ’s name. Amen.

SAT 10

Lord, You have created every human being in Your image! Thank You for research into the human genome* to improve our health and save many lives.

Please help everyone involved to maintain robust ethical practices to benefit people across the world. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

*The human genome, meaning ‘all the genetic information in a person’, is made up of the three billion ‘letters’ of DNA in our chromosomes and mitochondria. Understanding the human genome can help to predict, prevent, diagnose and treat disease. The human genome is like the ‘recipe book’ of our life. The genes made up of DNA are like the recipes inside it.

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JULY 11 – 17

THE FUTURE OF THE ECONOMY

SUN 11

Gracious God, we thank You that ‘kingdom economy’ operates through generosity, wise stewardship and investing in heavenly treasure! Please teach us to live and give, save and spend in ways that benefit those in need, bring true joy to others and honour to Your name. Amen.

MON 12

Gracious Lord, following Brexit and Covid-19, when global economies endured the deepest recession in 74 years, please grant exceptional wisdom, integrity and compassion to politicians and others implementing measures to aid recovery in coming months. Through Your redeeming mercy. Amen.

TUES 13

God of all creativity, we pray about the future of employment as complex machines and artificial intelligence increasingly take over work that humans have always done. Please grant wisdom to those exploring solutions that can guarantee financial security for everyone as things change. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

WED 14

Father, we pray about growing social inequalities across the world. Please help governments to ensure their economic policies will provide generous assistance to those who are in need and encourage people’s aspirations regardless of their status and circumstances. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

‘Jesus said “Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with money bags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”’ LUKE 12:33,34 (ESV)

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THURS 15

WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY Father, we pray, especially in developing countries with rapidly growing youth populations, for more money to be donated and invested in children’s education and developing their work skills, to equip rising generations to lead productive and fulfilling adult lives. In Your wisdom and mercy. Amen.

FRI 16

Lord, we thank You for governments and major companies that are increasing their commitment to the environment. We pray for more investment into clean energy, tackling pollution, and protecting vulnerable geographical areas and for people everywhere to be empowered to play their part in caring for our world. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

SAT 17

Dear Lord, please help charities and churches that are in financial need. May new sources of funding and people of vision and skill be found, to help them to fulfil their mission. Amen.

An economy is the system according to which the money, industry, and trade of a country or region are organised. A country’s economy is the wealth that it gains from business and industry. The UK is the sixth-biggest economy in the world. The USA is the largest, followed by China and Japan.

JULY 18 – 24

THE FUTURE OF JUSTICE

SUN 18

Holy God, we pray that our legal systems will not become divorced from the biblical principles and values of human rights and responsibilities that undergird them. May people of integrity and faith resist secular beliefs that threaten to supplant Your wisdom and ways. In Christ’s matchless name. Amen.

MON 19

Dear Lord, we commit to You the legal systems of the United Kingdom, that have evolved over 1,000 years. Please guide those considering our future and any plans to increase electronic and remote working. We ask that all people have equal and fair access to justice within a reasonable timescale, in accordance with Your gracious will. Amen.

TUES 20

Defender of the weak and helpless, may the Government’s Domestic Abuse Act be truly effective in protecting victims and their families and bringing perpetrators to justice. For Jesus’ sake, who suffered for us. Amen.

WED 21

God of grace, we intercede for vulnerable people before the courts who have undergone harrowing experiences, are minors, have disabilities and extra needs, are non-English speakers and are victims of coercion. May they be allowed to give evidence anonymously and by video. In Your mercy. Amen.

‘He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of His word, and one breath from His mouth will destroy the wicked.’ ISAIAH 11:3,4 (NLT) THURS 22

Judge of all the earth, we remember the multitudes who live under authoritarian regimes, extremist fundamentalist groups and corrupt governments and long for justice to prevail. Please overcome evil; set the captives free and restore them, through Your wonderful grace. Amen.

FRI 23

Thank You, Lord, for all who work in criminal, civil and family courts as ushers, clerks, probation officers, legal support staff, bailiffs, administrators, lawyers, magistrates and judges. Help them to execute their roles with skill and compassion, according to Your perfect will. Amen.

SAT 24

Lord, we pray that extra funding, staffing, temporary ‘Nightingale’ courts, technical improvements, and more efficient procedures will help to tackle the unprecedented backlog of court cases. Please grant that all those seeking justice will be helped. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

‘True freedom requires the rule of law and justice, and a judicial system in which the rights of some are not secured by the denial of right to others.’ (Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, 1948-2020)

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