Oct-Jan Prayer Diary

OCTOBER 2021 – JANUARY 2022

CARE Prayer Diary

In this issue: Global Health Issues Action on the Environment World Prosperity and Peace Childhood Matters The Living World Triumph over Adversity Trans-gender and Human Sexuality Economic Justice Blessing our Communities Employment Opportunities Social Workers and Carers Cyber-security Restoring Mental Health

‘Worship the Lord in the splendour of holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth!

Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity.”

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it!

Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for He comes, for He comes to judge the earth.

He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in His faithfulness.’

PSALM 96:9-13 (ESV)

The CARE Prayer Diary is written by Celia Bowring.

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Celia Bowring

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OCTOBER 24 – 30

GLOBAL HEALTH ISSUES

SUN 24

Sovereign God, we thank You for every sign of the pandemic ending, but intercede for countries that are still suffering from a heavy toll of deaths, ongoing illness, loss of livelihood and damage to their economic and social well-being. In Your mercy, Amen.

MON 25

Dear Lord, please grant that countries that have enough Covid-19 vaccines, medicines and testing systems will share generously with those that are struggling. We pray for distributions to be safely delivered to communities that are in need. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

TUES 26

Father, as outbreaks of malaria, ‘flu, tuberculosis and other serious infections resistant to antibiotics threaten many populations, please grant success to those trying to eradicate them and to reduce people’s suffering.

Through Your great mercy, Amen.

WED 27

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR LIFE Loving Redeemer, we grieve over every unborn life that is lost, and for babies who die at birth or soon afterwards. Thank You for the work of Open and Pregnancy Centres Network (PCN) that reaches out to women who have experienced this ordeal. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘… the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb flowed down the centre of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.’ REVELATION 22:1,2 (NLT) THURS 28

Almighty God, we bring before you children and adults affected by poor mental health, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, who need professional care. Please help many to turn to You and learn to live in the freedom of Your forgiveness and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

FRI 29

Lord our Healer, we give thanks for the thousands of Christian initiatives that minister to people with serious health needs across the world.

Please provide the human and financial resources needed to carry out this life-giving work. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

SAT 30

Father, we know that many diseases are the results of extreme poverty, malnutrition, polluted water, lack of proper healthcare, and poor education across many countries of the world. May the 17 Sustainable Development Goals bring about radical change. In Your mercy. Amen.

In most of sub-Saharan Africa, healthcare either doesn’t exist or is unaffordable to most people. Thousands of urgent operations are carried out aboard the floating hospital, Africa Mercy. Her Christian volunteer crew also works with host nations to improve the way healthcare is delivered by training and mentoring local medical staff, and renovating hospitals and clinics. (mercyships.org.uk)

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OCT 31 – NOV 6

ACTION ON THE ENVIRONMENT

SUN 31

COP26 takes place in Glasgow: 31 October to 12 November Creator God, You sustain the earth and direct the nations. In this time of climate crisis grant us clarity to hear the groaning of creation and the cries of the poor. Challenge us to change our lifestyles. Guide our leaders to take courageous action. Enable Your Church to be a beacon of hope. Foster within us a vision of Your renewed purposes in Your world. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York.)

MON 1

Lord, we pray for Alok Sharma MP, Secretary for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy as he presides over the COP26 negotiations. Grant him, and all involved, insight, skill and courage to expedite good outcomes from these crucial talks. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

TUES 2

Father, we remember COP26’s key goals: for countries to create more ambitious climate plans, better measures to protect the environment, commitment to support poorer countries, and agreement on rules for future collaboration. Please show us Your mercy. Amen.

WED 3

Maker of all things, please grant success to organisations and individuals involved in the protection of wildlife – flora and fauna – throughout the world, protecting existing habitats, providing new safe spaces and initiating other measures to aid flourishing. We ask in Christ’s name. Amen.

‘You made human beings rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.’ PSALM 8:6-8 (NIV)

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THURS 4

God of power and might, please guide those responsible for delivering the Government’s ten-point plan for a ‘green industrial revolution’ to identify and resolve the many financial, environmental and employment challenges that are involved. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

FRI 5

Holy Spirit, thank You for inspiring many Christians to pray at this time.

Please grant faith, wisdom and compassion as they consider the climate crisis facing our world. For Christ’s sake. Amen. (see Dr Isobel Carter’s work at prayandfastfortheclimate.org.uk)

SAT 6

Lord, please grant wisdom to Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP, Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, as she takes forward the UK’s climate and energy policy and support for vulnerable countries to adapt and build resilience to climate change. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

COP is the main UN climate negotiating forum of world leaders, experts, and campaigners from nearly 200 countries. It aims to improve the collective effort to tackle climate change, and take the next steps. COP26 in Glasgow, the largest summit the UK has ever hosted, will be the most important meeting since the 2015 Paris climate agreement.

NOVEMBER 7 – 13

WORLD PROSPERITY AND PEACE SUN 7

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH God of mercy, we praise You that the Church is growing throughout the world. Strengthen and comfort Christians who face severe opposition and rejection because of their faith. Give them grace to endure and boldness to speak out Your word, for the sake of Your Son. Amen.

MON 8

Prince of Peace, we intercede for the increasing numbers of countries affected by the fragility, conflict and violence (FCV) that leads to extreme poverty – forcing 82 million people out of their homes. Thank You for organisations that offer practical help. Through Your grace. Amen.

TUES 9

Lord, please enable governments, working with international, business, financial and third sector organisations, to help the most severely affected communities recover from the economic, health and social problems caused by the pandemic. In Your mercy. Amen.

WED 10

Father, we long for human life to be more valued, and for rights to be upheld to bring justice, prosperity and peace. But this is a limited hope unless people turn to Christ. Please help us to share the gospel across the world, that many may receive Him. Amen.

‘“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters … Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me.”’ ISAIAH 55:1-3 (NKJV) THURS 11

Lord, we remember the millions of people living in coastal areas who – because of global warming – may become homeless and experience water and food scarcity due to rising sea levels. Show us how to help the most vulnerable, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

FRI 12

God our Provider, thank You that there is more than enough in our world to provide for everyone’s needs when we share our resources fairly with others.

Please inspire more philanthropy and wise stewardship of all we have and grant wisdom to agencies delivering aid. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

SAT 13

Sovereign Lord, please enable those reaching out to more than 425 million children who live amid conflict: especially in Afghanistan, Yemen, Iraq, Syria and many war-torn African states. Grant them protection, healing, peace and hope. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

Christ alone can bring lasting peace – peace with God – peace among men and nations – and peace within our hearts.’ (Dr Billy Graham, International Evangelist – 1918-2018) 5

NOVEMBER 14 – 20

CHILDHOOD MATTERS

15-19 ANTI-BULLYING WEEK: ‘One kind word’ SUN 14

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY: ‘When you go Home, tell them of us and say, For your Tomorrow, we gave our Today.’ (John Maxwell Edmunds, 1916) Lord, we gratefully remember the sacrifices of those who suffered and died in wars across the world to win peace in their time and for subsequent generations. In Your name. Amen.

MON 15

Father, thank You that Anti-Bullying Week 2020 was observed by millions of children in UK schools. Please bless this year’s theme to promote ‘hope and the positive and kind things we can do to halt hurtful behaviour in its tracks.’

In Your mercy. Amen.

TUES 16

PRAY DAY FOR SCHOOLS Jesus our Good Shepherd, we remember schools across the UK and pray for Your protection, provision and peace to rest on children and teenagers, teachers and other staff, Governors, School Board members and all who make up their community. Through Your love. Amen. (prayforschools.org)

WED 17

Loving Lord, please help parents bringing up teenagers in an oftenconfusing world. Help them to understand the implications of so much of life being online – for good and ill. Grant patience, courage, compassion and wisdom day by day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘Jesus said, “You must let little children come to me, and you must never stop them. The kingdom of Heaven belongs to little children like these!” Then He laid his hands on them and went on His way.’ MATTHEW 19:14 (J.B. PHILLIPS NT) THURS 18

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Gracious God, we pray that the Government’s new England Adoption Strategy would be successful in recruiting people to adopt, so that more children can know the love of a ‘forever family’. We pray for similar schemes in the rest of the UK also to be effective. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

FRI 19

Gentle Saviour, thank You for every Christian initiative that enables young people and children to flourish physically, educationally, mentally and spiritually through churches, schools, special projects and individuals sharing Your love. Please bless them. Amen.

SAT 20

UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY – Reimagine a better future for every child.

Father, we intercede for children in the aftermath of the universal crisis of Covid-19 which has caused further poverty, deprivation and risk from disease, violence and exploitation. Please mobilise rich countries to offer support and redress this tragedy. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

The pandemic means: ‘150 million more children live with no access to essential services. 463 million children could not access remote learning when schools closed, 44 million children may have gone hungry, 80 million babies missed out on lifesaving vaccines …’ (Unicef and Save the Children)

NOVEMBER 21 – 27

THE LIVING WORLD

NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 5 IS NATIONAL TREE WEEK SUN 21

Mighty Creator, we marvel at all You have made. Please teach us to protect the environment and all within it from threats of damage and extinction.

Eagerly we await the renewing of all things at the end of the age when Your Son comes in glory. Amen.

MON 22

Lord, please help scientists to understand how we can reverse the serious decline in the numbers of insects that play a crucial part in our ecosystems throughout the world. Grant wisdom to farmers, gardeners, beekeepers and other individuals who work with nature. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

TUES 23

Father, please help all who are addressing the critical problem of plastic pollution in our oceans – made worse by the increased use of disposable masks and other protective equipment during Covid-19 – contaminating our waters and destroying aquatic species. In Your mercy. Amen.

WED 24

Lord, we pray for protection of UK wetlands: marshes, bogs, fens, mudflats, wet grasslands and woods, floodplains, estuaries and other waterways that are vital for sustaining wildlife, capturing carbon and preserving our environment. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘Let the trees of the forest sing, let them sing for joy before the Lord, for He comes to judge the earth. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.’

1 CHRONICLES 16:33,34 (NIV) THURS 25

Gracious God, please grant information, resources and success to law enforcers and others involved in tracking down criminal poachers and those who destroy animals to steal ivory, rhino horn, skins and other sought-after items. May Your justice prevail! Amen.

FRI 26

Thank You, Lord, for the Queen’s Jubilee Green Canopy tree planting initiative: planting sustainable trees, particularly in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, and dedicating 70 Ancient Woodlands to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service. To Your glory. Amen.

SAT 27

Creator Lord, we praise You for the 60,000 species of trees worldwide – bringing untold benefits of many kinds. May we nurture those growing around us and support efforts to preserve forests and woods that are at risk around the world today. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

Forests are the Earth’s lungs, absorbing toxins and producing oxygen. Holding vast amounts of carbon dioxide they act as a cooling system, filter clean water and sustain 80 per cent of all land-based plants and creatures. 300 million people live there, and 1.6 billion livelihoods depend on them.

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NOV 28 – DEC 4

TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY

SUN 28

ADVENT BEGINS Christ our Emmanuel, we joyfully celebrate Your coming among us as a vulnerable baby, to share our sorrows and bear away our sin. We think too of Your second coming, in glory and majesty, when all pain will cease and those who love You will enter eternity. Alleluia! Amen.

MON 29

Lord of the years, we reflect on many months of difficulty, pain and disappointment caused by Covid-19, giving thanks for the mercies and blessings we received in the midst of it. Please continue to help all who are still affected, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

TUES 30

Strong Deliverer, we pray for people who are besieged by troubles: fear for the future, illness, unemployment, relationship breakdown and other problems.

Please help them, with the support of others and through divine provision to face life with resilience and hope. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

WED 1

Loving Saviour, please uphold our Christian brothers and sisters in places where believers are ostracised, rejected, discriminated against, attacked, threatened with imprisonment or worse because they refuse to deny You. Keep them in the peace and grace of Your presence. Amen.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.’ JAMES 1:12 (NIV) THURS 2

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Father, we ask for comfort for men, women and children who are grieving a loved one. Hold them close through the pain and sorrow of bereavement, which may go on for many years. Grant to them Your Son’s loving peace, through the Holy Spirit. Amen.

FRI 3

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Father of compassion and courage, please reveal Your unconditional love for children and adults who live with particular physical, health, social, occupational and emotional needs. Help them to fulfil all that You desire for them, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

SAT 4

Redeemer God, thank You for rescuing us from the penalty and power of sin: to bring us through death to share in Your risen glory. We remember all who are struggling to trust in You and ask for fresh hope and help to endure, in Christ’s powerful name. Amen.

‘Nothing whatever, whether great or small, can happen to a believer, without God’s ordering and permission. There is no such thing as “chance”, “luck” or “accident” in the Christian’s journey through this world. All is arranged and appointed by God. And all things are “working together” for the believer’s good.’ (J. C. Ryle, first Bishop of Liverpool and prolific evangelical author. 1816-1900)

DECEMBER 5 – 11

TRANS-GENDER AND HUMAN SEXUALITY SUN 5

God of grace and truth, please grant wisdom and courage to Christians who engage in debates and have relationships with people who disagree with biblical views on human sexuality. Help them to be considerate, courteous and compassionate. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

MON 6

Father, we pray that young people who struggle with sexual or gender identity will receive wise counsel. Please guard their hearts and minds from confusion and any cultural pressures that can end in physical and emotional harm. In Your mercy. Amen.

TUES 7

Lord, please grant clear insight to those who are working on government legislation to ban ‘conversion therapy’ – trying to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Although coercive treatments must stop, we pray for pastoral care and prayer for those with unwanted sexual attractions to remain legal. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

WED 8

God, thank You for ordaining marriage between a man and a woman, to live alongside those who are single. We pray that contemporary culture will not outlaw Biblical beliefs about human relationships, but recognise their great value to individuals, families and wider society. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘When God created human beings, He made them to be like Himself. He created them male and female, and He blessed them and called them “human”.’ GENESIS 5:1,2 (NLT) THURS 9

Lord of the Church, please help Christians across the different traditions to confirm and demonstrate Your unconditional love for every individual. May they balance that with their sincere belief in, and interpretation of, Your Word. We pray for unity with integrity according to Your will. Amen.

FRI 10

WORLD HUMAN RIGHTS DAY Thank You, Lord, that the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, inspired by biblical truths and values has continued to bring justice, equality and liberty to billions of people. We intercede for those who still suffer oppression to be set free. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

SAT 11

Father, we pray for children and adults who are subjected to bullying, hatred and violence because of their same sex orientation or gender identity. Please draw many to find strength, peace, and forgiveness for all of their sins and acceptance through the grace of Your Son. Amen.

‘Giving ourselves wholly to Christ is the only way to discover who we are, the only way to become who Christ means us to be, the only way to experience his riches in this life and the only way to fulfil the purpose for which he made us. It may seem frightening, but once you do it, your only regret will be that you didn’t do it sooner.’ (C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity) 9

DECEMBER 12 – 18

ECONOMIC JUSTICE

SUN 12

Father, we long for an end to the injustice and inequality that creates such poverty for millions of people. May those of us who have plenty open our eyes, hearts and hands to see, love and give to our international neighbours who are in need. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

MON 13

God, please give success to those campaigning for the forgiveness of debts that many honest, low-income countries owe to foreign governments, banks and investors – draining resources that would otherwise meet the needs of their people. In Your mercy. Amen.

TUES 14

Lord, we pray that those responsible for the UK tax and benefit system will increasingly find ways to reduce inequality: allocating resources fairly, meeting people’s essential needs and providing opportunities for people to succeed in every area of their lives – and so benefit society. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WED 15

God of the poor, raise up leaders of integrity and generous employers who will act to bring an end to unjust systems, corruption, exploitation and disregard for people that cause poverty and hopelessness in many places.

For the honour of Your name. Amen.

‘He does not oppress anyone, but returns what he took in pledge for a loan. He does not commit robbery, but gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked … That man is righteous; he will surely live, declares the Sovereign Lord.’

EZEKIEL 18:7-9 (NIV) THURS 16

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Gracious Lord, we pray that the Government will soon manage to restore the UK’s foreign aid budget to previous levels and ensure that payments directly benefit those in need. Thank You for the charitable giving of British people and the integrity, knowledge, networking and skills of many NGOs. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

FRI 17

Holy Spirit, thank You for every opportunity to do justice and love mercy and humbly walk before You. Teach us to give, save, spend and invest all we have received through Your grace in ways that bless our neighbours and bring honour to You. Amen.

SAT 18

INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY Merciful God, please grant wisdom and compassion to governments of countries that receive migrants; whether they are there by choice, have fled from danger or been trafficked. Protect and provide for these families and individuals. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

The World Bank reports that close to a quarter of the world’s population lives on less than £1.38 a day. More than 40 per cent – almost 3.3 billion people – live on under £4 a day. The world’s richest one per cent own 43 per cent of global wealth.

DECEMBER 19 – 25

BLESSING OUR COMMUNITIES

SUN 19

Heavenly Father, please protect and bless the places where we live, work and worship. May churches increasingly shine out as beacons of Your truth and love, graciously sharing the gospel and serving their communities in the name of Jesus. Amen.

MON 20

God of compassion, please provide for and equip statutory and voluntary agencies seeking to meet the diverse needs of frail elderly people, those with learning difficulties, physical and mental disabilities and illnesses – at home or elsewhere in the community. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

TUES 21

Lord, we pray a blessing on our places of learning, healthcare centres, social provision and other vital services to the local community. May they be places of harmony, efficiently run and successful in achieving excellent results in all they do. Through Your grace. Amen.

WED 22

Father, thank You for those who enrich us through their art, music, drama, dance, design, and other creative expressions. May our local performance venues, art galleries, libraries, museums, and other cultural centres promote truth, beauty and enjoyment that reflects the wonder of Your creation. Amen.

‘You’re here to be light … Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand— shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.’

MATTHEW 5:14-16 (MSG) THURS 23

Holy Spirit, may Your gospel message of mercy, hope and love reach into our neighbourhoods through Christmas services, celebrations and gatherings of families and friends. We pray that those who may be alone will be included and not overlooked. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

FRI 24

Lord, thank You for every Christian who prays for others: in their private devotions, as family, or in a group at church. Please increase our faith and guide us in our intercessions, that individuals and whole communities might be blessed. In Christ’s name. Amen.

SAT 25

CHRISTMAS DAY Lord Jesus Christ, Light of the world, we worship You today in the company of all those on earth and in heaven who love and honour You. Thank You for coming to live among us and suffer death that we might be forgiven and be with You forever! Receive our thanks and praise! Amen.

Churches bring communities together, helping them to thrive. From foodbanks to credit unions, they provide so many essential services. The total economic and social value generated by UK church buildings is at least £12.4 billion per year – roughly equal to NHS spending on mental health in England in 2018. (houseofgood.nationalchurchestrust.org)

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DEC 26 – JAN 1

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

SUN 26

God our Maker, thank You that ‘we are your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which You prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.’ Grant us Your wisdom, strength and patience to discover and fulfil what You have planned. Amen.

MON 27

Father, so many who lost their livelihoods during the pandemic are struggling to recover. We pray for people who are particularly disadvantaged because they are low paid workers, from an ethnic minority group or have a disability.

In Jesus’ name. Please lead them to the best opportunities. Amen.

TUES 28

God of justice, we pray that increasing pressures on companies to promote Fairtrade practices and publish information about employees in their business and supply chains will prevent exploitation, modern slavery and human trafficking. In Your mercy. Amen.

WED 29

Dear Lord, please provide opportunities for study, training, volunteering and paid employment for those who want to work but have poor health, are long-term unemployed, prevented by others or unable to find an appropriate job. According to Your loving purposes we ask it. Amen.

‘I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil – this is the gift of God.’ ECCLESIASTES 3:12,13 (NIV) THURS 30

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Lord, we pray for the success of ministries, organisations, probation officers and others who support ex-offenders and people who have had problems in the past, to find satisfying employment and adjust to being in the workplace. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

FRI 31

Lord, we remember the many young people whose education was so badly affected by Covid-19 that they’re now struggling to find suitable jobs, apprenticeships, trainee placements and other opportunities. Please help them not to give up and find the support they need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

SAT 1

NEW YEAR’S DAY Sovereign Lord, we thank You for this New Year. In Your mercy, strengthen us for the days ahead, direct our paths and provide for our needs. Help us to bless others by word and deed, being thoughtful, encouraging, wise and generous.

Through the grace of Christ. Amen.

O God, your days are without beginning and without end. We dedicate this coming year to you.

Give us such prosperity as you know is good for us, and make us abound in doing whatever is pleasing to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’ (Mozarabic – ancient Spanish – Collect for New Year)

JANUARY 2 – 8

SOCIAL WORKERS AND CARERS SUN 2

Loving Father, we remember the millions of people who, unpaid, care for an ill, older or disabled family member or friend. Please grant them Your wisdom, patience, strength and help to access the many kinds of support they need. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

MON 3

God our Defender, we pray about the increasing pressure on Christian social workers who disagree with the views of those who train and employ them on issues of sexuality, gender and life. Please protect them so that they can continue to demonstrate Your love to people in need. Amen.

TUES 4

Lord, please help social workers engaged within the criminal justice system as advocates for victims, doing probation and parole work, preparing children to testify in court, working with families and supporting prisoners as they prepare for release. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WED 5

Compassionate God, please grant insight and empathy to professionals, care workers, volunteers, family and friends who care for older frail people with distressing illnesses like dementia. Enfold these precious ones with Your love. Amen.

The Samaritan soothed his wounds … put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, “Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.” LUKE 10:34,35 (NLT) THURS 6

Lord, give wisdom and strength to social workers and others helping individuals whose lives are dominated by severe mental health and other problems. May they find ways to relieve suffering and protect them and others from harm. In Your mercy. Amen.

FRI 7

Father, we thank You for everyone who is engaged in caring for children and adults who need to be looked after. We pray that the current shortage of social workers and carers will be resolved and for existing staff to be able to do their jobs well, despite the challenges involved. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

SAT 8

Jesus, friend of orphans, please help social workers and others responsible for placing looked-after children into foster care or ‘forever families’ to try to make the best decisions and speed up unnecessarily long processes. Please lead them to fulfill Your will for everyone involved. In Your mercy. Amen.

In the United Kingdom 111,000 people are employed as social workers. 80,000 children are in care – fewer than 3,500 are adopted each year. 10,000 home care providers visit 957,000 older people. 17,600 care homes accommodate 220,000 older people.

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JANUARY 9 – 15

CYBER SECURITY

SUN 9

Creator God, the internet and modern technology open up amazing new worlds of information and communication. Please grant wisdom to experts in this rapidly changing arena to promote what is best and to protect us from harm. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

MON 10

Father, we ask that more young people may receive relevant education and be prepared to embrace the opportunities that digitalisation is delivering for work life, business, social interaction, learning, and spreading the gospel of Christ. Grant them insight and creativity in their work. Amen.

TUES 11

God of truth, please expose and bring to justice those using the internet to obtain money and personal details, infiltrate and disable computer networks, sell illicit drugs and other items, facilitate sexual abuse of children and commit other crimes. In Your mercy. Amen.

WED 12

Lord, please give those working in GCHQ the information, skills and determination they need, especially in crisis situations, to identify and disrupt security challenges and terrorist plots that threaten life, stability and peace.

Lead them for Christ’s sake. Amen.

Listen and help, O God ... Don’t let them find me … they shoot from ambush, shoot without warning, not caring who they hit … They keep lists of the traps they’ve secretly set. They say to each other, “No one can catch us, no one can detect our perfect crime.”’ PSALM 64:1-6 (MSG) THURS 13

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Heavenly Father, please help those of us who regularly use the internet on our phones, tablets and computers to be vigilant and wise. May we be aware of any cyber threats and not be deceived by rogue phone calls, texts and emails. By Your grace. Amen.

FRI 14

O God, please help businesses, local authorities, government departments, education institutions and others that have suffered a cyber-attack. May they recover from the loss and disruption caused, find ways to protect their data and mitigate future risks. In your mercy. Amen.

SAT 15

Lord, we are grateful for the meticulous work of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to prevent cyber-attacks and build resilience in computerised systems. Grant success as they partner with others to collect and analyse information and take effective action. In Christ’s name. Amen.

The National Cyber Force, operating alongside NCSC, carries out offensive action to combat security threats, hostile states, terror groups, extremism, hackers, disinformation and election interference. Working closely with law- enforcement and international partners, it operates in a legal, ethical and proportionate way to help defend the nation.

JANUARY 16 – 22

RESTORING MENTAL HEALTH

SUN 16

Lord our Healer, please touch the hearts and minds of those who live with mental health conditions that make them anxious, afraid, exhausted and confused. Grant patience and wisdom to their families and carers, according to Your loving mercy. Amen.

MON 17

God of compassion, we lift to You our mental health workforce, in specialities such as psychiatry, counselling, nursing, therapy and social work. Please strengthen them, from when they begin training and throughout their careers, especially in challenging times. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

TUES 18

Father, we pray for all schools and colleges to find strategies to help pupils and students enjoy good mental health and wellbeing. Please direct and encourage counsellors and others who care for children and young people and bring healing and peace. By Your loving Spirit. Amen.

WED 19

Dear Lord, we intercede for young and older people who try to deal with very difficult feelings, painful memories and overwhelming experiences by selfharming or disordered eating. Lead them to help find recovery, wholeness and peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown … For I am the Lord your God”’ ISAIAH 43:1-3 (NLT) THURS 20

Lord our Comforter, please heal those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) who have experienced or witnessed a horrific event that leads to flashbacks, nightmares, physical problems, emotional withdrawal and other distressing symptoms. In Your mercy. Amen.

FRI 21

Father, thank You for church communities, charities and professional agencies that reach out to adults and young people who are affected by their own and others’ mental illness. May there be positive connections made that offer reassurance, help and hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

SAT 22

Lord, please help the Government to devote resources and implement proactive measures that will support people who suffer from anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, sleep and other problems, especially as a result of Covid-19 and its lockdowns. In Your mercy. Amen.

‘The pandemic has eroded many of the things that normally protect our mental health – from social connectedness to financial security and hope for the future. Prolonged stress and loneliness negatively impact mental health … These issues will become more apparent over time and will cause a huge burden for individuals, communities, health services and economies.’ (Professor Tine Van Bortel, Mental Health Foundation).

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CARE (Christian Action Research & Education) Chief Executive Ross Hendry | Chairman Rev Lyndon Bowring 53 Romney St, London, SW1P 3RF | 020 7233 0455 mail@care.org.uk | PrayerMate: praynow4.org/care Charity No: 1066963 | Scottish Charity No: SC038911 This product is recyclable