Prayer Matters Weaving passionate and effective prayer through the fabric of The Salvation Army
September – December 2018
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Greetings, Prayer Matters readers, Welcome to this September–December 2018 edition of Prayer Matters. As I sit here in a sweltering office, blinds drawn to keep out the sun, with whirring fans humming, it feels quite surreal to be writing the introduction to the autumn and Advent edition of Prayer Matters! Firstly my grateful thanks and acknowledgments go to all our guest writers who inform and enrich our prayers, with a balance of Scripture and mission-focused prayers relating to Salvation Army services. We couldn’t do it without you! We were delighted, too, that Commissioner Keith Banks graciously agreed to write our Advent reflections for this edition, taking us on a grand ADVENTure. Thank you as ever to Stephanie Chagas-Bijl (Resource Hub, THQ) who has collated and edited this edition of Prayer Matters. Prayer Network news – Encounter – Prayer Gathering Weekend: 25–27 January 2019, The Hayes, Swanwick We invite you to join with us for an exciting weekend of Encounter with God, exploring the theme ‘Moving forward in prayer and mission’ through worship, teaching, workshops, fellowship and prayer. Plans for this weekend are well under way. Major Mark Herbert (Divisional Commander, South East Division) is our keynote speaker, our Territorial Leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gillian Cotterill will be joining us; and we will be blessed once again, I’m sure, as Joel and Jo Thomas lead us in worship. Optional workshops will include: Leading in prayer, Growing in prayer and Sharing in prayer. On the inside front cover you will see the poster page, giving further details. Posters and application forms are now in corps and also available to download from the SA prayer website - www.salvationarmy.org.uk/ prayer-network or email us at saprayernetwork@salvationarmy.org.uk. 3
Bookings will be managed by the Territorial Events Team, which includes facility to pay by purchase/debit/credit card. Remember the early bird gets the £15 discount, only until 31 August. After that the full price applies! One Thing Prayer School DVD series: Season 3, ‘One Thing for the World – moving out in prayer’ – a quick update. Filming is finished and we are in the editing stage. We are a little behind schedule with this, but anticipate that this final DVD will be available early in the new year. New personnel It’s been all change in the Spiritual Life Development (SLD) Department over the summer as we have moved location within THQ and said farewell to Major David Taylor (SLD) and Major Jo Reid (Chaplain). It’s been great working with them, and we do of course wish them well and pray the abundance of God’s provision and blessing on them as they move to new appointments. At the same time we have welcomed Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts to her new role as Spiritual Life Development Secretary. We look forward to working with Jayne as our unit head and pray God’s provision and blessing for her too as she transitions into her new role and responsibilities at THQ. Last but by no means least, in closing I say thank you to you our subscribers. It is indeed a wonderful thing to partner with you through Prayer Matters. I thank God that he continues to raise up prayer in The Salvation Army through you, and I pray that God would equip and bless you richly in this vital Kingdom-building ministry of prayer. Captain Pauline Milner, SA Prayer Co-ordinator
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Bible quotations from the New International Version (2011) unless otherwise stated.
September Education Focus
Sandra Findley (Abingdon Corps) Saturday 1 September – Ezra 7:10 This week children will be going back to school after the summer holidays. Some will be starting at a new school and with that comes many different feelings, anxieties, worries, hopes and aspirations. Pray that God may grant each child understanding and break down the barriers that keep them from grasping new skills and concepts. Sunday 2 September – Proverbs 23:23 Pray for the teachers and staff who work in our schools. May they feel the excitement of their pupils as they encounter new ideas, and yet also understand their difficulties in grasping concepts they find obscure and challenging. Help them to create a learning environment where children feel safe, valued and understood. Grant them patience and understanding and the ability to guide their pupils out of confusion into comprehension. Monday 3 September – Jeremiah 29:11 Pray for children with special needs as they attend school, that they will thrive in the school they are placed and in the friendship group they are part of. Remember also their teachers and pray that they may have the wisdom to know how to be inclusive of their needs. Pray that any diagnostic tests would give insight into the needs and abilities of the children, and that both parents and schools work well together in meeting the needs of each unique individual. Tuesday 4 September – 1 Corinthians 15:33 One of the most positive or the most negative parts of a child’s time at school can be in the friends they make and the people they spend their time with. Lord, please protect students and their leaders from influences that are not good, and bring friends to them who will be a source of great encouragement. May their friendships be filled with kindness, understanding, and compassionate consideration for one another. Amen. Wednesday 5 September – Job 12:22 We think of students being bullied and those who feel they have no support from the adults around them and grow resentful at what they see to be their indifference. Lord, protect every child, bring to light the truth in situations that need to be 5
investigated. For the student who lives in fear and danger, give them peace and direct them to someone who will help them. We ask that they may find you, in whom there is eternal peace and safety. Amen. Thursday 6 September – Psalm 146:9 Lord, we ask for your care and ministry to children and families who have migrated here from another country. Break down language barriers within the classroom and protect those children from physical, educational and emotional harm. Bring unity and harmony and help us each to learn from each other. Amen. Friday 7 September – 1 Timothy 4:11 We give thanks for teachers, staff and pupils who are believers and who share a biblical worldview. Lord, surround both adults and children with those who give godly counsel. Give them courage, wisdom and tact with the knowledge that their Heavenly Father is always with them. We ask for opportunities for pupils to hear and respond to the gospel and that biblical values be honoured and upheld in our schools. Amen.
Big Collection
Grace Scoulding (Prayer Network) Saturday 8 September Every year we hear about those who are involved in the Big Collection, either through door-to-door collecting, cake baking, music making etc. As we begin this important time in our calendar, thank God for all who are doing what they can to raise money. Sunday 9 September All of the money raised for the Big Collection goes straight to changing people’s lives through The Salvation Army’s Older People’s Services care homes, Lifehouses and other aspects of social work. We pray for all those who will receive help and those who have been helped in the past. Monday 10 September – Messengers of the Kingdom We pause our Big Collection focus today to remember the cadets from the Messengers of the Kingdom Session who arrive at the William Booth College. Pray that they will know God’s peace and guidance. Pray that long-lasting friendships will be formed and that God will equip them for his purposes through all that they will learn and experience. 6
Tuesday 11 September As we return to the Big Collection focus we remember officers, soldiers, staff and volunteers who help those in need within their local communities every day. Lord, we thank you for all they do and ask you to sustain them in their life of service. Amen. Wednesday 12 September – Enabling transformation (Romans 12:2) This year the theme of the Big Collection is ‘Big things have small beginnings’. Take time to think about what small thing you can do or give that will help those in need. While it may only be a small thing, every big thing has to start somewhere! Lord, show us what we can do to help those in need. Amen.
Homelessness Services Focus Major Graham Daniels (Chaplaincy Officer)
Homelessness Services have a Strategic Mission Plan which supports and frames its everyday mission. We focus on seven particular headings; but in addition to those considered below are the vital areas of Developing our team and offering Value for money. Please remember to pray for those engaged in trying to achieve the best possible outcome for those we work with and alongside. Thursday 13 September God is at work within the Homelessness Services Unit (HSU), whether it be through Lifehouses, drop-in centres or corps ministries that support those experiencing homelessness. When we join with God in his mission, transformation happens. Pray that within these contexts people will be able not only to support and nurture others, but also to celebrate transformational changes whatever they might look like. Thank God for minds, hearts and lives that are being changed – in his power. Friday 14 September – Empowering people (Hebrews 10:24) Being concerned to urge each other on is a call which is shared by those who work in Homelessness Services and is part of our strategic plan for Empowering People. We offer a person-centred approach in our support of everyone we work with. Pray that strength will be acknowledged and potential released. Saturday 15 September – Encouraging Growth (Matthew 13:31-32) Sustainable growth is vital to allow us to reach wider and deeper in support of those experiencing homelessness. Lord, we seek your guidance as we look for the best ways to grow our services. Lead your people today and into the future. Amen. 7
Sunday 16 September – Providing Opportunity (Galatians 6:10) The Homelessness Services aims to provide opportunities that promote purpose, freedom and resilience for those within the service. This is achieved through the use of goal setting and action planning by engaging, passionate staff. Please pray for all those who work within this area of ministry, that God may grant grace for each day and fulfilment in his mission. Monday 17 September – Achieving Excellence (Ephesians 3:20) Excellence is about offering a distinctive, high-quality service. ‘It is not so much a matter of being superior at some specific activity, as much as [it is] living an excellent, God-glorifying life’ (Christian Excellence Alternative to Success by Jon Johnston). Please pray the prayer of Ephesians 3:20, that God would be glorified in everything done by the Homelessness Services.
Older People’s Care Home Focus Majors Keith and Vikki Burr (Chaplaincy Officers)
Tuesday 18 September – Ephesians 3:17b In the 14 care homes throughout the territory, everything that happens is ‘rooted… in love’ and embodied by our values of compassion, passion, integrity, accountability, boldness and respect. A new project is promoting these values and placing them at the centre of all we do. Father, give us all the courage to be rooted in your love and to embody you in all that we do. Amen. Wednesday 19 September – Ephesians 3:18b In Ecclesiastes we read that there is a time for everything. It is a privilege to be with someone in their final moments and to know it is not the end. Yet there is a cost too. Thank God for the privilege he has given The Salvation Army to care, comfort and support, and ask too that the staff within the care homes will know God’s immeasurable love as they give of themselves. Thursday 20 September – Ephesians 3:19 We are always the best care-givers to family members we love, so it can very hard to accept that we ourselves sometimes need help and support. Handing over the care of a loved one to the staff in our homes is an extreme act of trust and can be a huge emotional rollercoaster for the families involved. Pray that as they do so, they allow God to fill the space. Friday 21 September – Ephesians 3:16a Working in a care home, in whatever capacity, is all about giving – physically and emotionally. Much is given back – love, thanks, appreciation – but this doesn’t pay 8
the bills! Father, may our staff know your glorious riches, and may those who make decisions regarding funding have a clear vision and understanding of what is needed. Thank you that in you we find all that we need. Amen. Saturday 22 September – Ephesians 3:21 Our care homes truly are ‘homes’. They are places of life and activity – grandchildren sharing with grandparents, families celebrating the small, daily victories and the big yearly festivities. Pray that through everything that happens in the homes, God will be evident, his glory recognised, and our families, whatever their age, will know God is journeying along with them.
Scripture Praise Focus – Psalm 95:1-7 (The Voice) Major Lindy Rose (Corps Officer, Hendon)
Sunday 23 September – ‘Come, let us worship in song, a joyful offering to the Eternal. Shout! Shout with joy to the rock of our liberation’ (v1). What an invitation at the start of a new week – coming together in worship! Invitations are important, vital for some. Who first invited you to worship, to know Jesus more? Take time today to pray for these people and yourself, for opportunities to give invitations to others. Monday 24 September – ‘Come face-to-face with God, and give thanks; with loud and joyful voices, praise him in songs’ (v2). God is ever present and in this way we are face to face with him. What are we thankful for today? Sometimes it’s enough to thank him simply for being there. If we’re able to be joyful today, which songs can we sing and pray to God? If joy eludes us, sing a lament. God still hears. Tuesday 25 September – ‘For the Eternal is a great God, and a great King, supreme over all gods’ (v3). We have a God who is great, the King of kings, unrivalled and supreme. We often praise him for everything he’s done in our lives. Today, why not simply praise him for who he is and what he means to us! Wednesday 26 September – ‘Within his control are the very depths of the earth; the mountaintops too – they all belong to him’ (v4). God’s domain digs deep and rises high. If we apply these images to ourselves – the natural rhythm of life’s peaks and troughs – we can praise him in the polarities or at any place in between. He is in control, he knows, and we belong to him too. Praise him out of who you are in Christ today. 9
Thursday 27 September – ‘The sea belongs to him, for he created it – scooped and filled it – with his hands he made the dry land – every valley and mountain’ (v5). The sea too has a natural rhythm of ebb and flow; it belongs to God. Let’s praise him today for the ebb and flow of our life. We cannot live forever on the mountain top, and similarly we can’t always live in the valley. Neither is a healthy place to remain. Recognise God’s presence where you are, and worship. Friday 28 September – ‘Come, let us worship him. Everyone bow down; kneel before the Eternal who made us’ (v6). In our worship, we may not always bow down or kneel on a regular basis. However, these helpful postures before him can be a sign of our submission or humility and reverence before our maker. What might bring us to our knees today? Why not try altering our posture in worship as our heart’s response to what or who we value most. Saturday 29 September – ‘For he is our God and we are his people, the flock of his pasture, his sheep protected and nurtured by his hand. Today, if he speaks, hear his voice’ (v7). We can praise him everywhere in a variety of ways, simply because he is God. We are invited to worship and praise, recognising we are sheltered and raised by the Shepherd who knows his sheep by name. Listen for his call today and respond to his voice in prayer.
Public Affairs Focus (Party Conference Season) Lieutenant Mark Scoulding (Public Affairs Officer)
The party conference season is an important time in the political calendar. The major political parties gather to do business and make policy. This is an ideal opportunity for The Salvation Army and our ecumenical partners to meet with decision makers and influence their thinking on behalf of the people we serve. This year we will attend the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat and Scottish National Party conferences, lobbying on priority policy areas. Sunday 30 September – Employment and Social Security (Genesis 2:15) ‘Work for All’ was a slogan of our co-founder William Booth; and still today The Salvation Army continues to promote employment as one of the best ways for people to help themselves and achieve their full potential. Nonetheless, many people still face challenges securing and sustaining work. Pray for the Public Affairs Unit at the Labour Party Conference as they lobby for tailored and holistic employment support and a fairer system that reflects the real-life challenges faced by claimants. 10
October Monday 1 October – Adult Social Care (Psalm 71:9) The debate around funding for adult social care is currently focused on those who own their own home (25% of those over 75 do not) and are able to self-fund any necessary care in later life. The Salvation Army is campaigning for the adult social care system to be redesigned with every older person in mind. Pray for the residents of our care homes and their loved ones, for front-line corps and centres, and our adult social care fringe event at the Conservative Party Conference. Tuesday 2 October – Homelessness and Addictions (Matthew 25:40) The Salvation Army’s Homelessness Services includes the provision of over 3,000 Lifehouse’ beds, tailored and floating support services, affordable meals, cold weather shelters and social enterprise schemes. Pray for conversations with policy and decision makers, for forthcoming political visits to corps and centres working alongside people who are homeless, and for service users who are affected by addictions. Wednesday 3 October – Financial Inclusion (Proverbs 14:31) Personal debt is a growing problem which can negatively impact other areas of life such as health, housing and relationships. Through our debt advice services, we help clients to tackle their existing debts and gain money management skills so that they can stay in the black. Pray for The Salvation Army’s desire to see better advice in marginalised communities, improved support for people moving on to Universal Credit, more training in schools and colleges, and greater access to affordable credit for low income households. Thursday 4 October – Modern Slavery (Zechariah 7:10) The Salvation Army has co-ordinated the provision of support and accommodation services to adult victims of modern slavery in England and Wales since 2011. So far, we have assisted more than 4,500 people from over 90 countries. Please pray for the victims and perpetrators of modern slavery, for the staff and volunteers working in the area and for forthcoming political conversations and visits.
Youth and Children’s Workers Focus Friday 5 October Youth and children’s workers from all over the territory will be travelling to Scotland today for a weekend retreat organised by the Youth and Children’s Ministries Unit. Pray that they would encounter Jesus afresh and make the most of this time to laugh, dream, and be reminded of their primary calling to be disciples. Pray for Chick and Margaret Yuill who will be leading the participants through the weekend. 11
Saturday 6 October The weekend focus is on Jesus’ last days on earth and the stories he told during that time. How do we, like Jesus, still tell stories which upset, provoke and put our position in the Kingdom above our place and position in society? Pray for divine wisdom and boldness for those gathered there to discover the answer to these questions, and also for us, as God’s people, wherever we are. Sunday 7 October Lord, we thank you for the Youth and Children’s Ministries Unit, for divisional youth and regional children’s specialists and for youth and children’s workers who are passionate about leading the younger generation into a relationship with you. Thank you for the time and energy they dedicate to serving others, and continue to equip and inspire them to be godly examples that will influence generations to come. Amen.
Divisional Prayer Focus (Southern Division) Rhian Jones (Divisional Prayer Co-ordinator)
Monday 8 October – Genesis 1:31 The Southern Division is made up of Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands. It is home to many beautiful beaches, stretches of rugged coastline, the tranquil New Forest, county towns and castles, fortresses and ferry terminals. Let’s take time today to praise God for the wonder that is his creation and thank him for it. Tuesday 9 October – Luke 10:27 Within our division is the Ageas Bowl, home of Hampshire Cricket, as well as the Premiership football teams of Southampton and Bournemouth, and League One Portsmouth. The games regularly attract crowds of passionate supporters, both home and away, eager to express their love and devotion to their teams through their singing, chants and team colours. Are we as passionate in our devotion to the Lord? May he forgive us for the times that we are not. Amen. Wednesday 10 October – Mark 12:31 We live in a world fraught with risk – terrorist attacks are becoming a more frequent part of life. The quiet cathedral city of Salisbury was recently the centre of a nerve agent poison attack on the former Russian agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. We live in fearful times, Lord, but help us to remember that you are in control and you bring comfort and strength in times of fear and anxiety. Amen. 12
Thursday 11 October – Psalm 121:2 We have a well-fortified division, with fortresses dating from the Civil War to World War II. There is a strong military presence in the form of armed forces bases located throughout the region. Take a moment to consider those involved in ensuring our national security – from the decision makers in Whitehall to service personnel around the globe. Help us to remember that in times of difficulty, God, you are our strength and our refuge. Amen. Friday 12 October – John 14:27 We welcome numerous visitors to our beaches, forests, holiday parks and islands. Many people also choose to spend their retirement living in our division. Pray that people will find rest and peace here, and will be refreshed and uplifted. Pray that you too will experience God’s peace in whatever your day might bring.
Community Focus
(Prayers adapted from Community Prayer Diary - www.resourcesforchurch.com) Saturday 13 October Jesus, we pray for all children and families coping with the consequences of family breakdown. Bring healing and, where possible, reconciliation and forgiveness also to parent and child relationships which are strained or non-existent, or where conflict is normal. May your peace fill all our homes. Amen. Sunday 14 October Father, we bring before you victims of domestic violence who silently suffer in their homes each day. We also remember victims of violent crime, fraud, theft and anti-social behaviour, and we weep with them in their pain and vulnerability. Help the legal system to be well resourced, and send people with a passion not only for fighting crime, but also preventing it. Amen. Monday 15 October Let your name be honoured in schools, colleges and universities and in the workplace. In the everyday conversations that take place in hallways, let your name be held high and written in archways, doorways and on walls. Amen. Tuesday 16 October Father, we pray for all health and social care workers, members of the emergency services and for all patients to know you as Father. Bring healing to diseases where there is no cure, or where medical science can offer no further help, and bring comfort to those in social distress. Amen. 13
Wednesday 17 October Lord, let your name be held in high esteem in 10 Downing Street, in Westminster and Whitehall, in town halls and anywhere significant power and influence exists over our laws and economy. Help all in government positions and leaders of business to know you as their Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen. Thursday 18 October Lord, we bring before you the deep inequality within our nation, as the gap between richest and poorest gets wider year by year. Give inspiration to see a reversal of this trend. We also pray for the effects of the housing crisis and for the rise in homelessness. Bring creative and ‘just’ solutions. Amen. Friday 19 October Creator God, forgive us for the way in which we have ceased to look after your creation. We see pollution in our countryside, streams and rivers; climate change and all man-made environmental damage is a harsh reality. Give our local councils resources to encourage more recycling, solar panels and environmentally friendly policies and practices. Help us to do our part. Amen. Saturday 20 October Lord, we pray for enough social workers, carers, doctors and nurses to be trained and in post for the need of the population. Help staff to be paid fairly, but also in a way that allows the National Health Service to continue to thrive. For the staff who are tired and demotivated and struggling with stress, we pray that they may receive the assistance needed to carry on. Bring peace to their hearts, we pray. Amen. Sunday 21 October Father God, forgive us for turning a blind eye to the needs of our neighbours and those around us, and for the times we walk by on the other side. Forgive us for not showing enough compassion to find out more, or to form friendships where we live. Help us to be attentive and stop us in our busyness so that we can help those around us in need. Amen. Monday 22 October Lord, we bring before you all media outlets that have influence over people. The stories presented often misrepresent both you and Christians. Let truth, rather than distortions, be presented. Let there be positive Christian role models in sport, on TV, in theatres, in cinemas, on the radio and in music. Give them the courage to share their faith and be an influence in their daily contexts. Amen. 14
Tuesday 23 October Forgive us, Lord, as a nation, when we have not thought enough about the impact of policies or business plans on people’s everyday lives. Forgive us when corruption has influenced decisions that are not in the best interests of the many, but the few. Forgive us for ignoring principles of social justice, for encouraging the vulnerable to take on debts they cannot afford, or simply leaving you out of the equation. Amen. Wednesday 24 October Lord, so often we have not represented you in the workplace or place of study. We have either missed opportunities to share what you have done in our lives or simply not admitted that we follow you. Give us the courage to speak up and step out. Amen. Thursday 25 October Father, help us to resist the temptation to insulate ourselves from others, to see ourselves as better or worse than other churches or organisations, and to do things our way rather than your way. Protect us from division, gossip, false teachings and leading others astray. For thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Overseas Service Focus
Major Pam Cameron (Overseas Service Secretary) Friday 26 October – Matthew 28:19-20 The Overseas Services Unit has several key roles in the life of personnel in the UK Territory who receive international appointments, as well as responsibility for officers and volunteers who are appointed to the territory. We work as part of a support group with the home and service territories. Thank God for all those who are willing to serve overseas and for the opportunity to support and guide them through the transition. Saturday 27 October – Romans 15:7 International service is a journey from the familiar to the unknown. Thank God for those in the receiving territories who show the way, teach the language and introduce their culture to incoming personnel. May we show the same patience and understanding when officers and volunteers come to our territory. Sunday 28 October – 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Contact is maintained with UK personnel during their international service. Thank God for those who take time to provide the resources to make this possible: 15
newsletters, CDs, bulletins and other information which help colleagues feel connected to home. This is especially welcomed by those who live and serve in remote or insecure areas. Monday 29 October – Psalm 150 God has created a wonderful world! Praise and worship is heard around the globe in many languages and expressed through different worship styles, from prayerful and contemplative silence to uplifted voices and joyful dancing. Whatever our preferred style of worship, may praise fill our home and workplace today! Tuesday 30 October – Psalm 121 International service is not always an exciting adventure, and there are days when isolation and loneliness replace friends, family and support networks. Thank God that he has promised never to leave us, his love is constant and he is closer than a heartbeat away. Wednesday 31 October – Matthew 11:28-29 When it is time to rest, we thank God for the provision of Avalon, a place of quietness and personal restoration. It is a ‘home away from home’ where families gather and friends are re-united. It is also a place of rest for officers from other territories who are visiting this country. Lord, thank you because you meet us in our moments of rest. Refresh us with your Spirit today. Amen.
November Thursday 1 November – Psalm 133 International service is an opportunity to see how people’s lives are changed by the gospel message in other cultures. Yet this experience is readily available to everyone who lives in a multicultural community. Thank God for the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds who open our minds to new ideas and enrich our own lives. We praise God who created us all!
Congress Focus
Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts (Secretary for Spiritual Life Development) Friday 2 November – Congress 2018: The Gathering (Isaiah 66:18) We pray for the Territorial Congress in Edinburgh this weekend, that all who gather will see God’s glory and be inspired. May everyone travel safely to Edinburgh. We pray for the leaders who will open God’s word. 16
Saturday 3 November – Gathered for Celebration (Psalm 95:1-2) Let us respond to the invitation in Scripture to ‘sing for joy to the Lord’ and praise him for the variety of creative expression in the groups participating at Congress. We pray for the teams who will provide the youth and children’s programmes and the seminar leaders who will offer teaching. Sunday 4 November – Gathered for Worship and Mission (Psalm 95:6-7) This morning at Congress will offer time for reflection and response. This afternoon will bring challenge to return to the mission opportunities in our local setting. Pray that all who attend these gatherings – and the worldwide online congregation – may be moved by the Holy Spirit to obedience and action.
Ecumenical Focus Monday 5 November – Gary Pitt (City Wide Prayer Nottingham) ‘The days are coming, declares the Lord, when the reaper will be overtaken by the ploughman and the planter by the one treading grapes. New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills’ (Amos 9:13). Lord, in our city we pray for a hope-filled appetite for positive change. Encourage us to give you praise as we, as God’s people, rise up in fervent, believing prayer! Amen. Tuesday 6 November – Territorial Envoys Martyn and Susan Jackson (Nottingham Meadows) ‘Jesus said to them, “Come with me! I will teach you how to bring in people instead of fish”’ (Matthew 4:19 CEV). As a Fresh Expression centre we partner with a local Anglican church in our inner-city housing estate, worshipping, praying, planning, living life and doing mission together. Pray for workers to join us and for the visitors to our Softplay (50,000 per year) to become better connected to God. Wednesday 7 November – Major Ian Mountford (Divisional Mission Enabler and Divisional Ecumenical Representative (Peterborough and Leicestershire) ‘…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me’ (John 17:21). Give thanks for the missional diversity which blesses and challenges and affirms the call to grow in unity and maturity in our shared identity in Christ. Thursday 8 November – Lieutenant Ben Ellis (Bedminster) Together4Bristol is working closely with people from business, education, law and the city council to build Bristol as a city of hope. Pray that as we work together, the city would be transformed by the Holy Spirit and that the hope of Jesus Christ can be given to everyone. 17
Friday 9 November – Lieutenant Annmarie Gifford (Faith House) Dear God, we all would fall short of your glory without your restorative justice seen through Jesus. Forgive us when we think that our brokenness is any less than anyone else’s. Salvation is for all, there is no hierarchy in the access to your grace. We ask you to guide us, for your Kingdom’s sake. Amen. Saturday 10 November – Major David Evans (Territorial Ecumenical Officer) ‘…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you… so that the world may believe that you have sent me’ (John 17:21). Lord, in our little denominational huddles, sometimes even suspicious of other Christians, we ask through your Holy Spirit that you would increase our understanding of this prayer, and reflect with ever-growing impact an image of your love to our world. Amen.
Remembrance Sunday
Sunday 11 November Lord Jesus, we pause to remember those who gave their life sacrificially for the freedom of many. We pray for people who are still suffering from the effects of war. We continue to pray for peace and reconciliation between the nations. May the peaceful presence of the Holy Spirit reign in our hearts as we seek to be peacemakers in this world. Amen.
Discipleship Focus
Commissioner Anthony Cotterill (Territorial Commander) Monday 12 November – ‘…take up their cross daily…’ (Luke 9:23) ‘We all have crosses to bear!’ is a phrase that is often heard, usually referencing some minor inconvenience or perhaps a significant burden that is being shouldered. In the context of the New Testament a person carrying a cross was heading towards their death. Lord, help us to crucify the sinful nature and die to self in order that Jesus may be seen in us. Amen. Tuesday 13 November – ‘…and follow me’ (Luke 9:23) It is remarkable that Jesus does not primarily ask us to follow his example and/ or his teaching! He invites us to follow him! Lord, may my direction, speech and actions today be constantly aligned to you and your way. Thank you for going before us; forgive us when we lag behind. Amen. Wednesday 14 November – ‘I will follow you, Lord; but first let me...’(Luke 9:61) The call to discipleship is constant and simple – ‘Follow me!’ However, all too often our good intentions are ruined by the four words: ‘but first let me…’ Dear Lord, help 18
me to follow you today, intentionally putting you first, knowing that as we seek first the King and the Kingdom, everything else falls into place. Amen. Thursday 15 November – ‘Take nothing for the journey…’ (Luke 9:3) When the Twelve were sent out, they were to travel light and not rely on their own resources. They were, however, given power and authority (Luke 9.2). ‘Lord, today may the mark of the Author be seen in me and as I seek to live out the Jesus life, in his power, with love and grace.’ Friday 16 November – ‘You give them something to eat…’ (Luke 9:13) Having been told to take nothing for the journey, the disciples were possibly a little confused to hear Jesus telling them to solve the problem of feeding the crowds. Lord, you know how little we have to offer for this needy world; but thank you that you are the God who does miracles even with five loaves and a couple of fish. Amen. Saturday 17 November – ‘Who do you say I am?’ ‘…God’s Messiah’ (Luke 9:20) Discipleship is following Jesus, and that implies the declaration that he is Lord, King of kings, Messiah God who is worthy of our praise and worship. Lord, today we bow the knee and acknowledge you as Lord and Master. Be Lord of all there is of us, for your glory! Amen. Sunday 18 November – ‘…they saw his glory…’ (Luke 9:32) We are on the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus is praying, and the glory of God is made manifest, transfixing the disciples. Dear Lord, as we join you in prayer, please let us see something of your splendour, your radiance, your glory, and may you shine from within us wherever we will find ourselves today. ‘Lord, if your presence does not go with us, please do not send us up from here.’ Amen.
Scripture Focus – John 1:29-34 and John 3:30 Major Joanne Reid (Associate Officer, Penge Corps)
Monday 19 November – ‘The next day John saw Jesus coming towards him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”’ (John 1:29) When John the Baptist sees Jesus coming towards him, the first thing he recognises is that he is the ‘Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world’. The Holy Spirit gives John this life-changing revelation, which we are now privileged to know too. Spend some moments thanking God for rescuing you and pray for those you know who need this revelation about Jesus today. 19
Tuesday 20 November – ‘This is the one I meant when I said, “A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me”’ (John 1:30) Lord Jesus, along with John the Baptist we declare that you are the greatest! Thank you for coming to be one of us, thank you for literally getting under our skin to understand us and save us. Help us to give you glory and to honour you as Lord, every day we live. Amen. Wednesday 21 November – ‘I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptising with water was that he might be revealed to Israel’ (John 1:31) The purpose of John the Baptist’s life was that he was called to prepare the way for Jesus, the Christ, and to pray and live and work so that Jesus would be revealed to God’s people. Pray today that however we are called to serve God, we would pray and live and work so that Jesus will be revealed to all people. Thursday 22 November – ‘Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him’ (John 1:32) The Holy Spirit rested on Jesus like a dove at his baptism and remained on him. This was the sign to John that Jesus was the promised Messiah. The Holy Spirit is the one who reveals to our hearts who Jesus is. Lord, we ask for your Holy Spirit to give us a fresh understanding of who Jesus is, and to help us become aware of his loving presence with us in everything we face today. Amen. Friday 23 November – ‘“…The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptise with the Holy Spirit”’ (John 1:33) God revealed to John the Baptist who Jesus was by the sign of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the great revealer of Jesus. This is how we can tell if someone or something is of God – the Holy Spirit will always reveal and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank God for the gift of his Holy Spirit. Ask Jesus to give the Holy Spirit to you afresh today, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal and glorify Jesus in your life. Saturday 24 November – ‘I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One’ (John 1:34) This is what John’s whole life has been about – preparing people to receive Jesus, and pointing others always to him. In Acts 1:8 we find out that when the Holy Spirit is given to Jesus’ followers they become his witnesses too. Pray for opportunities to prepare people to receive Jesus, to point them to Jesus, and to proclaim Jesus today. Pray for specific people you know who you want to come to know Jesus, and ask for specific witnessing opportunities. Sunday 25 November – ‘He must become greater, I must become less’ (John 3:30) This sentence from John the Baptist sums up his whole beautiful attitude to serving Christ. The simple prayer ‘Lord, reduce me to love’ is a prayer that we would, as Jesus 20
did, empty ourselves of all but love; to let go of selfishness and ego and our own plans and ideas, and simply to seek to love like Jesus, so that Jesus will be lifted up and seen and known. Take a few minutes, breathe in and out deeply, and say this prayer: ‘Lord, reduce me to love.’
‘Welcome’ Focus
Jennifer Laurent-Smart (Equality and Diversity Manager, THQ) Monday 26 November – Welcoming communities of people (Isaiah 43:18-19) 70 years ago the SS Empire Windrush brought people from the Caribbean who had been invited to move to the United Kingdom by the British Government to help rebuild the country. However, the recent Windrush scandal has highlighted that despite years of living in Great Britain, many people from different groups and communities can very quickly be viewed as unwelcome outsiders. Pray for people who have experienced or are still experiencing exclusion and isolation, that they will find a new beginning, warm welcome and acceptance at The Salvation Army and all churches and a place in the family of God. Tuesday 27 November – Welcoming families (Galatians 3:28) Family units come in many different shapes and sizes: mum and dad, mum and mum, dad and dad, single parents, grandparents as primary carers, older first-time parents, foster or adopted families and many more. Just as with physical families, it is essential that people in the church family feel they are valued and experience a sense of belonging and compassion. Pray that we will be intentional in our efforts to understand the needs of different families and bold enough in meeting those needs so that their experience of welcome will be more than just words. Wednesday 28 November – Welcoming difference, valuing diversity (Colossians 3:12) We are not all the same, and more importantly we are not meant to be the same. Whether the difference is because of a person’s ethnic origin, or sexual orientation, gender identity, physical abilities, it does not make the person less valuable. Everyone has worth and is blessed with unique gifts and talents to help build the Church. Pray that we do not allow our own prejudices, personal biases and fears to determine our responses to difference. Pray for an understanding heart and for us to show our compassion to others. Thursday 29 November – Welcome an opportunity to help (Luke 22:32) Making time for others, or pausing what we are doing to help someone else, is not always easy with today’s busy schedules. However, during ordinary visits, meetings 21
or encounters there is an opportunity for a conversation, companionship and to learn a little more about other people’s lives and personal challenges. Pray that more people will be encouraged to play their part in understanding the needs of others and helping in whatever way they can. Pray that more people will develop a passion for Christ, placing him at the centre of all they do. Friday 30 November – Press on (Isaiah 41:10) When we welcome someone into our corps, service or centre, there is an opportunity to begin a journey of faith together. Sometimes with the best will in the world things just don’t go to plan. While it’s OK to make mistakes, it is important is to learn from them and put things in place to reduce the chance of them happening again. Pray that The Salvation Army will continue to act as a lifeline for people in need, that people will be encouraged and their faith will grow as they are supported to overcome difficulties in their lives.
December Saturday 1 December – Do something different (Colossians 3:17) A welcome is an opportunity to shape a person’s experience while they are with us and after they have left. A person may forget many details of a day, but remember how they were made to feel. Celebrate the diversity of your community and make space at the table so that a greater range of people can get a seat. Don’t focus on what you think a person can’t do; focus on what they can do and what you can do together. Pray for our leaders that they will be bold in their efforts to develop and empower the people they serve. Pray that more people will be stirred to action and will respond to God’s call on their lives.
Advent Focus
Commissioner Keith Banks (Airport Chaplain, Glasgow) PROMISE Sunday 2 December – Isaiah 9:2,6-7 The first Sunday in Advent is the start of a journey. It’s the first day of an ADVENTure through darkness to light. Time spent meditating on the words from the prophecy of Isaiah will quicken anticipation and enthusiasm for the journey. Lord, thank you for being the light that draws us out of the darkness. We praise you, Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Amen. 22
Monday 3 December The word ‘Advent’ does not appear anywhere in Scripture. But since the sixth century Christians have observed this time of spiritual preparation for the fulfilment of God’s promise – the coming of the Christ, the ‘great light’. Repeat the words of this Advent prayer a number of times: ‘O Dayspring, rise upon our night, and chase its gloom away’ (John Ellerton, SASB 67). Tuesday 4 December ‘Dayspring’ is an old English word that means ‘dawn’ or ‘morning’. The NIV translates the word in Luke 1:78 as ‘the rising sun’ because it refers to Jesus who will rise like the morning sun to bring light to all men. As Charles Wesley put it, ‘Hail the Heaven-born Prince of peace! Hail the Sun of righteousness!’ Begin to think prayerfully of places and situations where the promise of light, the dawn, the Dayspring, needs to rise. Wednesday 5 December Slowly and thoughtfully pray this prayer: ‘I think of those whose minds are filled with dark thoughts. I think of those who are spiritually confused and are trapped in the darkness of doubt. I think of those who battle against an attraction to the dark side of life. I think of those whose hearts and minds are closed to the promise of light. O Dayspring, rise and display the glory of the morning.’ Thursday 6 December Complete these lines on the basis of yesterday’s thoughts. ‘I pray for the Advent promise of light to become real as I pray today for (a person), I pray today for (a challenging situation), I pray today for (a project), I pray today for (a country – possibly a country where someone known to you is serving). O Dayspring, rise and display the glory of the morning.’ Friday 7 December Pray today these words: ‘O come, thou dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadows put to flight’ (SASB 117). Saturday 8 December Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’ (John 8:12). What a promise! Jesus is the promise we are moving towards on this ADVENTure. Thank God for his promise of light – living light. 23
PATIENCE Sunday 9 December – Psalm 130:5,6 On this second Sunday in Advent let us remind ourselves that the accurate meaning of the word ‘advent’ is ‘coming’. The Dayspring, the Messiah, the Christ is coming. But we must wait for him with patience. Let us pray that we will use our waiting time to prepare for the coming of the light. Like a watchman. Monday 10 December ‘The minutes grow to hours, the hours into days; the days merge into weeks, the weeks become a haze. And time drags on and on, so long. And then a voice divine says, One day at a time: Hold on, keep on. Not long.’ (Keith Banks – from ‘Contentment’). Wait in silence today, and listen for the ‘voice divine’. Be reassured. He is worth the wait. Tuesday 11 December ‘All the world is waiting, waiting, Lord, for thee. How creation groans in anguish, crying to be free! Lord, we trust thy promises, to quickly come again! Even so, Lord Jesus, come, O come!’ (Howard Davies, SASB 239). Use this waiting time to pray through ways in which creation ‘groans in anguish’. Wednesday 12 December Waiting can sometimes make us impatient. Waiting for a bus, waiting for a kettle to boil, waiting at the doctor’s surgery, waiting for a holiday, waiting for Christmas – all these experiences can frustrate us. It is wise to fill waiting time with creative thoughts. As you wait for the coming of the Lord, think positively for a minute or two on his greatness, his faithfulness, his mercy, his grace, his patience, his loving kindness, his holiness. Thursday 13 December Lord, there are many people in the world, in my town, in my church, who are waiting. The bereaved waiting for comfort, the lonely waiting for the loving presence of another. The hurt waiting for healing, the hungry waiting for bread. The homeless waiting for shelter, the confused waiting for direction, those waiting for love. Lord Jesus, who has come and is to come again, please come now to those who wait. Amen. Friday 14 December We live in a world where waiting is sometimes regarded as a negative thing. ‘I’m sorry to keep you waiting,’ says the person at the other end of the phone line. The station announcer says, ‘We are sorry for the delay in the arrival of this train.’ But waiting for Christmas is worth it. Advent waiting is not wasted time. Pray that this time of waiting will generate an enthusiastic anticipation that will make Christmas Day well worth the wait. 24
Saturday 15 December ‘Now is the time of watching and waiting, a time pregnant with hope. A time to watch and pray. Christ our Advent hope, remind us to prepare for your coming; remind us to prepare for this time when the soles of your feet touch the ground, when you will become one of us to be at one with us… May sorrow take flight, and your people sing a song of peace and hope be born again. Amen.’ (Kate McIlhagga) PILGRIMAGE Sunday 16 December We started these Advent prayer thoughts by saying that Advent is a journey – an ADVENTure. Advent is a pilgrimage for the heart. Prayerfully reflect on the fact that this pilgrimage is something we undertake of our own free will. It is not a dictate, not a requirement, not an annual ritual. It is a journey, voluntarily undertaken, that can – and should – be full of spiritual surprises. Pray that today you will have a moment of revelation, an Advent surprise. Monday 17 December We can so easily hamper our Advent pilgrimage with needless excess baggage: excess spending, gifts, decorations, work-loads. As we spend quiet moments with God today, let us ask him to show us how we can de-clutter our Advent journey in order to immerse ourselves in the basics and come to Bethlehem with calm and poise. Not to take the joy out of the season, but so we can increase it. Tuesday 18 December Most will be making this Advent pilgrimage from an armchair. That makes a lot of sense in December! But why not let the journey take you to a different place today? Pray for opportunities to share the Advent story. The display of Advent calendars, decorations and cards can provide a perfect conversation starter. Wednesday 19 December Think about the first four words of each verse in song 430 in The Song Book of The Salvation Army. Prayerfully apply them to your personal Advent pilgrimage towards the manger scene: ‘Life is a journey… Life is a seeking… Life is a finding’ (Albert Orsborn). Thursday 20 December ‘Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path’ (Psalm 119:105). Let the word of God beam light on to the path of your Advent pilgrimage towards Bethlehem today. Lord, thank you because the darkness cannot cover your light and because in you there is no darkness. Amen. 25
Friday 21 December Make these words your prayer today: ‘Christ, whose glory fills the skies, Christ the true, the only light, Sun of righteousness arise, Triumph o’er the shades of night; Dayspring from on high, be near; Daystar, in my heart appear.’ (Charles Wesley, SASB 249) Saturday 22 December Spend time reflecting on these questions that every Advent pilgrim can prayerfully think about: ‘How far is it to Bethlehem? Not very far. Shall we find the stable room lit by a star? Can we see the little child, is he within? If we lift the wooden latch may we go in? If we touch his tiny hand will he awake? Will he know we’ve come so far just for his sake?’ (Frances Alice Chesterton SASB 109) PROCLAMATION Sunday 23 December – Matthew 3:3 Jesus comes. Jesus is coming again. ‘Jesus comes! Let all adore him! Lord of mercy, love and truth. Now prepare the way before him, make the rugged places smooth; through the desert mark his road, make a highway for our God.’ (Thomas Kelly, SASB 225) Monday 24 December – Luke 2:12-14 Pray prayers of praise for the proclamation of a Saviour. ‘To comprehend, who could, a God so large, so vast, until he sent at last his love, his hope, his joy contained in one small boy. And then we understood.’ (Margaret Reynolds) Tuesday 25 December The ADVENTure is accomplished. The journey is done! The Lord is here! Thank God for Jesus, the Christ, Immanuel, the Word, Dayspring, Wonderful Counsellor – Prince of Peace. ‘Joy to the world! The Lord is come; Let earth receive her King, let every heart prepare him room and Heaven and nature sing.’ (Isaac Watts, SASB 113)
New Year Focus
Lieut-Colonel Naomi Kelly (Assistant Secretary for Personnel – Administration) Wednesday 26 December – A new thing The anticipation of a new year often holds hope of new beginnings, a ‘clean slate’, a brighter future. At one point, after Israel had been through many difficult years, God said, ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!’ (Isaiah 43:18-19). Pray that God will open your eyes to the ‘new thing’ he wants to do in your life in the coming year. 26
Thursday 27 December – A new creation One of the ‘new things’ God is up to is continuing his creation through his people. ‘If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!’ (2 Corinthians 5:17 NCV). Pray for those in your life who are in need of salvation, that they will become new creations in Christ. Friday 28 December – A new song After a time of depression, King David found restoration in the Lord. He wrote, ‘He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many people will see this and worship him. Then they will trust the Lord’ (Psalm 40:3 NCV). Pray that whatever the circumstances the new year might bring, people will be drawn to worship and trust the Lord through your life of praise. Saturday 29 December – New mercies Jeremiah was called to speak for God in very difficult circumstances and had to endure great opposition. Yet in the midst of his suffering he could still write, ‘The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness’ (Lamentations 3:22-23 NRSV). Think back over the past year and praise God for his faithfulness in your life. Sunday 30 December – A new you Through his writings, Paul gives direction for living a holy life: ‘You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness’ (Ephesians 4:2224). Ask God to transform you into his likeness. Monday 31 December – A new Spirit The apostles Peter and John visited a Samaritan town where there were many new believers. However, the new believers did not yet know the Holy Spirit. ‘When [Peter and John] arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit… and they received the Holy Spirit’ (Acts 8:15,17). As we approach the new year, pray that you and all in your corps will be filled with the Holy Spirit.
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Vision and Commitment 2018 A year to focus on discipleship
Living as disciples
If you would like more information about the SA Prayer Network, please contact us. E-mail: saprayernetwork@salvationarmy.org.uk Phone: 020 7367 4539 Or log on to www.salvationarmy.org.uk/prayer-resources The Salvation Army, SA Prayer Network 101 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BN Registered charity number 214779, and in Scotland SC009359