@SU Prayer Diary | November 24 - February 25

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NOVEMBER 2024–FEBRUARY 2025

COMMIT EVERYTHING YOU DO TO THE LORD. TRUST HIM, AND HE WILL HELP YOU. —PSALM 37:5

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING FOR SU SCOTLAND

If you would prefer Daily Prayer Points by email, Monthly Prayer Updates, or prayer news from SU International, Ukraine and India, visit suscotland. org.uk/mailings.

Check out SU Global on Facebook or at scriptureunion.global for other ways you can pray for the wider SU family.

October

TUESDAY 1

Give thanks for Calum Keys’ work as Associate Worker with the 2CY Trust, leading Bible Alive, RME lessons in schools and supporting new SU Groups. Calum has moved on to be a church youth worker. Pray for wisdom for the trust as they consider the future, and that God will supply all their financial needs.

WEDNESDAY 2

SU SCOTLAND

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info@suscotland.org.uk suscotland.org.uk

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Editor: Elizabeth McDowall Prayer & Church Partnerships Coordinator

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© SU Scotland, 2024 Scottish Charity: SC011222

Give thanks for our Gap Year students John PizzutoPomaco and Ewan Cairns. John is doing a gap:margins placement based in Northfield, Aberdeen. Ewan is doing a gap:local placement with Ross Murray of the Reachout Trust and Karen Stangoe, Lanarkshire Regional Worker. Pray for courage for John and Ewan as they trust God and step out in faith.

THURSDAY 3

Pray for God’s blessing on Christmas presentations that will happen in Edinburgh schools this month. Pray that through these, children and classroom teachers will grasp something of the big picture of the Bible and who Jesus is. Pray the same for Christmas presentations happening elsewhere in the country!

FRIDAY 4

Those who serve on the SU Scotland Residentials

Committee will be involved in an all-day meeting tomorrow at one of our centres. Pray for Angus Allan as he chairs and for a good day of discussion, fellowship and business that will result in good decisions being made.

SATURDAY 5

Give thanks for new SU Groups that began in Chryston Primary and Drumpark Primary (Coatbridge), an ASN school, just after Easter. Pray that children will love coming to these groups and to others that run across the country. Pray that Christian secondary pupils will choose to support SU Groups that are run in their school, bringing encouragement to those who lead them.

SUNDAY 6

Give thanks that Jackie Ringan, Director of Development, had a good sabbatical earlier this year. Pray for energy and fresh vision as she oversees a wide variety of departments including SU Holidays, Volunteers, Young Leader Development, Gap Year, Ministry at the Margins and Prayer & Church Partnerships.

MONDAY 7

Give thanks for the ministers who provide a chaplaincy presence in Stranraer Academy every week and for opportunities given to Owain Evans to

lead assemblies and give chaplaincy support every Monday in Dalbeattie High School. Before summer it was hoped that new SU Groups would get off the ground in both schools. Please pray about this.

TUESDAY 8

Pupils from St Kevin’s Primary are at Gowanbank, and pupils from George Heriot’s are at Lendrick Muir. Staff and pupils of Crown Primary are at Alltnacriche for their first-ever school residential at the centre. Pray they all have fantastic visits and book to return.

WEDNESDAY 9

Alan Myles is working on firming up Team Leaders and venues for the 2025 SU Holidays programme, as is Tim Raynes with regard to Motiv8 Holidays for priority young people. Bruce Lockhart will be working with churches to draw up a schedule for SU Missions next summer. Pray that the Holy Spirit will inspire and direct all their future plans.

THURSDAY 10

Give thanks for the time, energy and skills given by volunteers to make weekly SU Groups possible in schools around Scotland. Pray for pupil and adult SU Group leaders who have been encountering challenges of any kind, that God will bring about change.

FRIDAY 11

Go Conference begins tonight at Lendrick Muir for over 100 S4-S6s from all over Scotland. They will be looking to discover Jesus in the Old Testament, explore issues facing young people, spend quiet times with God, and be helped to think through how they can live effectively for Jesus at school. Pray that each young person will leave challenged to keep living out their faith.

SATURDAY 12

Give thanks for Junction 12 in Glasgow and Ferrywell Youth Project in Edinburgh and for the meaningful relationships they have with priority schools and young people. Pray that what they do will have a huge impact on individual lives. Pray for wisdom as we prayerfully consider developing similar projects in other priority communities.

SUNDAY 13

Pray for the Holy Spirit to be at work in the minds and hearts of young people who are attending SU Holidays this week. Graeme and Karen Stangoe and team are at Alltnacriche with P5-S1s. Pray for God’s presence to be known among them, and for great conversations about faith in God.

MONDAY 14

John Allan and Derek Harley are leading an SU Holiday at

Scoughall for young people in P6-S3. Give thanks for this new event, and pray for a time of fun, friendships and faith-filled encounters with Jesus. Pray that the team work well together and know God’s equipping.

TUESDAY 15

Give thanks for money raised through the International Project 'Games for the Hoose in Belarus' at SU Holidays and Missions this past year. Pray that the generosity of Scottish young people will bring much-needed practical help and spiritual encouragement to our partners in SU Belarus.

WEDNESDAY 16

Give thanks for the number of young people who engage with SU Scotland on social media, and pray that this will keep growing. Pray for wisdom for those tasked with writing and creating content for Instagram and TikTok, and pray that what is shared will be inspirational and edifying.

THURSDAY 17

Today is David Clipston’s final day as Young Leaders Development Coordinator. Give thanks for his contribution over many years, and pray for him and the congregation of Southside Church in Ayr as he begins the role of pastor at the beginning of November.

FRIDAY 18

Give thanks that Heather Macdonald has been appointed as COOL’s Church Liaison Worker. Pray for God’s blessing on her as she contacts churches in Lochalsh and South Skye to organise events and grow support. Caroline Boyers joined the team as part-time Schools Ministry Coordinator for Clackmannanshire in February. Pray for new opportunities in schools and that volunteers will come forward where required.

SATURDAY 19

Pray for the SU Scotland Board and Leadership Team as they embed our new strategy for 202427. Pray that all decisions are made from a place of prayer and the Holy Spirit’s leading and guiding. As well as continuing to prioritise Ministry at the Margins and Digital, we want to have a focus on Bible engagement.

SUNDAY 20

Pray for Jen Babb, Head of Fundraising, and her team—Elaine Kinloch, Mark Beattie and Kath Ewart. Kath joined SU Scotland in July. Pray they will work together well across a variety of fundraising areas and have creative ideas.

MONDAY 21

Give thanks for Shona Baird, Reachout Trust’s new admin assistant. This

month the trust starts to deliver Boomerang in 15 schools, a resilience programme for P5s. Pray for strength and energy for Ross Murray and volunteers delivering the programme and that it will be helpful to the children taking part.

TUESDAY 22

Tim Raynes gives time each Wednesday to serve school staff and pupils at Merkinch Primary, a priority school in Inverness. Pray for dependence on God and deepening relationships. Pray that Tim and other volunteers will clearly demonstrate the love of Christ in the school.

WEDNESDAY 23

Pray for SU ministry in Independent Schools. Give thanks for faithful teachers leading SU Groups in Stewart’s Melville, Mary Erskine’s, Loretto, George Watson’s, George Heriot’s and ESMS Junior School, and for the pupil leaders leading an SU Group in the High School of Glasgow. Please pray for continued energy, creativity and favour in their schools and that God will bless many young people through them.

THURSDAY 24

This term SU Scotland launched two new digital resources for young people—a new SHINE film called Friends, exploring

what it means to be a friend of God, and a Bible overview resource taking teenagers through the Bible in 10 sessions. Pray that faith will grow in young people as a result and that strong disciples will be made.

The SU Scotland Board meets tonight in New Olympia House with training for trustees ahead of the meeting.

FRIDAY 25

Pray for Libby Lobban and her team as they take S1-S3s from Junction 12 in the east end of Glasgow to Lendrick Muir this weekend. Pray for a rewarding time of listening, chatting, discussing and exploring the Bible and that they may experience the Lord at work among them.

SATURDAY 26

A coffee morning will be held in Helensburgh next Saturday to raise funds for the Contraflow Youth Project. Pray for advertising to be widely seen and for good support from the local Christian community. Pray that God will provide financially for the trust’s needs.

SUNDAY 27

Give thanks for schools' teams at our centres and their ministry with pupils and staff from a variety of locations, including priority areas. Pray that children will enjoy their school visits

to our centres, engage well in reflection times, be stretched and challenged in activities, develop their friendships and learn more about themselves.

MONDAY 28

Pray for Rachel Causey as she takes a cohort of staff through a new Leadership Development programme called Journey into Leadership today, tomorrow and Wednesday at Gowanbank. The module will explore the role of individuals as leaders of teams, and how to grow and develop a team. Pray that staff will further glimpse who God has made them to be, as leaders of others.

TUESDAY 29

We give thanks for Albert Canfield, Head of CRM and Analytics, and for the countless hours he has spent in leading the project to develop and launch a new website. Give thanks for the others who have been involved with him, praying for strength and perseverance to bring it through to implementation.

WEDNESDAY 30

SU Scotland volunteers give in the region of 250,000 hours of time each year to serve the children and young people of Scotland. Give thanks for this amazing gift in service of the Lord. Invitations have gone out

to those who serve on teams at SU Holidays and Missions to update their volunteer accounts—pray for speedy responses!

THURSDAY 31

Praise God for the generosity of those who support SU Scotland. We’re blown away by the radical, sacrificial love that is displayed in the way our supporters give. As the cost-of-living increases, pray for our fundraising team as they look for new ways to inspire and encourage supporters in their giving.

November

FRIDAY 1

Carol Baird is leading an Ayrshire Secondary Weekend at Lendrick Muir, Andrew Stothard is leading a secondary Gaming Weekend at Gowanbank and Fetteresso Church (Stonehaven) youth group are at Alltnacriche. Pray for fun, friendship and that people will encounter God.

SATURDAY 2

Tim Raynes will be speaking at Stirling Vineyard Church tomorrow. Pray for God to speak as he helps the church consider what Ministry at the Margins might look like for them. Pray too that young people gathering in Perth tomorrow for a Magnitude Worship Night will encounter God.

SUNDAY 3

We are grateful for developing relationships with organisations who work with and support careexperienced young people. Pray for these relationships to deepen further, helping us to engage more meaningfully with priority young people.

MONDAY 4

Pray for the Finance Committee, giving thanks for the volunteers who serve on it and for the skill and professionalism with which they approach serving SU Scotland. Pray that the committee members have wisdom and a sense of God’s leading as they make financial decisions.

TUESDAY 5

SU Group volunteers from across Edinburgh will gather tomorrow evening for dinner and training on supporting young people with additional needs. Pray for Elaine Tait as she leads the ASN training, and for good learning that will benefit young people.

WEDNESDAY 6

P7s from three different primary schools in Badenoch are at Alltnacriche for a school residential prior to moving up to Kingussie High School. Pray for good friendships to begin as they come together to do activities and that each one will learn more about God and themselves.

SUNDAY 10

THURSDAY 7

SHINE is a 3-week video programme aimed at helping secondary pupils reach out to their friends in school. Pray that the resource will be well used by churches and those leading SU Groups, and that it will successfully inspire Christian pupils to provide opportunities for others to come and ask questions about faith.

shinefilms.org

FRIDAY 8

This week has been the SU Global Week of Prayer. Give thanks that Grigori Stupak of Open Bible was

able to make a trip to Scotland in August. Pray for strength, perseverance and encouragement for him and the rest of the staff team, including Andrei, Natasha and Yura, who lead a kids’ club in Pereyaslav every Friday. Pray for wisdom in future planning.

SATURDAY 9

Wheel Trust worker Karen Campbell offers support to Hillhead Secondary School in Glasgow. Pray for wisdom as she ministers to the needs of a wide range of pupils through one to one and small group work.

We give thanks for the good relationship we have with supporters and for their partnership in the ministry of SU Scotland. Our Christmas Appeal is due to arrive with supporters around now. Pray that people will engage with it positively.

MONDAY 11

Praise God for new SU Groups in the North East and Shetland. Pray for those leading, and the children attending, groups in Dunnottar Primary, Ellon Academy, Meiklemill Primary, Aboyne Academy, Hazlehead Academy, Sound Primary (Lerwick), Robert Gordon’s and Westhill Academy.

TUESDAY 12

The Alltnacriche activities team will be leading a P1-P4 Activity Day at Kilchuimen Primary School in Fort Augustus this week and the little ones will be outside for most of the day. Pray for God’s smile upon the weather and for fun and enjoyment for everyone.

WEDNESDAY 13

Tim Raynes will be attending The Big Conversation tomorrow and Friday, an event bringing Church of Scotland ministers and other staff working in priority communities together for resourcing. Pray for good conversations with

church leaders and that SU Scotland will continue to find new ways of supporting children’s and youth ministries in these areas.

THURSDAY 14

Pray for a moving of the Holy Spirit across the Scottish Borders and for wisdom and creativity for John Allan, Regional Worker. Pray for deepening relationships with churches and volunteers, a growth in the number of SU Groups and increased prayer across the region.

FRIDAY 15

Pray that the P4-P7 children attending Friday Night Adventure in Edinburgh tonight will have lots of fun and come to know Jesus better as they play games, make crafts and engage with the Bible.

Ross Murray and Karen Stangoe and team are at Lendrick Muir with secondary pupils from Lanarkshire. Pray for a weekend of friendship and many opportunities to grow closer to Jesus.

SATURDAY 16

Give thanks and pray for headteachers who permit SU Groups to run in their school. Praise God for a request for SU Groups in two more primary schools in Glenrothes. Pray for volunteers to come forward to help assist Fiona Tucker from GROW in running them.

SUNDAY 17

Bible Alive training will take place at Ferniehill Evangelical Church in Edinburgh tomorrow, Tuesday, and 25 November. Give thanks for the volunteers who have registered to take part. Pray for encouraging and inspiring sessions and that as a result, Bible Alive might be delivered in more schools.

MONDAY 18

Give thanks for Rachel Causey, HR Partner, who is delivering HR training and ‘leader as coach’ training at Gowanbank this week. Pray for good learning that will in turn bless others. Pray too for current vacancies and that God will continue to call committed and gifted people to join our staff team.

suscotland.org.uk/jobs

TUESDAY 19

Stirling High School's senior SU Group is now into its third generation of pupil leaders. Give thanks! Pray for Reuben and others who now lead it and for staff members Connor and Kerry who lead the S1-S3 group. Pray that their leadership helps young people move forward in faith.

WEDNESDAY 20

Pray for the Local Ministries Management Team as they oversee the work of Regional and Associate

Workers and Missions. Pray for unity in discussions and encouragement in seeing God at work in young lives across the whole country.

THURSDAY 21

The Junction 12 Annual General Meeting takes place this evening. Pray for wisdom for the trustees and staff as they seek God’s guidance for the future, giving thanks for signs of God at work in the lives of many young people through the project. Give thanks too for Jo McNeish, who recently replaced Jen Clokey as Depute Project Manager.

FRIDAY 22

Young people who attended SU Holidays LM1 and KX6 last summer are looking forward to a combined Reunion Weekend at Lendrick Muir. Give thanks for this opportunity to deepen friendships and pray that individuals will continue to deepen their relationship with God.

SATURDAY 23

Praise God for a 40% increase in bookings for Magnitude this summer compared to 2023. Bookings are open for next summer’s event. Pray for a good response to early-bird offers and for wisdom and attention to detail for Kirsty Haxton and the team as they forward plan.

SUNDAY 24

Pray that thousands of primary children in schools all over Scotland will get to hear about Jesus through our brand-new video resource, Explore Christmas. The resource was written by Cheri Young, Regional Worker for the North East & Shetland, and features Scottish hosts. Pray that teachers will register to use it and will love it!

suscotland.org.uk/ resources

MONDAY 25

Pray for wisdom for Kirsten Thomson as she coordinates the Gap Year programme and plans January's training sessions. Pray that John and Ewan feel settled in their placements, enjoy a good rapport with their supervisors and continue to grow in confidence, skills and faith.

TUESDAY 26

Gavin Thomson moved to be Assistant Pastor at Glenrothes Baptist in August after 22 years with SU Scotland. Give thanks for his work over all these years. Pray for funds to come in so that we can recruit a Regional Worker full time for West Lothian and Falkirk.

WEDNESDAY 27

Pray for a good take-up by churches and Mission Team Leaders for the newlyavailable SU Scotland Holiday Club resource,

A Tale of Two Kings, which explores David's life, revealing our true King and the difference Jesus makes.

suscotland.org.uk/ resources

THURSDAY 28

Give thanks for the S1s and S2s who have been faithfully coming along to Spotlight in Edinburgh this session. Pray that tomorrow night’s gathering in Edinburgh goes well and that they will be encouraged and strengthened in faith as they study the Bible together and fellowship with others of similar age.

FRIDAY 29

Pray for those leading and speaking at Equip in Glasgow and Edinburgh tonight, giving thanks for the support of churches far and wide who are encouraging their young people to attend.

Peter Anderson from City on a Hill Church is the speaker on the topic ‘Why Pray?’ at Equip in Edinburgh. Pray the young people leave feeling inspired to start, or keep on, praying.

SATURDAY 30

Cheri Young is leading a weekend at Alltnacriche for young people from across Moray. Give thanks for the team who are serving and sharing Jesus and pray that God will make himself known.

December

SUNDAY 1

Wheel Trust workers and volunteers are leading teams of youth workers to provide high quality Christmas Unwrapped workshops as part of ongoing support to several primary schools in the west end of Glasgow. Give thanks for this opportunity to deepen relationships with pupils and staff. Pray that the workshops will be well received.

MONDAY 2

Pray for the hundreds of pupils in East Renfrewshire participating in ‘Adventure Trail’ at Newton Mearns Baptist this week, as they enjoy an interactive Christmas story with games, quizzes, crafts, and drama, led by Adrienne Cartwright and supported by Lynne Hamilton.

TUESDAY 3

Give thanks for churches who held Back to School with God services at the start of the new school year. Pray for direction for the current writing group as they meet each month. The local church in Newmilns will be coming to Gowanbank on Thursday for a Christmas event. Pray for those cooking and baking in preparation and for a lovely time together.

WEDNESDAY 4

The annual budget process is underway. Pray for wisdom for the many staff that participate in this, and that God will help us to align decisions with our strategy as we prepare our individual budgets for the year ahead.

THURSDAY 5

John Gillan and a team from Ferrywell will be travelling up to Alltnacriche tomorrow with young people from north Edinburgh for their weekend away. Pray for safe travel; for courage to try new activities; for God’s word to bring life and hope to every young person.

FRIDAY 6

The SU Missions & Holidays Leadership Course at Gowanbank brings together potential new Team Leaders. Give thanks for those taking part and pray for the Lord’s equipping and gifting.

SATURDAY 7

Give thanks for new avenues for Bible engagement online. A Creative Writing group and an online Bible Study for senior pupils launched in September. Pray for their growth and momentum, and for Andrew Stothard as he oversees digital youth work.

SUNDAY 8

Pray for staff and volunteers at Alltnacriche as they spend the autumn/winter period on training and

maintenance projects. Pray for staff Bible study sessions over this season to deepen relationships with one another and with God.

MONDAY 9

Bible Alive continues in schools year round. It is encouraging to see the surprise of pupils who discover that God knows them, loves them and longs for them to come to know him. Pray for strength and energy for those leading weekly sessions, and pray that the children leave wanting to read the Bible for themselves.

TUESDAY 10

Give thanks for those supervising our Gap Year students: Rev Andy Ellison of Northfield UF Church for John; Ross Murray of Reachout Trust and Karen Stangoe, Lanarkshire Regional Worker, for Ewan. Pray for good working relationships and for discernment to recognise John and Ewan’s gifting.

WEDNESDAY 11

Several churches work with SU Scotland staff and volunteers to take classes from their local schools through the Christmas story. Gordon Roy will be working with Sauchie & Fishcross UF Church to take Deerpark Primary and Craigbank Primary pupils on a Christmas Journey

tomorrow and Friday. Pray for the impact of this learning experience on pupils, staff and team.

THURSDAY 12

Pray for Fiona Tucker of GROW as she visits schools in Glenrothes to share in assemblies about the Christmas story, that she will bring the true meaning of Christmas to the children and share God’s love with the pupils and staff. Give thanks too for new relationships between GROW and Southwood Primary.

FRIDAY 13

Ferrywell staff and volunteers have been delivering the Christmas story to about 150 P6s across three primary schools in north Edinburgh. Pray that the good news of Jesus coming to earth for us will be remembered by many children and that seeds of faith will result.

SATURDAY 14

Pray for staff development. Jo Corrigan and Shula Bayton from Alltnacriche benefitted from a trip to Austria to complete a Wilderness Ministries course which helped them connect the outside world to the content of the Bible in a way they had never thought of before. Pray for Rachel Causey as she identifies courses and training that will benefit staff.

» 'And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.'

—Luke 2:10

SUNDAY 15

Pray that Bruce Lockhart has meaningful conversations with church leaders as he builds on last year's Mission partnerships, develops new ones and seeks ways to support churches in reaching their communities. Pray for wisdom in identifying great activities and resources— such as esports, circus skills, and fun days—for reaching children, families and communities.

MONDAY 16

Dave Newton, the new CEO of SU England & Wales, met SU Scotland supporters at the Big Celebration in August. Pray for him as he deepens relationships with staff and supporters and advances Scripture Union’s strategy south of the border.

TUESDAY 17

Pray for Tim Raynes, our Ministry at the Margins Lead, as he meets the headteacher at Inverness High School and seeks to build on existing ministry in the feeder primary in Merkinch.

WEDNESDAY 18

Give thanks for those who attended the Glasgow Celebration in September at New Olympia House and for the volunteers who have stepped up to form a Glasgow Action Group. Pray for increased support for Craig Morris, Glasgow

Regional Worker, and for an increase in prayer for the city and its young people.

THURSDAY 19

COmMISSION bookings were launched at the Go Conference in October. Give thanks for the young people who are already booked in for Basecamp and LeadUP. Ask for remaining spaces to fill, particularly for Basecamp in February.

FRIDAY 20

Give thanks for young people who have completed the SU Generosity Challenge which was launched in the autumn. It contains a month’s worth of ideas, encouraging and inspiring young people to be generous with their time, talents, money and more. Pray that it will shape their thinking.

SATURDAY 21

John and Ewan will be making a Gap Year trip to Budapest in July to support SU Hungary in mission. Pray for Tamas Daxner in Hungary as he seeks out churches, locations and team leaders. Pray into the challenges: all SU Hungary staff are now part-time due to finances, and last year, two camps had to be cancelled due to lack of volunteers.

SUNDAY 22

Give thanks for school bookings at our centres this past term. Pray that

pupils and guests will remember our centres as somewhere they felt valued and included and that they might want to return to an SU Holiday where they can hear more about the Bible.

MONDAY 23

Our strategy for 2024-2027 launched in August, with a continued emphasis on Ministry at the Margins. Pray for wisdom for those considering where and how we should plant new youth projects, supporting children and young people to make positive choices and creating opportunities to explore faith.

TUESDAY 24

Children and young people will be on their devices over the school holidays. Pray that they will take the opportunity to delve into SU Scotland’s online content, such as Bible shorts, Explore Christmas and the SU Holidays website.

WEDNESDAY 25

Happy Christmas! Pray that our staff will have a restful holiday, enabling them to return to work with renewed energy and passion for Jesus. Pray for boldness to take up opportunities to share with family and friends what God is doing in the lives of children and young people and something of what they do with SU Scotland.

THURSDAY 26

Pray for Open Bible's winter camps and outreach events in Ukraine. Pray for protection over Open Bible staff and the campsite at Vorzel and that young people will be helped to find hope and peace in Jesus.

FRIDAY 27

Give thanks that the SU Scotland Gap Year and COmMISSION programmes have been successfully accredited by the SQA. We can now award our Gap Year students a Level 7 SCQF qualification in Youth and Children’s Work, with young people completing Basecamp receiving Level 5 and those completing LeadUP Level 6.

SATURDAY 28

Our strategy for 2024-27 includes a new focus on Bible reading. Give thanks for the partnership we now have with the YouVersion Bible app to upload a two-year Bible overview reading plan. Pray that many will engage with this programme as well as the devotional content on our social media platforms.

SUNDAY 29

Give thanks for a growth in the number of SU Groups in schools in 2024. Pray for continued growth— that the Lord will raise up volunteers and continue to bless SU Scotland with

favour among headteachers and school staff.

MONDAY 30

Pray for P5-S6s across the Forth Valley to book for the January SU Weekend away. Pray that there will be a good balance of young people attending from SU Groups and church groups across Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire.

TUESDAY 31

Give thanks to God for development work that has been possible at Alltnacriche as a result of the Alltnacriche Development Appeal. Give thanks that the generous gifts of supporters have enabled the upgrading of the ropes course and a small classroom to be turned into an Escape Room. Solar panels have also been installed on the sports block roof. Praise God!

January

WEDNESDAY 1

Happy new year! Pray that the Holy Spirit will be increasingly at work in young people’s lives this year through SU Groups, Connect Groups, Spotlight, Equip, Magnitude Worship Nights and online groups. Pray that these events will help young people to grow in their walk with Jesus and offer friendships that

will result in increased confidence to share Jesus with friends at school.

THURSDAY 2

Give thanks for a growth in Bible Alive, with five training opportunities being held in 2024 compared with three in 2023. Pray for wisdom for Valerie Sim and Lesley Crawford as they plan future training. Pray too that the Lord will provide volunteers for this exciting ministry, taking up new opportunities and replacing others who have had to step down.

FRIDAY 3

Pray for Mark Beattie in his role as Donor Relationships Manager as he aims to ensure our supporters feel valued and engaged with the work they are supporting. Pray for Mark and Kath Ewart, as together they seek new sources of Trust funding.

SATURDAY 4

SU staff spend a lot of time sharing the good news of Jesus with other people’s children, so please pray for their own! Pray for help in parenting, for a good work/ home balance, and that they will have the joy of seeing their children and teenagers grow up to be strong believers, rooted and firmly grounded in God’s word.

SUNDAY 5

Give thanks for Oskar Forbes, who replaced Mike Glass

as full-time worker with the Larbert Trust. Pray for him and Gregor McKay in their work with pupils in Larbert High School. Pray too for the work of the BUSY Trust, where Hannah Thresher is taking up opportunities at Broxburn Academy.

MONDAY 6

Pray for Kirsten Thomson, who oversees the Gap Year and their training that is happening this week at Lendrick Muir. Pray for her health, wisdom as she leads, God’s guidance as she plans, and God’s heart for the students as she walks through this year with them.

TUESDAY 7

Give thanks for a very successful Connect in the City mission/camp hybrid last July, when over 20 young people, most of whom only had contact with the Trust through schools’ ministry, enjoyed a fun week with a great sense of togetherness. Pray for wisdom in making plans for next summer.

WEDNESDAY 8

Gordon Roy will be speaking about the work of SU Scotland at Ardoch Church Guild in Braco tomorrow afternoon. Pray for Holy Spirit anointing and a good interest in what we do.

SU Ambassadors act as a link between SU Scotland and their church. Pray for

those who volunteer in this way, giving thanks for new Ambassadors recently coming forward.

THURSDAY 9

Pray for the Leadership Team (Robin, Jackie, Paul, Mike, Zonya, Jenny). Pray they walk closely with Jesus and have ears to hear what God is saying to SU Scotland. Pray for the outworking of the new strategy and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the lives of children and young people.

FRIDAY 10

The Event Leadership Conference begins tonight at Lendrick Muir. Pray for an encouraging time of Bible engagement, worship, learning and fellowship that will result in Team Leaders and Assistant Team Leaders being better equipped to lead SU Holidays and Missions. Andrew Ollerton from the Bible Society is the speaker.

SATURDAY 11

Pray for those running the children’s programme at the Event Leadership Conference, including John and Ewan from Gap Year. Pray that the children get on well together, make new friends and enjoy their own mini conference!

SUNDAY 12

This year’s International Appeal will be launched to

event leaders this weekend. Give thanks for money raised last year that will enable our partner in Belarus to buy games equipment. Pray for wisdom for those compiling new resources for use at Holidays & Missions this year.

MONDAY 13

Give thanks for the opportunity given to Lynne Hamilton to take part in pastoral team events at The Isobel Mair School in East Renfrewshire. Pray for the pupils, who have complex educational needs. Pray that they and their parents will receive the pastoral care and support they require, and also get to hear about Jesus.

TUESDAY 14

Following on from Explore Christmas for Scottish schools, Explore Easter is currently in the final stages of design and production. Pray for wisdom and creativity for the digital team as they develop and shape the resource for launch next month.

WEDNESDAY 15

Our Additional Support Needs (ASN) Action Group meets this evening in Perth. Thank God for this group of people who seek to ensure we are continually equipping and resourcing staff to be inclusive in their practice in their varying roles, and also provide support to Elaine Tait.

» Austria 2024, SU Snowsports Holiday

THURSDAY 16

Give thanks for increased numbers attending SU Holidays in 2024, and pray that many will book early for their 2025 event. Pray for Rebeka and Kayleigh who process bookings and often interact with parents.

FRIDAY 17

The Independent Schools weekend at Lendrick Muir begins tonight, led by Jenny Thomson. Pray that those who are Christians will grow in confidence in God’s word and that those who don’t yet have faith will begin to explore faith in the God of the Bible.

SATURDAY 18

Give thanks for SU Groups that run in Clackmannanshire, and pray for Caroline Boyers as she seeks to establish SU Groups in the two high schools that currently don’t have one: Lornshill Academy and Alloa Academy.

SUNDAY 19

Pray for Timelanders, a new Bible engagement resource for children aged 8-11, produced by SU International. Pray that it will get out to many children and families and that it will be effective in helping children get excited about the Bible

and encouraging them to read it for themselves.

timelanders.com

MONDAY 20

Pray for Janice Aitken, Volunteers Manager, as she considers future training opportunities for our volunteers. Give thanks for our faithful Cooks and Assistant Cooks, and pray that God will continue to raise up individuals, particularly young people, with gifts in cooking and catering.

TUESDAY 21

Three SU Mission task groups are supporting mission

Team Leaders and Bruce Lockhart. Pray for progress in training, recruitment, pastoral care, strategy, finance and resources, giving thanks for the many mission volunteers around the country who serve in various roles and enable missional opportunities to happen.

WEDNESDAY 22

Pray for inspiration for those leading SU Groups in primary and secondary schools and delivering Bible Alive sessions which use storytelling, music, drama, puppets, quizzes, activities and costumes to bring the Bible to life. Pray that children will have 'ears to hear'.

THURSDAY 23

Pray for Regional Workers as they set up Local Ministry Hubs for each of the high schools and associated primaries, bringing local Christians together to pray for schools and explore ways of working together. Pray for an increase of opportunity in our schools and a growing partnership between SU Scotland and churches.

FRIDAY 24

A Creative Writing Holiday is taking place at Alltnacriche. Pray for Geoff Todd and his team as they guide the young folk to explore their creative writing skills. Pray they will have a hunger to dig deep into the Bible.

SATURDAY 25

Forth Valley pupils ranging from P5-S6 are at Lendrick Muir this weekend, led by Gordon Roy. Pray for a sense of togetherness as they enjoy activities, explore the Bible, worship God and make new friends.

SUNDAY 26

Basecamp Gowanbank takes place next month. Pray that God will already be preparing the hearts of the senior pupils who have signed up to come and that any remaining spaces will be filled.

MONDAY 27

Give thanks for the children who meet as Muiredge Primary SU Group tomorrow and for a new leader in teacher Yvonne McKegney to work alongside Jessica Beecroft, local church children’s and families worker. Pray for advertising for the SU Lanarkshire Weekend as it goes out— that parents will receive it positively and want to book their child a place.

TUESDAY 28

Pray for John and Ewan as they continue to serve God on their Gap Year placements as well as preparing and planning for their SU Mission trip to Hungary in July.

Applications are now open for the 2025-26 Gap Year intake. Pray for good applications and for our

advertising to be seen by the right people.

WEDNESDAY 29

Pray that the Lord will meet with us as we come before him with thanksgiving, joy and longing on this SU Scotland Day of Prayer. Give thanks for the resources provided to help us pray individually as well as together in prayer gatherings happening in different locations around Scotland.

suscotland.org.uk/dop

THURSDAY 30

Spotlight and Equip will be happening tomorrow night in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Pray for growing biblical understanding that will strengthen young people’s walk with God. Pray that the Holy Spirit will enable them not to conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2).

FRIDAY 31

Praise God for the longstanding relationship between SU Scotland and Circle, who refer young people affected by imprisonment to SU Holidays. Pray for new, developing relationships with Families Outside, Crossreach, and a few Christians Against Poverty debt centres, who are seeking to refer young people from families they support to SU Holidays.

Glossary

• 2CY Trust Associate Worker Trust, Clydesdale, South Lanarkshire

• Basecamp COmMISSION training event for S5–S6s

• BCYT Associate Worker Trust, Berwickshire

• Bible Alive Interactive primary school lessons covering the storyline of the Bible

• Big Celebration SU Scotland annual celebration in August at Lendrick Muir

• BUSY Associate Worker Trust, Broxburn & Uphall

• COmMISSION Mission and discipleship programme for S5 to student age

• Contraflow Associate Worker Trust, Helensburgh

• Connect Groups Small discipleship groups meeting for Bible Study across Scotland

• COOL Associate Worker Trust, Lochalsh and South Skye

• CVE Christian Values in Education (cve-scotland.org.uk)

• Easter Code Presentation of the Easter story to primary school children

• Encounter Annual prayer event for P7–S6s

• Equip Discipleship events for secondary aged pupils

• es-team Edinburgh Schools Team (Regional Workers based in Edinburgh)

• Ferrywell Urban youth ministry project in Edinburgh—Pilton, Muirhouse and Drylaw

• Go Conference Discipleship training conference for pupils in S4–S6

• GROW Associate Worker Trust, Glenrothes

• Junction 12 (J12) Urban youth ministry project in Glasgow’s east end

• K2 Associate Worker Trust, East Neuk of Fife

• KART Associate Worker Trust, Kirkcaldy

• KYTHE Associate Worker Trust, Kinross-shire

• LCYT Associate Worker Trust, Larbert

• LeadUP COmMISSION training event for S6 and students

• Magnitude Youth Festival at Lendrick Muir

• Motiv8 SU Holidays for children from priority backgrounds

• Reachout Trust Associate Worker Trust, Rutherglen and Cambuslang

• RO Religious Observance

• School Residential Midweek school activity break at Alltnacriche, Gowanbank or Lendrick Muir

• Spotlight Monthly discipleship group for S1–S3s in Edinburgh

• WHEEL Trust Associate Worker Trust, west end of Glasgow

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@SU Prayer Diary | November 24 - February 25 by Scripture Union Scotland - Issuu