APRIL – JULY 2022
CARE Prayer Diary In this issue: Health and Wellbeing Listening Family Values Exploitation and Slavery Politics and Faith Giving Thanks Hope for the World Future Leadership Community Caring Women at Risk Choosing Life Challenges Youth Face Urban Priorities
A friend recently gave me some sunflower seeds, and, as she told me how they should be planted, we shared how they are said to always face east to catch the first rays of the rising sun – and in their early growth actually swivel round as the day progresses. Similarly, as disciples of Jesus we grow by facing the Son. CARE’s faithful presence in public life relies on looking towards Jesus; the warmth of His grace; His light into the darkness. Our work is nothing without prayer. It is ‘the slender nerve that moves the muscle of omnipotence’ wrote Charles Spurgeon. That means your prayers are a great thing. They have helped CARE’s work over four decades become a holy calling and have filled our endeavours with the power of the Holy Spirit. Just this year we have seen remarkable change in Government policy and good laws passed. But the need is great and there is much still for CARE to do. Your prayers are invaluable, and we would love them to be enriched by sending you regular news about our work or strengthened by any gift you could make. Whatever you are able to do or give thank you; thank you for standing with us in facing the Son. Every blessing,
Ross Hendry CEO of CARE
The CARE Prayer Diary is written by Celia Bowring. To read online please visit: care.org.uk/about/our-publications praynow4.org/care To sign up for daily Prayer Diary emails or to update your mailing preferences, please call: 020 7233 0455 or email: mail@care.org.uk.
Celia Bowring
To contribute to CARE’s ongoing ministry, please go to: care.org.uk/donate Would someone you know like to receive a free copy of the Prayer Diary? Get in touch and we’ll post one to them.
APRIL 24 – 30
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
SUN 24
Father, we believe that true fullness of life – for our bodies, minds, souls and spirits – is found in Christ alone. We pray for those we know who have not yet accepted the wonderful gift of salvation to seek Him and receive the Holy Spirit’s gifts of grace. With thanks and praise. Amen.
MON 25
Lord, thank You for every success that has been made in fighting cancer. We pray for further progress with research, early diagnosis, prevention and treatments. Please heal, comfort and strengthen the estimated three million people who live with cancer in the UK. In Christ’s name. Amen.
TUES 26
Prince of peace, we intercede for children and adults who are experiencing symptoms such as lethargy, sleeplessness, poor concentration, lack of motivation, anxiety and depression, especially post-Covid. Please bring them through this and grant insight to those caring for them. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
WED 27
O God, with NHS waiting lists still rising we remember all who are worried about their loved ones’ and their own health. Please make a way for more doctors, nurses and other health workers to be provided in hospitals and clinics throughout the country. In Your mercy. Amen.
‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.’ PSALM 103:2-5 (ESV) THURS 28
WORLD DAY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK Sovereign God, we pray for governments, employers and workers to be inspired and empowered to do all they can to reduce the risks of workplace accidents and diseases. May unjust and dangerous practices by uncaring employers be challenged and their workers protected. By Your grace. Amen.
FRI 29
INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY Lord of creation, we thank You for the beauty and expressiveness of dance, representing diverse cultures and traditions, that we can enjoy as spectators and participants. We pray for more adults and children to discover its benefits for their health and wellbeing, and to give You praise. Amen.
SAT 30
Father God, please bring healing and hope to children whose mental health has deteriorated since 2019 – with 77 per cent more under-18-year-olds needing specialist care for serious problems. Grant wisdom and compassion to those supporting them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Government has committed an additional £79m to improve mental health support in England, with 400 mental health support teams in schools providing extra counselling for children. In addition, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have made available extra money to meet people’s needs during and post-Covid.
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MAY 1 – 7
LISTENING
SUN 1
INTERNATIONAL DAWN CHORUS DAY Awesome Creator, may the dawn recital of songbirds – especially vibrant at this time of year – fill our hearts with wonder and joy! We pray for many more people who hear it to acknowledge You as the Maker of all life and beauty, and give You honour and praise. In Christ’s name. Amen.
MON 2
God our refuge, please enable those working at GCHQ and other ‘listening’ agencies to identify, analyse and disrupt threats to our national security. We pray for a wise balance between our freedoms and our safety always to be maintained. In Your mercy. Amen.
TUES 3
Loving Lord, we ask for good opportunities for children to communicate freely with those who care for them; to express fears, sadness, bad experiences and also their joys and hopes. Please especially grant this for those in particular need of being heard. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
WED 4
START OF DEAF AWARENESS WEEK, MAY 4-9 Lord, may this week be a success as individuals and organisations raise awareness of the isolation that deaf people can experience, encourage positive aspects of living with deafness, and promote British Sign Language, currently used by 250,000 people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.’ REVELATION 3:20 (NKJV) THURS 5
4
Holy Spirit please teach us to listen intently as we pray and read Your Word privately and with others; that Your living and powerful truth, like a sharp two-edged sword, may penetrate our innermost thoughts and intentions. Help us to love and obey You more each day. Amen.
FRI 6
God our Counsellor, we thank You for the skills, dedication and empathy of those who listen to people in a professional capacity, such as counsellors, therapists, Christian ministers, mental health practitioners, social workers and police officers. Please help them by Your grace. Amen.
SAT 7
Father, may each of us become increasingly aware of how we can bless others by listening attentively with an open mind to hear what they are really saying. May we be willing to respond with few words, wisdom and appropriate action with the help of Your Spirit. Amen.
The first service one owes to others … consists in listening to them. Just as love of God begins in listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them. It is God’s love for us that He not only gives us His Word but lends us His ear. So, it is His work that we do for our brother when we learn to listen to him.’ (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
MAY 8 – 14
FAMILY VALUES
UK MARRIAGE WEEK: 10 - 16 MAY SUN 8
Loving God, thank You for Your design of marriage and family life, uniting individuals in love across the generations, to raise children and care for one another. Above all, we are grateful that You have accepted and adopted us into Your Family through Christ our Lord. Amen.
MON 9
Thank You, Lord, for the 450,000 UK families that foster children. We pray that FOSTER CARE FORTNIGHT (MAY 9-22), will inspire many others to offer help, especially to receive teenagers, siblings, disabled children and unaccompanied asylum seekers. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
TUES 10
Father, we pray that this Marriage Week, celebrating the commitment between husbands and wives, will be a source of encouragement and reinvigoration for couples and strengthen those who are experiencing difficulty and pain. May Your Spirit bless them all. Amen.
WED 11
God of compassion, please comfort families who are grieving for relatives and friends caught up in the Ukraine crisis or who died in distressing circumstances during Covid. We pray too for those who have lost loved ones through mental health breakdown, suicide or at the hands of others. In Jesus‘ name. Amen.
‘Put on tender mercy and kindness as if they were your clothes. Don’t be proud. Be gentle and patient. Put up with one another. Forgive one another if you are holding something against someone. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you. And over all these good things put on love.’ COLOSSIANS 3:12-14 (NIRV) THURS 12
Father, please help us to demonstrate the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our words, attitudes and actions; that others may come to know Your forgiveness and kindness and be adopted into Your Family. May many lives be touched by Your amazing grace. Amen.
FRI 13
Prince of peace, we remember marriages and families that are facing breakdown. We intercede for children who are affected to be resilient and able to get through such situations. Bring people to help with conciliation, support and wisdom. Through Your merciful love. Amen.
SAT 14
Spirit of peace, we remember families where generational patterns of poor parenting, unemployment, abuse, violence, drug use, anti-social behaviour and crime cause misery and failure. We pray for miracles of rescue and transformation through Your power and love. Amen.
‘There is a strong link between family and relationship breakdown, and poor mental health and wellbeing in the next generation. Starting primary school, half of five-year-olds in the poorest 20 per cent of households will have already seen their parents part, with two-thirds living with only one birth parent by age 15. One million children have no meaningful contact with their fathers.’ (Dr Samantha Callan. Director Family Hubs Network and Trustee for Care for the Family)
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MAY 15 – 21
EXPLOITATION AND SLAVERY
SUN 15
Lord of all, we pray that Christians and others across the world will never cease trying to end the vile trade of human trafficking. Please grant success to CARE’s work in the UK’s Parliaments and Northern Ireland Assembly, and to organisations that support victims. In Christ’s name. Amen.
MON 16
Father God, we pray about situations where vulnerable individuals – especially children – are tricked by men pretending to love them, only to be trafficked into the UK and sold into prostitution. Please help those who are trying to prevent this from happening. In Your mercy. Amen.
TUES 17
Lord Jesus, You know every single person who has been drawn into modern slavery: forced to work for little or no pay, with limited freedom and living in poor living conditions, often experiencing physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Please deliver them and help them to find healing and restoration. Through Your loving grace. Amen.
WED 18
Almighty God, please grant success to police officers and others who are involved in identifying and investigating cases of exploitation. Help them to gain the trust of victims who can give evidence against criminals and ensure they are cared for in a safe place. For Jesus‘ sake. Amen.
‘Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.’ PSALM 82:3,4 (NIV) THURS 19
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Lord, we continue to pray for Lord McColl’s Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill, that is once more before Parliament. May it succeed in granting those at risk of being re-exploited or deported to receive long-term support including housing, financial assistance and help to rebuild their lives. In Your mercy. Amen.
FRI 20
Sovereign Lord, we thank You for the growing number of politicians who are calling for legislation to criminalise men who purchase sex, and to enable women to exit prostitution more easily and rebuild their lives. Please help us to work together to achieve this. In Christ’s name. Amen.
SAT 21
God of justice, we ask that victims of modern slavery would not be unfairly impacted by the Nationality and Borders Bill. Rather, we ask that the Bill would result in increased support and security for individuals as they recover. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
‘An estimated 100,000 people are in some form of modern slavery here in the UK. The global figure is 40.3 million. Women, children and men are trafficked into prostitution, pornography, agricultural and building labour, manufacturing, domestic servitude, forced begging, benefit fraud, petty criminality and organ removal.’ (care.org.uk)
MAY 22 – 28
POLITICS AND FAITH
SUN 22
God of grace, we pray that secularist attempts to abandon and uproot Christian principles and practices that have been the foundation of British culture for centuries, will not succeed. Please help Your people to ‘act justly, love mercy and walk humbly,’ standing for grace and truth in Christ’s name. Amen.
MON 23
Prince of peace, we intercede for people in Ukraine and other countries where liberty and democracy are under attack. Please strengthen world leaders’ unity and resolve to act wisely and decisively to restore freedom and protect lives across the world. In Your mighty name. Amen.
TUES 24
Holy Spirit, please guide church leaders to know when and how to speak out about issues of social justice and moral failure that contradict Your Word and Your ways. In our confused and hurting world, may Your people demonstrate bringing healing and wholeness. In Christ’s name. Amen.
WED 25
God of truth, we pray that proposed legislation that aims to guard against discrimination, extremism and national security will not threaten our fundamental freedoms of speech and belief – especially in relation to opinions about gender and sexual issues. In Your mercy. Amen.
‘I (Wisdom) hate pride and conceit and deceitful lies. I offer… sound judgment. By my power kings govern, and rulers make laws that are fair. Every honest leader rules with help from me. I love everyone who loves me, and I will be found by all who honestly search.’ PROVERBS 8:13-17 (CEV) THURS 26
THY KINGDOM COME – Christians globally praying from Ascension to Pentecost. Lord of the universe, may our prayers for peoples and nations across the world ascend to Your throne as an offering of thanksgiving, faith and love. Please send Your Spirit to fill the Church afresh with a Pentecostal power and desire to proclaim Your gospel and magnify Your name. Amen.
FRI 27
Thank You, Lord, for raising up godly men and women to work for justice and truth in society. Please strengthen and encourage Christian politicians, civil servants, advisors and others who seek to be a ‘light and salt’ influence in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Westminster and in local councils throughout the UK. Through Your grace. Amen.
SAT 28
Heavenly Father, please lead and guide politicians nationally and locally to address problems of poverty with fairness and generosity. We pray for a growth in respect and cooperation between statutory providers and churchbased initiatives. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
‘Faith groups are probably the best source of the kind of values: stability, solidarity, patience, compassion, persistence, all of those things you need to make society work … For me religious faith is a great starting point for politics.’ (Stephen Timms MP and former Chair of ‘Christians on the Left’.)
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MAY 29 – JUNE 4
GIVING THANKS
SUN 29
Lord God, as we consider all the wonders Your hands have made, we rejoice at the sure hope that one day everything will be made new and the whole creation ‘will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay’. Through the redeeming love of Your Son. Amen.
MON 30
Father, we praise you that ‘the joy of the Lord is our strength’. May we respond to all life’s circumstances, however hard, in a spirit of gratitude, generosity and trust. We ask You to grant peace and protection to those who are suffering today. In Your mercy. Amen.
TUES 31
Lord, as a nation we often expressed our deep gratitude towards the NHS throughout the pandemic. We pray for major solutions now to be found to meet the critical staff shortages and to decrease long waiting lists. Please help us through this crisis for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
WED 1
Sovereign Lord, we praise You that the gospel is being proclaimed and Christians are growing in their faith as congregations across the UK to worship You and serve their local communities. Thank You for adding to and sustaining Your Church every day. In Jesus‘ name. Amen.
‘Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.’ COLOSSIANS 2:6,7 (NIV) THURS 2
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JUNE 2-4: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE Thank You, Lord, for our Queen who has remained steadfast throughout her 70 years of dedicated service to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. May her example of faith and integrity continue to inspire and encourage people in every walk of life, to the honour of Your name. Amen.
FRI 3
Lord, thank You for people, often overlooked, who do unpleasant tasks: such as street cleaners, sewerage engineers, refuse collectors, recycling and land-fill workers and pest control technicians. Please help us to appreciate their vital contribution. Through Your grace. Amen.
SAT 4
King of glory, we pray for safety, peace and joy throughout Her Majesty’s Platinum celebrations, culminating in tomorrow’s Big Jubilee Lunch with millions joining street parties and the London Pageant that will include children in the ‘River of Hope’ procession. In Christ’s name. Amen.
‘The Bible presents the cultivation of gratitude as one of the core disciplines of the Christian life. “Overflowing” with gratitude, we are called to give thanks “always” and for “everything” in “whatever we do”. Being grateful is the right thing to do: a spirit of thankfulness acknowledges the sovereignty of God and asserts the dependency of His creatures. It positions grace at the very centre of our spiritual journey.’ (Glynn Harrison, Consultant Psychiatrist and Lecturer.)
JUNE 5 – 11
HOPE FOR THE WORLD
SUN 5
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY – ONLY ONE EARTH Sovereign God, we praise You on this Pentecost Sunday as we celebrate Your Holy Spirit being poured out on the Church, and for our wonderful world created and sustained by Your power. May Your favour rest upon our endeavours to care for the whole environment. For Christ’s sake. Amen.
MON 6
Lord our Healer, please grant success to research that aims to prevent serious disease and produce effective treatments for previously fatal conditions. We pray for ongoing improvements in public health that will bring real hope for the future. In Your mercy. Amen.
TUES 7
Gracious Father, we remember the millions of boys and girls who are out of school and pray that the UN Sustainable Development Goal of providing primary education for all children, and improving opportunities at secondary level, would progress and transform lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
WED 8
WORLD OCEANS DAY Lord, thank You that hundreds of organisations worldwide are together aiming to designate 30 per cent of our oceans as marine sanctuaries and ‘national parks’ by 2030. We pray for wisdom and resources to protect vulnerable areas on coasts, the sea floor and waters and all that live there. May Your will be done. Amen.
‘The earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. By His word the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; He puts the deeps in storehouses.’ PSALM 33:5-7 (ESV) THURS 9
God of love, we intercede for parts of the world where communities and individual lives are at risk from war, violence, poverty and environmental problems like deforestation, flooding and drought. Help Your people to provide real help and hope for the future. In Christ’s name. Amen.
FRI 10
Lord Jesus, we give You thanks for the gospel of salvation through Your death and resurrection being preached to families, tribes and nations throughout our troubled world. We pray that more people than ever before will gladly receive this, the only true hope, and offer their lives to glorify You. Amen.
SAT 11
Spirit of God, please restrain forces of evil – human and demonic – from fanning the flames of war across the world. Be with those who work to bring humanitarian aid and for reconciliation, ceasefires and steps towards just and lasting peace. Through the powerful authority of Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
‘To have hope in God is to recognize that He and He alone is trustworthy, that everything else will let you down and that His plan is infinitely wise and good. The resurrection of Jesus confirms that there is a God who is both good and powerful, who brings light out of darkness, and who is patiently working out a plan for His glory, our good, and the good of the world.’ (Timothy Keller)
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JUNE 12 – 18
FUTURE LEADERSHIP
SUN 12
Sovereign God, forever You stay the same, but our rapidly changing world is bringing many new challenges. Please raise up Your chosen servant-hearted leaders for tomorrow and endow them with strong qualities of integrity, creativity, wisdom, humility and faith. In Your mercy. Amen.
MON 13
Lord, please help young people who are taking GCSEs, A Levels, BTECs and other examinations for college, university, apprenticeships and professional qualifications. May they do themselves justice and be guided towards the best future opportunities. By Your grace. Amen.
TUES 14
Lord Jesus, we pray for young leaders to be raised up who have a passion for making the gospel known and relating it to contemporary culture, to serve You in the Church as evangelists, pastors, teachers, encouragers, administrators, worshippers and intercessors in Your name. Amen.
WED 15
Father, we pray for future leaders who today are children. May many discover their true identity as they come to faith in Christ and grow in discipleship ready to serve their generation in whatever way You have prepared for them, as light and salt for Your Kingdom. Amen.
‘Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.’ PROVERBS 4:25-27 (NIV) THURS 16
DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD – commemorating 20,000 black school children in
Soweto, South Africa, who on 16 June 1976 protested on the streets where many died.
Loving Father, we pray for children everywhere to have access to good education to prepare them for the future. Please help all who are working in Africa to make this a reality. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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FRI 17
Lord, thank You for the hundreds of Christian graduates on CARE’s Leadership Programme over the last 25 years, who have been placed in Parliament or with an NGO and studied together each week. Please accomplish Your purposes through their lives in whatever places and roles throughout society to which You have brought them. For the sake of Your Kingdom. Amen.
SAT 18
Mighty God, You want ‘everyone to be saved and to understand the truth’ so we pray for wisdom and integrity for our national leaders: ‘kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.’ In Christ’s name. Amen.
‘The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve.’ John R.W. Stott (1921-2011)
JUNE 19 – 25
COMMUNITY CARING
JUNE 20 – 26: CHILDREN’S HOSPICE WEEK SUN 19
FATHERS DAY Heavenly Father, may Your Spirit strengthen fathers to protect, provide and tenderly care for their families and others for whom they have responsibility and concern. Please encourage anyone who is prevented from doing this because of separation, illness or other reasons. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
MON 20
REFUGEE WEEK BEGINS – JUNE 20-26. Theme: ‘Healing’ Lord, please bless those who are refugees settling into communities throughout the UK. We pray for neighbours and local churches to welcome and help those facing uncertainty. By Your grace. Amen.
TUES 21
Holy Spirit, we pray for a growing cooperation and trust between churches, local authority services, and community projects as Christians provide practical support alongside prayers and evangelism. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
WED 22
WINDRUSH DAY – honouring the contribution of those who stepped ashore at Tilbury Docks 70 years ago.
Lord of all nations, thank You for the 500,000 people who came from Caribbean nations in 1948 onwards to help the UK to rebuild after World War II. May the memories of discrimination and intolerance then, as well as recent injustices, be healed through Your mercy and grace. Amen.
‘Show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift ... use them well to serve one another.’ 1 PETER 4:8-10 (NLT) THURS 23
Lord Jesus, please bless those who work and volunteer in the UK’s 54 Children’s Hospices giving time, care and compassion in distressing situations where seriously ill children, young people and their families, face deep grief and pain. May they know Your comfort. Amen.
FRI 24
Father, thank You for the generous goodwill that motivates people to bless their community, providing many kinds of support, as neighbours, through local groups and charities, and church initiatives. May they connect effectively with all who are in need of Your grace. Amen.
SAT 25
Loving God, please encourage medical, nursing and therapeutic professionals, social workers, carers and others in our community who are often under much pressure in their daily work of supporting those with disabilities, illness and other needs. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Community health services account for about £10 billion of the NHS budget and one-fifth of its workforce: district nurses, midwives, health visitors, school nurses and specialists providing end-of-life care and helping patients with cancer and other conditions. An extra £1 billion is planned to deliver close-to-home mental health care by 2024.
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JUN 26 – JULY 2
WOMEN AT RISK
SUN 26
Thank You, Jesus, that women and men are equally precious in Your sight and that You care for all human beings, created male and female in God’s image. May Your Church lead the way in respecting, enabling and valuing women and speaking out for justice. In Your name. Amen.
MON 27
Lord our Deliverer, we intercede for pregnant women living as refugees, and in other overcrowded and dangerous places, to receive the care they need to give birth and to raise their children. Please protect and strengthen them. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
TUES 28
Compassionate Saviour, we pray for very poor women in the developing world – many of whom, with no husband at home because of migration, divorce, separation or desertion, support their families alone. Thank You for improvements in education, healthcare and money-making opportunities that are beginning to improve their lives. By Your grace. Amen.
WED 29
God of love, we intercede for an end to early and forced marriage which violates an individual’s freedom and can place them in a cycle of poverty and powerlessness, especially the 12 million girls who are married each year before they are 18. Please demonstrate Your mercy. Amen.
‘You, O God, are both tender and kind, not easily angered, immense in love, and you never, never quit. So look me in the eye and show kindness, give your servant the strength to go on, save your dear, dear child!’ PSALM 86:15-17 (MESSAGE)
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THURS 30
Lord, we intercede on behalf of the thousands of victims of rape each year. We pray for changes in the criminal justice system so that women can be more confident that the police and other agencies will treat them well, will believe and act upon their testimonies, and provide proper protection and support. May mercy and justice prevail. Amen.
FRI 1
Father, thank You that the Government has now ended the access to home medical abortion that was allowed during the pandemic, resulting in cases of serious side effects and coercion for thousands of women. We pray for their healing and wellbeing through Your amazing mercy. Amen.
SAT 2
Lord, please help victims of domestic violence to find refuge and safety. We pray that the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 will lead to a clearer understanding of these crimes and greater effectiveness in providing protection and bringing perpetrators to justice. In Christ’s name. Amen.
‘Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse – physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial – between women and men from any ethnic group aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members. This includes honour-based abuse and forced marriage.’ (restored-uk.org)
JULY 3 – 9
CHOOSING LIFE
SUN 3
Holy Spirit, please inspire every servant of Yours who will preach the gospel today in cathedrals, churches, homes and other settings. Help them to offer a clear opportunity for people to respond to this message of grace and truth, and choose life! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
MON 4
Lord, we pray about the far-reaching effects of falling birth rates in many parts of the world, taking into account over 45 million abortions annually, coupled with people living longer. Please give wisdom to politicians and others as they prepare for this. In Your mercy. Amen.
TUES 5
O God of justice and compassion, we intercede that any attempts to legalise physician-assisted suicide will come to nothing. Grant that the value of caring for vulnerable people will be upheld by each of the UK Parliaments and the Northern Ireland Assembly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
WED 6
Dear Jesus, please lead anyone who is considering an abortion to those who will give them time, space and gentle support to reflect on the alternatives before them. We pray for CARE’s OPEN initiative and volunteers at many Christian centres that offer this to women. In Your compassion. Amen. (weareopen.org.uk)
‘Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvellous—how well I know it … You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.’ PSALM 139:14-16 (NLT) THURS 7
Lord our Creator, we thank You for the gift of life and pray for Your blessing on unborn and new babies, young children and teenagers, especially where they face challenges through poor health, poverty and danger. May they flourish despite these things. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
FRI 8
Father, thank You for everyone whose work is dedicated to caring for life: please encourage doctors, nurses, those in the emergency services, police, armed forces, campaigners for justice, providers of support and counselling and church initiatives reaching out with gospel compassion. In Christ’s name. Amen.
SAT 9
Lord Jesus Christ who has rescued us from sin and death, please send help, whether celestial or human, to anyone who is contemplating suicide. Pour Your hope Into their desperate hearts and reveal life-giving solutions to the problems that assail them. For Your name’s sake. Amen.
More than 700 000 people in the world die due to suicide every year and many others attempt it. During 2020, over 20,000 people volunteered their time for Samaritans, responding to around 100,000 calls for help. The organisation is urging the government to protect vulnerable people from harmful content on the internet.
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JULY 10 – 16
CHALLENGES YOUTH FACE
SUN 10
Holy Spirit, may You move in power and love across the world amongst our youth, so that many will hear and receive the transforming message of salvation, encounter Christ and give their lives to serve Him and share this hope with others. To the Father’s glory. Amen.
MON 11
Lord, we pray for children in UK nurseries and schools and all who help them to learn, develop and face the many educational, social and mental health challenges affecting them. Bless Christian individuals and initiatives that contribute to this. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
TUES 12
Father, please grant wisdom and compassion to those working with children identified as having mental health problems, which in the aftermath of Covid, is one in six of 5-to-16-year-olds, with many teenagers self-harming. May Your healing power come upon them, for Christ’s sake. Amen.
WED 13
Father, please grant success to initiatives that protect and rescue vulnerable young people – especially children in care and those who have been excluded from school – who are involved in knife crime, serious violence, criminal gangs, drugs and other exploitation. In Your name. Amen.
‘Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.’ ISAIAH 40:30,31 (NLT)
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THURS 14
Lord, we thank You for the potential of rising generations throughout the world to find solutions to the serious ecological, political and social problems facing them. We pray that millions will turn to You in obedience, faith and hope for the coming of Your Kingdom. Amen.
FRI 15
WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY Lord, please help the rising number of young people who have no job and have missed out on their education and training because of Covid. We pray that governments, employers, NGOs and others will seek to reverse this trend by creating opportunities to help them succeed. In Your mercy. Amen.
SAT 16
God of all wisdom, we pray for young people to gain all necessary skills and understanding to prepare them for adult life in today’s fast-paced digital world. Guard them from harm and help them to balance time online with real life relationships and pursuits that will help to accomplish Your good plans for them by Your grace. Amen.
Today, there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 years, accounting for 16 per cent of the global population. By 2030 that number is projected to have grown by seven per cent, to nearly 1.3 billion.
JULY 17 – 23
URBAN PRIORITIES
SUN 17
Lord, we pray for many new churches to be planted in our towns and cities, especially in the neediest areas. Please prosper evangelistic initiatives like 20schemes in Scotland, Church Revitalisation Trust, Message Trust, Urban Ministries, Hope Together and the UK’s 20 City Missions. In Christ’s name. Amen.
MON 18
Father please guide and provide for those in authority, nationally and locally, to implement solutions to the pressures on families in deprived areas, such as poor housing construction and maintenance, inadequate education and health provision, crime and lack of opportunity. We pray for all who are affected. In Christ’s name. Amen.
TUES 19
Lord our Deliverer, we remember the hundreds of cities, particularly in Africa and Asia, that face major problems caused by air and water pollution, extreme heat, storms, coastal flooding, fire and earthquakes. We ask for Your protection and mercy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
WED 20
O God, thank You for the beauty, diversity and creativity of interwoven traditions languages, the arts, food, architecture and much else, that makes each town and city unique. Please help Christians to live out Your light, truth and grace within the prevailing culture. Amen.
‘Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters … multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.’ JEREMIAH 29:5-7 (ESV) THURS 21
Lord of all wisdom, please inspire and guide everyone involved in urban planning and expansion to shape safe communities that welcome people from diverse backgrounds, provide equal opportunities, and create peaceful, attractive and healthy environments. By Your grace. Amen.
FRI 22
Thank You, Lord, for many initiatives in urban areas throughout the world to plant trees that can improve air quality, protect from flooding, enhance the natural environment and benefit people’s mental health. Please grant them continued success, by Your grace. Amen.
SAT 23
Compassionate God, You know and love all people. We commit to You the millions of individuals and families who are making the decision to leave rural areas in search of new opportunities in the city. We pray for them to be safe and for their many needs to be met. In Your mercy. Amen.
In 2018 there were 81 cities of five million people or more. The World Health Organisation estimates that by 2050, two-thirds of the global population will live in cities, mainly in developing countries, with an increase of 70 million per year – a third of whom, the poorest, will settle in shanty towns.
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