CARE Prayer Diary Oct 22 - Jan 23

‘From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!’ PSALM 61:2-4 (NLT)

The Tower of David is near Jerusalem’s Jaffa Gate on the western side of the old city wall. It was originally built at the time of the Maccabees over two thousand years ago. Perhaps they had Psalm 61 in mind, in which King David, in the midst of great trials, prayed to God as his shelter and defender. In 70 AD it was demolished by the Romans along with the rest of the city. They also destroyed the Temple, just as Jesus had predicted in Mark 13:1,2. The present structure was built in medieval times on the original foundations.

The CARE Prayer Diary is written by Celia Bowring. To read online please visit: care.org.uk/about/our-publications praynow4.org/care

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Celia Bowring

THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS

SUN 23 Jehovah Jireh, we trust that You are the Lord who will provide when we turn to You. Please reveal Your steadfast and unfailing love to those in need today and help them to believe this to be true and seek Your mercy and grace in every area of their lives. In Christ’s name. Amen.

MON 24 Lord, we remember children on half term holiday this week who will not receive their usual free school lunch. Please supply them with food and other necessary items through the support of family, friends, caring neighbours, churches and community groups. In Your mercy. Amen.

TUES 25 God of justice, please give wisdom to Prime Minister Liz Truss, the Chancellor, the Governor of the Bank of England and others involved to develop effective policies to address the inequalities between rich and poor - made worse by falling wages, rising prices and problems with the benefits system. By Your grace. Amen.

WED 26 Almighty God, we intercede for individuals, businesses, organisations and governments all over the world reeling from the effects of soaring energy bills, the scourge of war, increasing basic costs, displacement and homelessness. May they turn to You for wisdom, courage and help. Amen.

‘Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free! … Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life.’ ISAIAH 55:1-3 (NLT)

THURS 27 O God, we ask that many people who feel under pressure will look to local churches and other Christian initiatives for practical support, spiritual guidance and friendship. May they find these to be welcoming, understanding, generous and compassionate. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

FRI 28 Father of compassion, we pray for the growing number of individuals and families who are in serious debt and experiencing the fear, suffering and insecurity this causes. Lead them to organisations like Christians Against Poverty to receive support and hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

SAT 29 Lord, we are so thankful for the thousands of foodbanks operated by the church based Trussell Trust, independent providers, Salvation Army, school centres, soup kitchens and ‘social supermarkets’. Continue to inspire and equip those who run them. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Since 2016 the need for foodbanks has increased by 81 per cent. In 2020/21 The Trussell Trust’s 1,400 centres distributed over 2.5 million emergency food parcels to people having problems with the benefits system, with challenging life experiences and lack of support.

ATTITUDES TO DISABILITY

SUN 30 Creator God, please help us to value and care about those who are disabled, recognising their absolute right to be treated with equal respect and encouraged to reach the potential You have placed within them for this life and throughout eternity. To Your glory. Amen.

MON 31 Heavenly Father, we pray for children and adults who suffer discrimination, bullying, abuse and crime as a result of being disabled; especially those with mental health conditions, learning disabilities and social and behavioural impairments. Please comfort and strengthen them by Your grace. Amen.

TUES 1 PURPLE TUESDAY ‘Improving customer experience for disabled people and their families’ Lord, we ask that more shops and businesses will commit to improving accessibility and service for customers and clients who are wheelchair users, have sight and hearing loss, and those with less visible disabilities. May this day increase awareness of this important issue. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WED 2 Father, we pray for more public ‘inclusive playgrounds’ to be built to allow more of the UK’s one million disabled children to access and enjoy equipment that is safe and appropriate to their needs, where they can have fun alongside their able-bodied peers. Through Your grace. Amen.

‘The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.’ GALATIANS 5:22,23 (ESV)

THURS 3 Gentle Saviour, we intercede for a change of attitude towards unborn babies with conditions such as Down Syndrome; that their parents will be supported and encouraged to give life to these precious children rather than feel the pressure to have an abortion. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

FRI 4 Lord, we celebrate the courage and inspiration of those engaging in parasports and the increasing profile of disabled athletes at the Olympics and other major events. Please bless the many Christians involved as they share their faith and demonstrate Your amazing grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

SAT 5 God of justice, please grant success to those working on the Government’s National Disability Strategy to remove barriers to people participating fully in public and civic life and across society in education, employment, transport, leisure and cultural activities. In Your mercy. Amen.

The disability equality charity Scope estimates that 1.3 billion people in the world have a disability – 17 per cent of the global population. Many face additional costs for essential equipment and support and will be seriously affected as inflation and the cost of living rises in the UK and elsewhere.

SUN 6 Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting us into Your family through the grace of Christ. Help us to reach out with acceptance and generosity to children who are disadvantaged materially, emotionally, spiritually and in their mental health through our prayers, support, and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

MON 7 All-wise God, please draw near to children who find school and other situations hard because they have a physical impairment, learning disability or another disadvantage. Grant patience and skill to teachers, families and carers to draw out whatever talent and beauty lies within them. According to Your great love. Amen.

TUES 8 Gracious Lord, we pray for children who suffer disgraceful mistreatment, racial slurs, and other forms of discrimination and prejudice simply because they come from a different background, have a disability or experience other difficulties. May they discover how much You love and delight in them and receive the caring acceptance that is their due. In Your name. Amen.

WED 9 SOCIAL MEDIA KINDNESS DAY

Lord, may the sphere of social media and other online communications be transformed into a much safer and kinder space for young people and adults to use. Grant wisdom to those who are working to block hateful and false messages through legislation and practical means. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

‘Don’t speak with twisted words. Keep evil talk away from your lips.’ PROVERBS 4:24 (NIRV) ‘Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.’ PROVERBS 31:9 (NIV)

THURS 10 Father, please bring justice, protection and peace to the millions of children caught up in the wake of war and other conflicts. We intercede for those who have lost family, home, health and any sense of safety. May many be rescued and restored through Your mercy. Amen.

FRI 11 Loving Saviour, thank You for the many organisations, agencies and individuals who work with children and young people at risk from criminal gangs. We pray that many will be set free from danger to live according to Your plans ‘not for evil but for good’. By Your grace. Amen.

SAT 12 NOVEMBER 14 – 18 ANTI-BULLYING WEEK – Reach Out

Prince of Peace, we pray that next week will inspire and encourage children who are bullied to seek support. Please help parents, teachers and other concerned adults to know how best to challenge this behaviour, and for bullies themselves to change their ways and find help. In Your mercy. Amen.

‘He who counts the stars and calls them by their names, is in no danger of forgetting His own children. He knows your case as thoroughly as if you were the only creature He had ever made.’ (C.H. Spurgeon)

SUN 13 REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Eternal God, with thankful hearts we reflect on the sacrifices of our servicemen and women in wartime, for the sake of freedom, justice and peace. Please grant that those who suffer because of past injuries or bereavement will know Your comfort and may all who are serving in our armed forces today find the grace they need. In Your mercy. Amen.

MON 14 Sovereign Lord, as we give You thanks for the faithful and inspiring life of our late Queen, we pray for all whose thoughts are dwelling on the loss of a loved one to know Your compassionate comfort and find hope for the future. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

TUES 15 Lord Jesus, gentle Shepherd, we lift to You anyone who is suffering the distress and disorientation that comes with memory loss – brought about by injury, a traumatic event or through an illness causing dementia. Please grant them rest and peace, through Your mercy and love. Amen.

WED 16 ROAD SAFETY WEEK begins – ‘Safe Roads for All’ Lord, thank You for emergency and NHS teams who respond to road accidents, often saving lives and supporting victims’ families. Please help individuals who then experience post-traumatic pain and stress, haunted by shocking memories. By Your grace. Amen.

‘Thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind … extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders … Let those who are wise pay attention to these things and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.’ PSALM 107: 31,32,43 (NRSV)

THURS 17 Holy Spirit, please forgive our forgetfulness and teach us to express gratitude daily for Your steadfast love and mercy towards all whom You have created throughout time and space. We remember Your mighty acts and thank You for every blessing in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

FRI 18 Eternal God, thank You for all the mercies and blessings that You have poured upon this nation. We pray as King Charles III begins his reign that people will increasingly acknowledge the Judeo-Christian gospel heritage that has shaped our laws and our culture throughout history. For Your glory. Amen.

SAT 19 God of salvation, we pray for those who disregard You because of unbelief, disappointment, and pain. Please soften their hearts and renew their memories of times when You helped them; that they would acknowledge You and accept the grace and truth of the gospel. Amen.

‘God wants to see prayers that are filled with genuine praise and thanksgiving for what He has done in the past. He wants our hearts to be filled with awe and gratitude for His blessings. He wants us to set up memorials in our hearts testifying to the provisions He has given us.’ (Dr Michael Youssef –pastor, author and evangelist especially throughout the Middle East.)

THE GIFT OF CARING

SUN 20 WORLD CHILDREN’S DAY – ‘A Better Future for Every Child’

O Lord, as children’s wellbeing is central in the United Nations’ 2015 Sustainable Development Goals, we pray that governments worldwide will prioritise coordinated action to invest in their future. May many more children receive the protection, care and opportunities they need to flourish. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

MON 21 Father of all compassion, we pray for the gift of kindness to increase in our society; for those who are lonely to feel cherished; for families in need to be cared for, newcomers to be welcomed, and people with mental health issues to be understood; and for all of us to be accepted just for who we are. Such love springs from Your heart! Amen.

TUES 22 Creator God, please help us all to live more carefully in the face of climate change and other ecological problems. We pray for those who produce food and provide other goods and services to take steps to radically reduce pollution and other harms to the natural world and those who live in it. Amen.

WED 23 Lord of the Church, please continue to inspire, equip and bless Christian initiatives that reach out with Your loving care to people in need; through foodbanks, debt advice, help for the homeless, youth and children’s activities, relationship support and other services. In Your mercy. Amen.

‘Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.’ GALATIANS 6:9,10 (ESV)

THURS

24 CARERS’ RIGHTS DAY

Lord, we pray that the Government will take steps to improve support for the millions of unpaid carers - to create better opportunities for asking for what they need and challenging situations where their rights are not acknowledged and met. May they receive due appreciation for all they do. By Your grace. Amen.

FRI 25 God of compassion, thank You for the 1.5 million people who work in social care. May remedies be found to problems - staff shortages, rising costs, long waits for those needing a care assessment and the growing needs of our ageing population. We ask for Your wisdom and help. In Your mercy. Amen.

SAT 26 Heavenly Father, please send help to young people who are missing out on so much because of their caring responsibilities to a family member. May they be strengthened and supported as they carry this burden and find ways to lead as normal a life as possible. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

The Children’s Commissioner’s ‘Big Ask’ 2021 survey of half a million children indicated there may be 800,000 young carers in the UK, some as young as five. They are often overlooked – 39 per cent said nobody in their school was even aware of their caring responsibilities – and during the pandemic they came under further pressure.

AND HOPE

SUN 27 BEGINNING OF ADVENT When Christians prepare to celebrate Christmas and look forward to the Second Coming of Jesus. Almighty God, please fulfil our desire and kindle our hearts by your Spirit, that being filled with the oil of Your grace, we may shine as bright lights at the coming of Your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (From 8th century Gelasian prayer book.)

MON 28 Lord Jesus, please show us how best we can love our neighbours as You commanded. As the economic crisis bites further into people’s incomes and savings we remember those who are under serious financial pressure, leaving them without enough money to live. We ask in Your name. Amen.

TUES 29 God of redemption, we pray for people in prisons and young offender institutions, so often in need of help, hope and healing from the past and with fragile mental health. Please grant compassion to prison officers, youth justice workers, chaplains and others caring for them. In Your mercy. Amen.

WED 30 Lord of the Church, we pray for Christians who are undergoing persecution at this time. The level of persecution is ‘extreme’ in Afghanistan, North Korea, Somalia, Libya, Yemen, Eritrea, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, India and Saudi Arabia and ‘very high’ in 39 other countries. Lord, have mercy! Amen. ‘We have a high priest who can feel it when we are weak and hurting ... who has been tempted in every way, just as we are. But he did not sin. So let us boldly approach God’s throne of grace. Then we will receive mercy. We will find grace to help us when we need it.’ HEBREWS 4:15,16 (NIRV)

THURS 1 Gracious Saviour, please equip and provide for Christian churches and organisations that seek to minister to the weak and hurting. May they be beacons of light and love drawing people who need Your mercy to find the forgiveness and help that flows from Your throne. By Your grace. Amen.

FRI 2 INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY God of mercy, may real progress towards justice and freedom result as people mark this day dedicated to ending modern forms of slavery, such as sexual exploitation, human trafficking, debt bondage, forced labour, forced marriage, and recruiting children for armed conflict. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

SAT 3 Lord, thank You for Your common grace. Following natural disasters, attacks and accidents we so often hear of individuals’ selfless courage and generosity to help others. We are deeply grateful for every expression of Your goodness and beauty in this fallen world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘God gives out good gifts of wisdom, talent, beauty, and skill “graciously” - that is, in a completely unmerited way. He casts them across all humanity, regardless of religious conviction, race, gender, or any other attribute to enrich, brighten, and preserve the world.’ (Dr Timothy Keller, on God’s common grace.)

AND END OF LIFE

DECEMBER 2 - 7 NATIONAL GRIEF AWARENESS WEEK

SUN 4 O God, thank You for sustaining us throughout our lives, from conception to our closing moments. Please protect the most vulnerable and draw near to anyone experiencing serious disability, pain, frailty or illness, granting them and all who care for them comfort and peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

MON 5 Saviour, we pray for a major shift in attitudes to abortion, especially after the US Supreme Court’s overruling of ‘Roe v Wade’ which allows individual states to pass legislation. May women receive compassionate care whilst unborn babies, especially those with disabilities, are valued and protected. In Your mercy. Amen.

TUES 6 Lord Jesus, You who wept at Lazarus’ tomb understand the grief of losing a loved one. We worship You: the Resurrection and the Life who promises those who trust in You the wonderful hope of meeting again in Your eternal kingdom. Please comfort those who mourn, through Your deep love. Amen.

WED 7 Sovereign God, please give us wisdom, courage and opportunities to oppose any effort to legalise assisted suicide but rather to encourage politicians and medical bodies to maintain important safeguards and provide palliative, practical and pastoral care for all who need it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘Listen to me … I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.’ ISAIAH 46:3,4 (NLT)

THURS 8 Father of all compassion, please lift the spirits of those who are suffering today from physical weakness, pain, depression and tiredness. May they have the desire, faith and humility to search for Your truth, love and light in the midst of the darkness. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

FRI 9 Lord, thank You for the thousands of national and local charities that are dedicated to alleviating the effects of life-limiting illnesses and providing research, information, advice and practical support to those affected. May they receive all they need to continue. In Your mercy. Amen.

SAT 10 HUMAN RIGHTS DAY – ‘Rights are the beginning of peace within societies, and greater fairness for future generations’.

Creator God, we have far to go before all people can enjoy their fundamental rights of human dignity and equality. Please bless and guide the efforts of those who promote them. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

The key values of human dignity and equality - from which flow freedom, respect for others, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice and responsibility - are enshrined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, for every human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

MATTERS

SUN 11 Sovereign Lord, please help Christians to demonstrate integrity, diligence, kindness and wisdom in their workplace so that others may be blessed, and Your name honoured. We ask for fruitful opportunities to share their faith, as You lead them with clarity and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

MON 12 NATIONAL WORKPLACE DAY OF REMEMBRANCE To simply and with due respect, bestow deserved dignity on those who served and sacrificed in the non-military everyday. Lord, today we remember the scores of workers who die in the UK from workrelated incidents each year and the 1.7 million who are suffering work-related injuries and illnesses. Please grant comfort to all who are affected and enable better health and safety measures to be put in place. In Your mercy. Amen.

TUES 13 O God, thank You for our unique human creativity and relationships because we are made in Your image. We pray for government and other agencies as they help workers to develop new skills, as robots and IT could replace forty per cent of current jobs in the next fifteen years. In Christ’s name. Amen.

WED 14 Father, we pray for those involved in disputes over employees’ grievances and employers’ disciplinary actions to receive the justice they deserve. Thank You that there are fair procedures to follow, and people trained in arbitration, mediation and conciliation who can help. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

‘Employers, be as conscientious and responsible towards those who serve you as you expect them to be towards you, neither misusing the power over others that has been put in your hands, nor forgetting that you are responsible yourselves to a heavenly employer who makes no distinction.’ EPHESIANS 6:9 (JB PHILLIPS)

THURS 15 Gracious Father, please strengthen employees who are badly treated by work colleagues or managers: discriminated against because of their background or faith, sexually harassed, exploited or taken for granted. Show them what to say and do in response to their situation. In Your mercy. Amen.

FRI 16 Lord, thank You for the success of the 150 CAP Job Clubs run by local churches that provide free courses for anyone who is seeking work to help them navigate each step of the job-hunting process. May many recognise Your loving provision along the way. In Christ’s name. Amen. (capuk.org)

SAT 17 Lord, we pray for the 800,000 young people in the UK, who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), and the thousands of working families who find themselves in poverty. Please link them with those who offer advice and practical support. In Jesus’ name. Amen. With high inflation predicted, the recent 6.6 per cent National Living Wage increase won’t be enough to protect many working people from poverty as the cost of living continues to rise. It’s therefore more important than ever that employers seek to understand and alleviate the financial strain their workforces are under. (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (cipd.co.uk))

SUN 18 Lord, thank You for that historic moment in 1948 when the NHS was launched by Minister of Health Aneurin Bevan and then developed through the hard work and dedication of countless people, to make good healthcare available for all, free at the point of delivery. In Christ’s name. Amen.

MON 19 Almighty God, with the NHS facing its worse workforce crisis ever, we pray for solutions to serious staff shortages, especially doctors, nurses and midwives, in addition to many employees under pressure from heavier workloads, lower pay and ongoing effects of the pandemic. In Your mercy. Amen.

TUES 20 Lord our Comforter, we ask for NHS plans to invest more to prevent and alleviate mental health problems that affect as many as one in four people in the UK to be successful. May doctors, nurses, therapists and support staff be able to offer understanding and nurture, by Your grace. Amen.

WED 21 Father, please bless the many medical and healthcare staff who come from overseas, without whom the NHS simply could not function. May they flourish in their area of expertise and feel valued for the contribution they make at every level. We ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.’ PSALM 90:17 (NIV)

THURS 22 Christ our Healer, we pray for all who work in accident and emergency departments, and for paramedics and other members of ambulance crews as they cope with a rising demand for services, fewer hospital beds and severe staff shortages. Please strengthen them through Your power. Amen.

FRI 23 Lord, thank You for every NHS facility in our own area: GP surgeries, hospitals, district nursing, health visiting, end of life and palliative care, rehabilitation and specialist nursing services, physio, occupational, speech and language therapy, school nurses and much else. By Your grace. Amen.

SAT 24 Lord, please grant wisdom and compassion to Christians working in many NHS settings. Help them to live out their faith with patience and integrity as they seek to meet the needs of those in their care, serving in the roles and teams in which You have placed them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

There are more than 350 different job roles available in the NHS - covering a wide variety of areas, both clinical and non-clinical. In 2020/21 the Department of Health and Social Care spent £192 billion. The NHS is the fifth largest employer in the world (and the biggest in Europe) with over 1.7 million staff across the UK.

CHRIST’S LOVE

SUN 25 CHRISTMAS DAY

Lord Jesus, You came down from the glories of heaven; divinely conceived within the womb of the Virgin Mary and born as our Redeemer and King. With joyful praise on this special day, we humbly offer ourselves to continue following and serving You all our days. Through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

MON 26 Father, as many families gather, some for the first Christmas since 2019, may Your love flow through their celebrations and enrich their relationships. Please comfort those who are alone and grant reconciliation for any who feel estranged, misunderstood and distressed. In Your mercy. Amen.

TUES 27 Lover of the weak, poor and helpless, we ask You to kindle in Your Church an increasing desire to share the gospel’s saving message and compassion across the world. Please bless every evangelistic ministry, especially to unreached people, and draw many into Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen. WED 28 Lord Jesus, we remember people whose life experiences make it hard for them to believe in the Father’s unconditional love. Please heal them from emotional pain and mental illness and grant them courage to trust, plant a mustard seed of faith and receive mercy through Your grace. Amen.

‘May Christ live in you as you open the door and invite him in … Take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.’ EPHESIANS 3:17-19 (The Message Bible)

THURS 29 Holy Spirit, we pray for gardeners, artists, musicians, writers, dancers, actors, story-tellers, homemakers and all who have a passion to cultivate nature, create beauty, establish order, express truth, and bring delight. Please use these gifts to express the amazing love of Christ. Amen.

FRI 30 God of grace, thank You for Your promise of partnership with anyone who humbly prays in Jesus’ name for Your perfect will to be done. We are so grateful for Christians throughout the world who practise the ministry of intercession. Please encourage each of them. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

SAT 31 Most merciful Redeemer, at the ending of this year, we thank You that in our times of blessing and of trial You have never abandoned us and You have brought us through. May we see You more clearly, love You more dearly, follow You more nearly and know You more really day by day. Amen.

‘The world is starving for a yearning love, a love that remembers instead of forsakes, a love that isn’t tied to our loveliness, a love that gets down underneath our messiness, a love that is bigger than the enveloping darkness we might be walking in even today, a love of which even the very best human romance is the faintest of whispers.’ (Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly.)

AND CIVILITY

SUN 1 NEW YEAR’S DAY

Eternal God, may Your kingdom come and Your will be done increasingly in and through our lives over the next year. Please strengthen us in faith, hope and love to be bright ‘light’ and effective ‘salt’ to the world around us, witnesses of the gospel’s grace and truth in every sphere of life. For Your glory. Amen.

MON 2 King of kings, please grant to those whom You have appointed to govern and lead in every area of society an increasing desire and the strength to act justly, love mercy and walk before You with humility. We pray for their private lives and the responsibilities that they bear. By Your grace. Amen.

TUES 3 Lord, we pray about those throughout the world in positions of leadership and power who reject and hate Your ways of honesty, wisdom, justice, and compassion for the poor and oppressed. Please bring down such wrongdoers and raise up others instead who will do good. In Your mercy. Amen.

WED 4 Holy God, we lift to You Christian politicians and others in the public eye who stand up for the justice and mercy that flow from Your Spirit. Please protect, encourage and direct those who are courageously challenging efforts to replace biblical truth for secular values. In the name of Christ. Amen.

‘Respect the authorities … they are God’s emissaries for keeping order. It is God’s will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you’re a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God … Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.’ 1 PETER 2:14-17 (The Message Bible)

THURS 5 Christ our Redeemer, let Your Church meet the challenges of our times with conviction that Your Word is true, and compassion for all people. Grant that Christian leaders and all who follow You may be wise and tolerant in the face of opposition, responding to human need. In Your name. Amen.

FRI 6 Lord, thank You for upholding CARE to work alongside other Christian individuals and groups, to be a voice for truth in the public square for the sake of the vulnerable, for over forty years. Please help us to continue, with due courtesy, respect and graciousness. In Christ’s name. Amen.

SAT 7 Lord of grace and truth, we intercede for change in how many communicate, face to face, by writing and social media - so often with intolerance, rudeness, hatred and untruths. Please raise up men and women of integrity, eloquence, good humour and forbearance to demonstrate a better way and positively influence the media. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

‘CARE is, in many ways, the mission agency to politics. How we do politics is as important as what we seek to achieve. And so, as a new year begins, we will continue to speak truth in love and grace, not respond to hate with hate and not be overcome by fear or cynicism.’ (Ross Hendry, CEO of CARE)

‘May we be courageous for God’s truth and demonstrating Christ’s grace’

ENERGY NEEDS

SUN 8 Almighty God, we marvel at ‘Your power throughout the universe displayed’. Please help us to harness the unlimited and diverse energy sources that You have created to benefit people, creatures and plants and sustain the wellbeing of our fragile planet. In Your mercy. Amen.

MON 9 Merciful Lord, we bring to You the soaring energy prices that are sending many households into fuel poverty, hitting businesses, hampering economic growth and causing other serious problems. Please reveal workable remedies to government, energy suppliers and financial institutions. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

TUES 10 Lord, we pray for technological advances to protect the natural environment, animals, birds, marine life and human health from collateral damage caused by producing, operating and disposing of wind turbines, power stations, solar panels, batteries and other items. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

WED 11 Father, we pray about the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the supply of gas to many countries in Europe and beyond. Please help governments and global suppliers to conserve what they have, source energy from elsewhere and increase production of renewables. In Your mercy. Amen.

‘I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.’ EPHESIANS 3:16,17 (NLT)

THURS 12 Mighty God, more than physical energy, our world – to survive and flourish –needs Your Spirit’s power in people’s lives which raised Christ from the dead and renews all who trust in Him. Please fill us with that strength and grant an outpouring of Your love and power on all nations. To Your glory. Amen.

FRI 13 Father thank You for positive advances throughout history in technologies that harness energy to develop agriculture, industry, transport, exploration, construction, communication and other creative enterprises that enhance our lives. Help us to be wise and generous in sharing these benefits. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

SAT 14 God of Creation, may we see rapid progress in the efficient use of renewable energy from ‘clean’ sources, especially solar, wind and nuclear that will not harm the environment, particularly in countries where progress is currently slow. Thank You for granting Your wisdom and grace. Amen.

The UK is one of the best locations for wind power and, by mid-August 2022, had 11,198 wind turbines providing a quarter of our electricity. Scotland, where the first ever wind turbine was invented by James Blyth in 1888, leads the way with its six offshore and twenty land-based wind farms generating the bulk of its electric power.

RISING GENERATIONS

SUN 15 Father, each new generation approaches the unique challenges of their particular time and place. Thank You for the imagination, determination and opportunities You give to each generation, to solve problems, champion justice and peace and be good stewards. May many seek Your face! In Christ’s name. Amen.

MON 16 Good Shepherd, thank You for the young adults, teenagers, children and infants who are part of the Church. Please help them to flourish in love and faith that is robust and authentic enough to sustain them through each stage of their lives. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit we pray! Amen.

TUES 17 Loving God, we pray for vulnerable young people who, lacking a loving, secure background feel intense peer pressure, especially through social media, that can draw them into risky behaviour, target them for exploitation and hurt them in other ways. Please rescue them by Your grace. Amen.

WED 18 Lord, we pray for Christian events, festivals and culture, children’s and youth organisations, student workers, church groups and others who seek to evangelise, disciple and encourage young people in our land and further afield. Grant them the rich spiritual fruit they desire. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.’ ISAIAH 40:29-31 (ESV)

THURS 19 Creator God, please grant extraordinary insight, innovation and passion to our rising generations as they deal with the serious effects of climate change, pollution and other damage to the environment. May they recognise our need of You as they seek lasting solutions. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

FRI 20 Sovereign God, thank You for CARE’s Leadership Programme where graduates work in placements and meet each Friday for theological study, input from Christians engaged in the public square, prayer and other activities. Please equip them for future leadership. Bless them we pray. Amen.

SAT 21 All-wise God, please help young people to develop life-enhancing relationships and gain good technical skills as they engage with today’s fast-paced digital world. May they overcome any mental health difficulties and fears about the future; seeking the truth and peace that is only found in You. Amen.

Since the Baby Boomers (born between 1945 and 1963), generations have been dubbed: Gen X (1964-74), Xennials (1975-83), Millennials (1984-95) Gen Z (1996-2010) and now Gen Alpha (2010 to now). Shaped by rapid change, today’s sophisticated media and computer environment, and deep concern for the future, these young adults and children face enormous challenges.