CARE Prayer Diary April to July 2023

CARE Prayer Diary

In this issue:

Child Abuse

Christian Heritage

Sport

The Gift of Hospitality

Global Gospel

Frail and Elderly People

Protecting the Environment

Sexual and Gender Identity

Immigration

Integrity in the Media

Women and Girls’ Welfare

Money Matters

Police and Security Services

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

Cornwall’s coastline is the longest in England and 30 per cent of the county is designated as an area of outstanding beauty. 570,000 people live here, 40 per cent in rural areas and the rest in about 30 towns. This unique and stunning place has a rich Christian history. Cornwall has over 400 ancient crosses and many places are named after Celtic missionaries who came 1500 years ago. Centuries later, dramatic revivals began when John Wesley and others preached, often in the open fields.

A Prayer for Cornwall (written by a church leader there)

Father, like the rising and falling of the sea, so it has been with gospel work and witness in Cornwall over the centuries. Today many churches are finding it hard in Covid’s aftermath, as well as other pressures. Lord, we long for the tide to turn and for fresh streams of blessing to flow once more, as Your Spirit moved in power in the past. We pray for more of Cornwall’s people to turn to You and experience your wonderful salvation, grace and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The CARE Prayer Diary is written by Celia Bowring.

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Celia Bowring

Near Longcarrow Cove, Cornwall

‘Child abuse is when a child is intentionally harmed by an adult or another child over time or a one-off action. It can be physical, sexual, or emotional and happen in person or online. It can also be neglect.’ (www.nspcc.org.uk)

SUN 23 Lord Jesus, You passionately condemned the evil of harming ‘these little ones’ and see everyone who is experiencing abuse today and those who have suffered in the past. We beseech You to bring healing and restoration to these wounded lives through people who deeply care, according to the power and compassion of Your Spirit. Amen.

MON 24 Father, we pray for children currently in care, and 16- to 18-year-old care leavers who are particularly vulnerable and at increased risk of being groomed and exploited sexually, into crime, radicalisation, ‘county lines’ drug dealing, and modern slavery. Please protect them! Amen.

TUES 25 Lord, please grant wisdom and discernment to those who are responsible - safeguarding officers, staff and volunteers - for safeguarding children at school, in sports teams, youth organisations, clubs, churches and other religious organisations. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

WED 26

Father, we remember children at risk from abuse: from strangers, family and friends, other young people, and even those with a duty of care for them. Please help them to find support through trustworthy adults, helplines, and others in positions of authority. In Christ’s name. Amen.

‘The wicked think, “God will never call us to account.” But you see the trouble and grief they cause … You defend the orphans … Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed ... ’ PSALM 10:11-18 (NLT)

THURS 27 Saviour, we pray for perpetrators of child abuse, some of whom have themselves been cruelly treated in the past, to come to a place of repentance. We believe that in Your time You will surely uncover their deeds and deliver perfect justice and mercy, by Your grace. Amen.

FRI 28 Thank you for UK Children’s Commissioners’ work on child abuse: Rocio Cifuentes - Wales, Koulla Yiasouma - Northern Ireland, Bruce Adamson - Scotland and Rachel de Souza – England. Please show them effective strategies alongside other agencies. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

SAT 29

Lord, we pray for ways to be found to prevent the growing problem of online child abuse; with young people being persuaded to share sexually explicit images of themselves and being threatened, intimidated and harassed via the internet. In Your mercy. Amen.

‘Whenever a child does experience sexual abuse and is brave enough to share details of their abuse, they must be heard, protected and supported to recover – both in the very immediate and long-term. Young victims need specialist support which tends to their specific needs and minimises the harm they have already endured.’ (Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England.)

SUN 30 Thank You, Lord, that Christian faith and practice have shaped laws, customs, education, healthcare, justice systems, literature, art and music in many nations and cultures. May the truth, wisdom and grace of the gospel be increasingly influential in these societies. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

MON 1 Father, we pray for the many organisations that provide students, tourists and other visitors with Christian faith-based history and heritage experiences in special places throughout the UK, sharing stories that enriched our past and inspire us for tomorrow. In Christ’s name. Amen. (englandschristianheritage.org.uk)

TUES 2 Creator God, we remember Christian musicians, artists, writers, performers, architects, filmmakers, and other imaginative innovators who are dedicated to exerting a positive influence on contemporary culture. Please help them to honour You in the purity, clarity, faithfulness, excellence and love of their work and lives. By the grace of Christ. Amen.

WED 3 Lord our Redeemer, we ask You to raise up men and women of wisdom, courage and faith in our parliaments, civil service, professions, and communities who will apply Christian values, principles and purposes within our national institutions. In Your mercy. Amen.

‘This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls”.’

JEREMIAH 6:16 (NIV)

THURS 4 Jesus, Word of God, please grant us increasing wisdom and courage to help more people in our society to discern the truth and beauty of the Bible and experience the transforming power of the gospel. We long for children to learn more about You in school, church and at home, by Your Spirit. Amen.

FRI 5 Thank You Lord for the 42 British cathedrals, our 12,500 church buildings and other sites of great architectural, artistic, and natural beauty where Christianity is proclaimed and practised through worship, evangelism, and compassionate service to others. To Your glory. Amen.

SAT

6

CORONATION OF KING CHARLES III AND CAMILLA, QUEEN CONSORT

‘Lord God, You provide for Your people by Your power, and rule over them in love: Grant to Your servant our King, Charles III, the Spirit of wisdom and discernment, that being devoted to You with his whole heart, he may so wisely govern, that in his time we may live in safety and in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’ (Prayer of the Australian Anglican Church)

‘Throughout my life, the message and teachings of Christ have been my guide and in them I find hope. It is my heartfelt prayer that you will continue to be sustained by your faith in times of trial and encouraged by hope in times of despair.’ (Queen Elizabeth II, 1926-2022)

SUN 7 Prince of peace, we pray that through sport people from every nation may be inspired and enriched by the health benefits, sense of community, interaction across cultures and character formation it offers. Please help all those involved to pursue integrity, fairness, respect, and excellence in sporting activities at every level. By Your grace. Amen.

MON 8 Father, we praise You for the many prominent sportsmen who openly acknowledge their Christian faith. Please help them, that their loyalty and integrity may continue to be a powerful witness to their fans and colleagues, strengthened by Your Spirit of grace and truth. Amen.

TUES 9 Lord of all strength and help, we celebrate the determination and achievements of people with disabilities who participate in sports of many kinds. Thank You for organisations that facilitate this, especially those who work patiently with profoundly mentally and physically disabled children. Please watch over them. Through the love of Christ. Amen.

WED 10 O God, we intercede that the shameful racist abuse and discrimination that has plagued football for so long will come to an end, especially as now over half the players in the Premier League come from 64 different nations. Thank You for those who are positive role models for young people in this regard, through both word and deed. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

‘Even the youths shall faint and be weary … But those who wait on 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 (NKJV)

THURS 11 Jesus, our Good Shepherd, please equip and inspire everyone who is involved in Christian chaplaincy in a variety of sports, offering pastoral and spiritual care. May they receive wisdom and discernment from the Holy Spirit as they serve in this way. By Your grace. Amen. (sportschaplaincy.org.uk)

FRI 12 Thank You, Lord, for Christians in Sport, which supports thousands of Christians: equipping and encouraging leaders, running sports camps, and working in universities. Please continue to bless their many evangelistic endeavours and their mission partnership with sporting ministries in 150 countries. In Christ’s name. Amen. (christiansinsport.org.uk)

SAT 13 Father, we pray for increasing opportunities for adults and children to engage and flourish in a wide range of sports. May these be especially accessible to young and old, those with a disability and others who are disadvantaged. In Your mercy. Amen.

‘Sport has the power to change the world, to inspire, to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.’ (Nelson Mandela)

THE GIFT OF HOSPITALITY

SUN 14 Christ our Redeemer, thank You for preparing a place for us in the Father’s House to dwell with You for all eternity! We pray that many more people will hear and believe the message of salvation; that through Your death and resurrection they can be forgiven, reconciled with God, and be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven. We praise You! Amen.

MON 15 Lord, we intercede for the estimated 300,000 individuals in the UK who on any given night are sleeping outside, in vans and sheds and stuck in B&Bs –as well as the unknown number of ‘sofa surfers’ - with nowhere to call home. Please bring them to a place of safety and peace. In Your mercy. Amen.

TUES 16 FOSTERCARE FORTNIGHT (9th – 22nd May)

Gracious Father, with one more child coming into the care of a foster family every 20 minutes, please help everyone who is involved with the UK’s 70,000 fostered children to make their lives as good as they can be by offering love, support and stability. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WED 17 Father, we remember the 95,000 Ukrainians who have come to the UK to stay with British families since the war began. Thank You for all who volunteered to host and have continued to do so and we pray for the one in ten refugees who have left these homes, often because of relationship breakdown. Please grant them the safety and provision they need. In Your mercy. Amen.

‘“Lord when did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you … sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”’ MATTHEW 25:35,40 (NIV)

THURS 18

Merciful God, please bless the many Christian charities and chaplaincies that work alongside hundreds of churches that have offered to welcome and support people who have left or are leaving prison. We ask for success in turning many lives around. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

FRI 19 Thank You, Lord, for the hospitality and peace that is offered by Christian retreat centres and houses of prayer that welcome people from all walks of life to reflect on life, explore their faith and discover Your love. May they be places of holy encounter. By Your Spirit. Amen.

SAT 20 Father, please bless everyone who welcomes a person into their lives: by offering accommodation or a meal, inviting them to share their needs or including them in a church family or other community group. Please grant them compassion and grace from Your loving heart. Amen.

‘Hospitality means primarily the creation of free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place.’ (Henri Nouwen)

SUN 21

May

Loving Saviour, thank You that through Your death on the cross, ‘grace and love, like mighty rivers, poured incessant from above, and heaven’s peace and perfect justice kissed a guilty world in love,’ and that You receive whoever turns to You, however deep they feel is their sin. Amen.

MON 22 Lord Jesus, please continue to help us all, in whatever way You lead us, to respond faithfully to Your Great Commission ‘to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation, making disciples of all nations.’ In Your name and by the power of Your Spirit. Amen.

TUES 23

Lord, we pray all Christians who are undertaking education and training to be evangelists, teachers and pastors especially those in the developing world where many are being converted and need good leaders. Please inspire their hearts and instruct them in Your ways of truth and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WED 24 God our Saviour, we intercede for children and young people in our churches and those who have encountered the Christian faith at school, youth groups, through friends and family and via the media. May they understand and acknowledge their need of You, seek forgiveness and wholeheartedly follow Jesus. By the power of Your Spirit. Amen.

‘Our Father in heaven, reveal who you are. Set the world right; do what’s best— as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes.’

THURS 25

MATTHEW 6:9-13 (MSG)

Lord of compassion, we know that salvation depends on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ alone. Please bless the work of Christians who, alongside this wonderful message, are carrying out their gospel responsibilities within the spheres of education, healthcare, politics, social justice, the arts and many other areas. Amen.

FRI 26 Father, thank You for ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ when Christian churches from 80 different denominations and traditions in 170 countries have prayed for family members and friends to come to Christ, may the Spirit make them effective in their witness and deepen their faith. For Jesus’ sake! Amen. (thykingdomcome.global)

SAT 27 God, we intercede for our Christian brothers and sisters in countries where, despite fierce persecution, the Church is growing. May their faith develop as they study the Bible, worship and pray together, trusting in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Research by Operation World makes clear that Iran is home to the fastest growing church in the world, mostly in house churches and online. Some estimate that over one million people have come to know Christ. God is clearly moving among Iranians, opening their eyes and hearts to receive the eternal life found in Christ.

FRAIL AND ELDERLY PEOPLE

SUN 28 Father, we believe that Your love never fails or ends - into old age and until life’s natural end. We pray for those whose physical and mental capacity means they cannot live as they used to. Please grant them help and reassurance. Through Your mercy and loving kindness. Amen.

MON 29 Faithful Lord, we remember home carers, who are often unable to look after their clients properly due to time constraints, staff shortages and inadequate funding. Please help them to remain patient and kind, especially in stressful situations. In Christ’s name. Amen.

TUES 30

Lord, we ask for families caring for a loved one with dementia to have compassionate wisdom and find the best way forward as their health sadly declines. We also remember people who live with other debilitating illnesses and disabilities who need specialist care. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

WED 31 God of life, please deliver us from the culture of death, where the right to die can so easily become a duty to die, that has cast a dark shadow in places where euthanasia and assisted suicide have been legalised. We pray that no laws allowing this will be passed in the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. In Your mercy. Amen.

‘O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and grey, do not abandon me. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.’ PSALM 71:17,18 (NLT)

THURS 1 Almighty God, we pray for people with serious health conditions throughout the world who are living in the poorest countries, refugee camps, conflict zones and other inhospitable places. May they be identified, protected and helped. In Your mercy. Amen.

FRI 2 Lord our Comforter, thank You for the expertise and compassion of health and other professionals working in palliative care settings: specialist hospital wards, hospices and in the community. We pray for this provision to be readily available for all, in every part of the United Kingdom. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

SAT 3 Dear God, we grieve that so many of our elderly and frail people live in poverty, often lonely and fearful about the future. Please help local councils, charities, churches and other faith communities to identify how to support them best, physically, emotionally and spiritually. In Your mercy. Amen.

The UK’s population is undergoing a massive age shift. Today over 5.4 million people are aged 75 or more and by 2041 we expect there to be three million people of 85 and over –more than double the present figure. These statistics raise very important issues for society as we plan for their wellbeing and care.

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

SUN 4 Triune God, we worship and praise You as Creator and Sustainer of the universe! You have appointed us as stewards of the earth; to inhabit, protect, enhance and cultivate it. Please forgive our negligence and failures and help us to care better for Your world. By Your grace. Amen.

MON

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

5

Dear God, we intercede for the millions of people who live in poverty, powerless to counter the harmful consequences of climate change and other environmental issues affecting them. Please help richer nations to act strategically and urgently to support them. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

TUES 6 Lord, we pray for local authorities, governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to take more seriously the problems impacting our planet. Raise up wise leaders who will promote green policies even at the expense of financial, political, and personal gain. In Your mercy. Amen.

WED 7 Mighty God, we pray for a concerted effort to deal with artificial light pollution. May measures be introduced to reduce excessive and inefficient lighting, especially in urban areas, that disrupts ecosystems, wastes energy, harms human health and wellbeing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘The world of creation cannot as yet see reality …Yet it has been given hope that in the end the whole of created life will be rescued from the tyranny of change and decay and have its share in that magnificent liberty which can only belong to the children of God!’ ROMANS 8:19-21 (JB PHILLIPS)

THURS

8

WORLD OCEANS DAY

Creator God, we entreat You for wisdom and help to begin to reverse the deadly effects on many areas of our oceans and waterways from overfishing, greenhouse gas emissions, chemical pollution, ocean mining, plastic and waste that runs into them from off the land. In Your mercy. Amen.

FRI 9 Redeemer and Restorer of life, thank You for everyone who is dedicated to caring for the natural world both through major initiatives and in everyday actions like reducing waste, conserving vital resources, and looking after wildlife. May our generation become increasingly committed to protecting the environment. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

SAT 10 Lord, we pray for employees, volunteers and visitors to the UK’s fifteen National Parks - areas of outstanding beauty protected by law. Please fill them with a sense of awe for Your Creation and a desire to cherish these wonderful spaces and all that live within them. For Your glory! Amen.

Across the world there are 113,000 National Parks and similarly protected areas, covering approximately six per cent of the Earth’s land surface – about 90 million square miles. Their purpose is to enhance people’s understanding and enjoyment and promote sustainable economic and social development of the area’s communities.

SEXUAL AND GENDER IDENTITY

SUN 11 Father, please draw near to children and adults who are being subjected to bullying, hatred, and violence because of their sexual orientation or as they navigate transgender issues. May they seek Your salvation and love and find true healing, strength and peace through the love of Christ. Amen.

MON 12 Lord, we intercede for the Church of England, which has always upheld the biblical position that marriage is solely between one woman and one man. We pray about the recent decision to allow same-sex couples to receive God’s blessing in church for their civil marriage or partnership. May this be resolved according to Your perfect, steadfast truth and mercy. Amen.

TUES 13 Good Shepherd, we pray that planned legislation to ban coercive ‘conversion therapy’ will not prevent people who are uncertain and troubled about their sexual orientation or gender identity from being able to receive prayer and sensitive pastoral care. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

WED 14 O God, grant wisdom, patience, compassion, and courage to Christians as they engage in debate and relate personally to brothers and sisters who disagree on what the Bible says about gender and sexuality, human identity and the nature of marriage. Help them to speak and act with respect and integrity. Through Christ’s love. Amen.

‘Do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit … Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.’

EPHESIANS 4:30-32 (NLT)

THURS 15

Lord Jesus, we pray for wise decisions to be made about the Scottish Gender Recognition Reform Bill, subsequently blocked by the UK Government, to permit those as young as 16 to change their legal sex without a medical diagnosis of ‘gender dysphoria’. Please help individuals who are caught up in this distressing situation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

FRI 16 Thank You, Creator God, that we are fearfully and wonderfully made and Your knowledge of us is far deeper than any understanding and acceptance we can ever have ourselves. Please free us from sin and fear to discover our true identity as Your beloved children. By Your mercy and grace. Amen.

SAT 17 God of truth, we pray for a good outcome of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s plan to rid schools of inappropriate relationship and sex education that allows outside organisations to promote their campaigns, and to allow parental access to their children’s curriculum material. Amen.

LGBTQ+ is an acronym for people who identify as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, ‘queer’ or questioning, plus. In the 2021 Census around three per cent of people identified themselves by one of these categories, 89.4 per cent as heterosexual and the rest did not answer the question.

JUNE 20-26 is REFUGEE WEEK: ‘Compassion’

SUN 18 Jesus, You were a refugee child, fleeing from the murderous intent of King Herod. Please direct Your Church to reach out to those who fear for their safety, many separated from family members, living in sub-standard housing in rural areas, cities and refugee camps where they lack basic services, employment, vital medical care and education. Give them hope! Amen.

MON 19 Dear Lord, we pray about the desperate plight of migrants crossing the Channel in small unseaworthy boats, putting their lives at risk. We lift to You the 45,756 people who made this journey during 2022 – each one known to You and precious and beloved. Amen.

TUES 20 O God, we pray for everyone who has been forced to flee their country because of persecution, war or violence and the 53 million people who for similar reasons are seeking safety within their own borders but have no protection under international law. In Your mercy. Amen.

WED 21 Lord, we desperately need Your wisdom to establish just, compassionate, and workable policies on immigration. Please help Home Secretary Suella Braverman, Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick and others who are trying to prevent dangerous and fraudulent individuals from entering Britain and better support genuine asylum seekers. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not ill-treat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.’ LEVITICUS 19:33,34 (NIV)

THURS 22 WINDRUSH DAY – 75th Anniversary of the arrival of MV Windrush in the UK Father, today as we pay tribute to the ‘Windrush Generation’, many of them veterans of World War II, and their descendants, we thank You for their significant and lasting contribution to our nation’s cultural, social, and economic life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

FRI 23 God of justice, please help those dealing with requests for asylum to make this difficult process fairer, faster, and kinder. We pray for those who anxiously wait in uncertainty for so many months with little financial support and unable to seek employment. In Your mercy. Amen.

SAT 24 ARMED FORCES DAY

Lord, we honour the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: troops currently on active service, veterans, cadets, and Service families. Please protect them from danger and inspire them to be courageous and selfless as they carry out their duties. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

As of November 2022 there were 231,597 refugees, 127,241 pending asylum cases and 5,483 stateless persons in the UK. 86,000 people made asylum applications that year, twice the number for 2019. Around half the world’s 26 million refugees are under the age of 18. The UK received 3,762 asylum applications from separated children in 2021.

INTEGRITY IN THE MEDIA

‘Media’ refers to communications that transmit facts, information, opinions, arts, literature, music and other cultural and entertainment material through publishing, broadcasting and the internet.

SUN 25 Lord of all grace, may those working in the mass media be wise, accurate, fair and honourable as they report on people and events in the news. Grant success to journalists and others who courageously investigate cases of injustice, corruption, and cruelty. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

MON 26 Father, please grant that our laws will continue to uphold freedom of expression and opinion with which others may disagree, whilst wisely protecting people from the dreadful effects of hateful, deceptive, and violent speech, writing, videos and online messaging. In Your mercy. Amen.

TUES 27 God of truth, we pray for Ofcom, the authority that regulates the UK communications industries including TV and radio, telecoms, mobiles, postal services, and the airwaves over which wireless devices operate. Please help them to maintain and improve standards across the media. By Your grace. Amen.

WED 28

Creator God, please inspire those making films, TV and radio programmes, games, and other digital productions to focus on what is wholesome and uplifting rather than featuring gratuitous violence, sexual and abusive material that damages both those involved in its production and their audiences. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

‘For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.’

THURS 29

JAMES 3:16,17 (ESV)

Lord, we pray about ‘fake news’ and digitally altered images in advertising, social media posts and other media that aim to deceive people about the truth. Please unmask those who use these means, whether for personal, commercial, criminal, or political purposes. For the sake of truth. Amen.

FRI 30 Thank You, Holy Spirit, for every way in which God’s living Word is sent across the world, sharing the gospel’s truth and discipling men and women from every nation as they read, listen and watch Christian media. Please bless these means of communication, we pray! Amen.

SAT 1 Lord, we intercede for journalists and media workers in countries where freedom of expression is limited or non-existent and their safety is at risk. Please protect those who are bravely trying to shed light on the political corruption and abuse of human rights of those in power. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

‘Integrity means that we behave in ways consistent with the beliefs, values and principles we claim to hold dear. The quality of the person you are is determined by how well you live up to the values that you say are most important to you. Live your life in such a way that when people think about integrity they think of you – someone who doesn’t take shortcuts or sweep things under the carpet.’ (Darlene Cunningham, co-founder of Youth with a Mission.)

WOMEN AND GIRLS’ WELFARE

SUN 2 Lord Jesus, we praise You for the acceptance and kindness You always showed to women - countercultural then and indeed, throughout the ages. We celebrate advances of equality and opportunities enabling women to thrive and pray that this will increase. In Your name. Amen.

MON 3 God of justice and compassion, we intercede for women and girls in Iran, many of them Christians, who are rising up against the Islamic regime’s oppression and cruelty towards them. Please deliver them from their foes and help them to be courageous and wise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

TUES 4

Father, although women still make up over two-thirds of the world’s illiterate people, we thank You for increasing gender equality in education. May this extend to the 129 million girls who are out of school because of poverty, religious and cultural prejudice and other reasons. Through Your love. Amen.

WED 5 Dear Lord, please watch over and bless every place of refuge that protects vulnerable women and girls: widows, orphans, victims of violence and exploitation, those struggling with addictions and health problems and others who face homelessness and destitution. By Your grace. Amen.

‘Be merciful to me, O God because I come to you for safety. In the shadow of your wings, I find protection ... I call to God who supplies my every need. He will answer from heaven and save me; he will defeat my oppressors, show me his constant love and faithfulness.’ PSALM 57:1-3 (GNT)

THURS 6 Father, may the National Crime Agency’s ‘Operation Stovewood’ investigation into child sexual exploitation in cities such as Rotherham continue to have major success in convicting the perpetrators and exposing police officers and others who were complicit in covering up and even participating in these outrageous crimes. Please pour out Your mercy upon their victims. Amen.

FRI 7 Thank You, Lord, for individuals, groups and organisations with a strong passion for justice who are determined to protect and care for women and girls at risk of ill-treatment and abuse, within their homes and through exploitation by others. Please bless their work. Amen.

SAT 8 Dear Lord, we pray for women who experience rape but never report it because they feel humiliated and do not believe it would help. May they, and all those who suffer similar abuse be increasingly heard, find support and strength to recover and to pick up their lives again. In Your mercy. Amen.

· In 2021, police recorded 895,782 domestic abuse offences in England and Wales.

· Around 1/3 of women over 16 years old in Great Britain reported at least one form of harassment.

· There were 45,000 victims of rape in the UK - the highest annual figure recorded and in England and Wales, only 1.3% of rape offences led to a suspect being charged. 13

SUN 9 Generous God, Your eternal kingdom is founded on principles of wise stewardship and governance, justice and mercy. Help us to repent of any unworthy sense of entitlement to Your many gifts and share, save and spend what we have in ways that please You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

MON 10 Lord, please bestow exceptional discernment and wisdom upon Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and the Finance Ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales as they face many serious economic and social challenges. Please reveal to them the most effective ways to provide stability, growth, security, fairness, and opportunities for everyone. In Your mercy. Amen.

TUES 11 Prince of peace, we cry to You for an end to the fighting in Ukraine and other war-torn areas. Guide the leaders of nations as they work together for this and contend with the massive economic repercussions of war as sanctions restrict movement of vital supplies, money is spent on arms and shattered communities need sustained help. Lord hear us! Amen.

WED 12 Gracious God, life is unpredictable and any of us could encounter financial hardship. We remember people who are in serious debt and pray for their rescue and restoration. Thank You for Christian and other organisations that can help them. By Your merciful love. Amen.

‘Godliness with contentment is great gain … Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.’

1 TIMOTHY 6:6-10 (NIV)

THURS 13 God of righteousness, we bring to You people, particularly those in positions of power and influence, who seek dishonest gain that causes misery and ruin to others. May they be brought to justice, by earthly authorities or by Your hand; to repent and make recompense. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

FRI 14 Lord, we pray for all who are suffering because of the cost-of-living crisis and its knock-on effects of poverty, debt, feelings of hopelessness including the widespread disillusionment of many public sector workers. Please help those in authority to provide for these people and especially to support the estimated 3.9 million children affected. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

SAT 15 Father God, all good gifts come from You! Thank You for all that we have received. Please deliver us from using our possessions and money only for selfish gain, strengthen our willingness to be generous and show us which causes and people to support. To Your glory. Amen.

‘The world asks, “What does a man own?” Christ asks, “How does he use it?”’ (Andrew Murray)

POLICE AND SECURITY SERVICES

SUN 16 Lord, our Shield and Deliverer, may those working to detect and prevent terrorism and other criminal activities be successful. Grant those in authority the wisdom and integrity to balance the protection of national security with individual freedoms. Through Christ’s grace. Amen.

MON 17 Father, please watch over those in the National Crime Agency as they tackle serious and organised crime: trafficking people, guns and drugs into the UK, cybercrime, money laundering and fraud, child sexual abuse and exploitation, kidnap, and corruption. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

TUES 18

God of justice, we intercede for those working for radical change through the Police Race Action Plan to improve outcomes for Black people who serve within or interact with the police. May racism, discrimination and bias be ruthlessly eradicated from every UK force. In Your mercy. Amen.

WED 19 Lord our Provider, please grant strategic insight to know how best to utilise the limited resources currently available for police forces, in a world of increasing challenges and threats. We pray for improvements in crime prevention and detection and that officers will be freshly motivated to act with integrity, intelligence, and commitment. In Christ’s name. Amen.

‘Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.’ PSALM 127:1 (ESV)

THURS 20

Father, we know that the vast majority of police officers serve with honour and integrity and share their dismay at how hundreds of their colleagues are facing charges of gross misconduct and other serious accusations of abusing their power. Please Lord, have mercy. Amen.

FRI 21 Thank You, God, for local policing teams that serve communities across the country. Help them to understand local issues and identify threat, harm and risk, especially to vulnerable people who may be victims of crime or disorder. We pray for them in Christ’s name. Amen.

SAT 22 Lord, please help the various agencies responsible for national security to have strong, cooperative relationships with one another. We pray for all who are employed in this challenging sector to succeed in their mission and balance work with personal life. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Organisations responsible for the UK’s security:

· MI5 investigates threats within our borders.

· MI6 or SIS (Secret Intelligence Service) protects British people, economy and interests around the world.

· GCHQ (Government Communications HQ) provides intelligence and protects information.

· NCA (National Crime Agency) Border Force and other police forces enforce the law.