AUGUST to OCTOBER 2014
CARE Prayer Diary Making a Christian difference through prayer
‘The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.’ ROMANS 8: 26-28 (NRSV)
The CARE Prayer Diary is written by Celia Bowring.
• Visit: www.care.org.uk/prayer to listen to the prayers,
read online, download a PDF version, or sign up for the daily prayers by email.
• Visit: www.premier.org.uk/radio or tune in to Freeview 725 at 12:05 pm.
• Follow: www.twitter.com/careprayerdiary for the daily prayers.
Celia Bowring
• Read Celia Bowring’s new weekly Prayer Blog at www.care.org.uk/prayer-blog To join CARE’s mailing list to receive this Prayer Diary and other regular publications, please telephone 020 7233 0455 or join online at www.care.org.uk/resources/stay-informed To contribute to CARE’s ongoing ministry please go to www.care.org.uk/giving CARE (Christian Action, Research & Education) is a Registered Charity, and a Company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales at 53 Romney Street, London, SW1P 3RF Tel: 020 7233 0455 Company No: 3481417, Charity No: 1066963, Scottish Charity No: SC038911 Executive Chairman: Rev Lyndon Bowring Chief Executive: Nola Leach Design: www.insightdesign.co.uk Print: Fineprint Basingstoke. Generic images unless marked: Istock.com, Shutterstock.com.
AUGUST 3-9
REFLECTING ON THE PAST ‘The Lord is like a father ... he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him.’ PSALMS 103:13-16 (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)
SUN
3
MON
4
Eternal Father, help us to understand the history of our own lives, our families, communities and the nations in the light of Your wisdom. Thank You for bestowing healing and peace on those who suffer and are experiencing difficulty. Amen. 100th ANNIVERSARY OF THE OUTBREAK OF WORLD WAR 1
As people throughout the world remember the tragedy and loss of war, ask God to speak peace and hope into people’s hearts and draw many close, especially those who suffer and grieve.
TUES
Give thanks for the remembrance of God’s work in our lives and ask Him to help us to learn wisdom from past experiences. Pray for the discerning advice of older people to be considered and acted upon in both private and national life.
WED
Lord, we pray for people who have been bereaved: through death, the end of a relationship, the loss of job, home, health or reputation. In the midst of their pain, please help the Christian family and friends to share Your peace, comfort and hope. Amen.
5
6
THURS
Pray for growing harmony in South Africa as people continue to honour Nelson Mandela and remember his imprisonment 50 years ago. Ask God to send restoration and revival, that the Church might know His presence and power to pray and preach the gospel.
FRI
THANKSGIVING: for the fall of the Berlin Wall nearly 25 years ago, preceded by weekly prayer vigils attended by thousands in Leipzig and elsewhere, precipitating the demise of Communism and freeing millions from oppression. Pray for Christians in this region to continue to grow in faith.
SAT
Intercede for a mighty spirit of prayerful repentance to fall on our land - for reawakening and revival as in past centuries with Whitefield and Wesley, in Northern Ireland and Scotland in 1859, and in Wales 1904-06.
7 8
9
‘They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning; We will remember them.’ (from For the Fallen by Robert Laurence Binyon)
3
AUGUST 10-16
YOUNG PEOPLE ‘...so we’ll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it’s going; a manual for living, for learning what’s right and just and fair; to teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality.’ PROVERBS 1:2-4 (THE MESSAGE)
SUN
10
Thank You, Lord, for the amazing zest for living, creativity and passion for justice evident in so many young people today. Please strengthen them in times of testing and call many to trust in Christ and serve You and their generation. Amen.
MON
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY
TUES
Pray for effective legislation, agreements between internet and phone providers and other technical safeguards to be implemented to protect children from the sexually explicit, violent and other distressing material so easily accessible online.
WED
Father, please send help to children and teenagers struggling with serious problems: living in unhappy or violent situations, affected by poor physical and mental health, addictions, oppressive relationships, lack of purpose and peace. Amen.
11
12
13
This day celebrates young people’s contribution to society and raises awareness of the challenges and hardships that face many. Pray that millions of this rising generation will hear the gospel and give their lives to Christ.
THURS
Remember the 850,000 unemployed young people in England and Wales, especially those who lack the education, skills, home stability, work readiness and opportunities they need. Ask God to help them to make progress and grant them success.
FRI
THANKSGIVING: for every Christian educator and communicator ministering the truth and grace of Christ to young people through music, drama, religious education, prayer opportunities, telling Bible stories, counselling support, and many other ways.
SAT
Intercede for young people worldwide who have much to offer, yet lack education and other opportunities to reach their goals. Pray for children cared for in Christian and other charitable schools, orphanages and projects, escaping from poverty and achieving amazing things.
14 15 16
87 per cent of young people in the world live in countries in the developing world. More than 30 per cent of 15-24 year olds in the world live on less than $2 per day. 47 per cent of the world’s unemployed are young people. 40 per cent of new HIV infections occur among 15-24 year olds. 4
AUGUST 17-23
ROAD TRANSPORT ‘The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.’ NUMBERS 6:24,25 (NEW KING JAMES VERSION)
AUGUST IS NATIONAL ROAD TRAFFIC VICTIMS’ MONTH SUN
Father, may Your merciful protection cover people using any form of transport, pedestrians and any others in potential danger. Grant wisdom, skill and concentration to drivers, and to police and rescue services who respond to accidents. Amen.
MON
Please pray for everyone affected by last year’s horrifying total of 1,730 individuals killed in road traffic accidents and over 23,000 seriously injured in England, Scotland and Wales. Especially remember the 16,000 child casualties - aged 0 to15.
TUES
Remember motorbike riders and cyclists, especially in busy streets and other potentially dangerous situations. Pray for those who teach and supervise children to instil important safety lessons and help them to find freedom and enjoy their cycling.
WED
Lord, we thank You for the UK’s efficient and comparatively safe road network and for those who plan, build, repair, service, police and protect all our motorways, main roads, local roads and streets. Amen.
17
18 19
20
THURS
21
Remember the UK’s 300,000 heavy goods vehicle drivers, mostly aged 50 or more, working long unsociable hours often under difficult conditions, and needing to abide by many rules and regulations. Ask God to help them and to bless their personal and family lives.
FRI
THANKSGIVING: for Roadpeace, a national charity that supports victims of road traffic accidents and those who have been bereaved, works for improved justice and campaigns for effective preventative measures to be implemented. (www.roadpeace.org)
SAT
Pray for those researching and developing ways to reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions produced by road traffic and other means of transport. Pray for increasing commitment and wisdom within central and local government about this issue.
22 23
Over 35 million vehicles are licensed for use on the roads in Great Britain - almost 30 million of them cars. Overall, motor vehicle traffic volume is about 300 billion miles, driving along almost 250,000 miles of total road length. 213,000 miles of this is made up of minor roads. 5
AUGUST 24-30
FAMILY LIVING ‘…Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love...’ COLOSSIANS 3:12-14 (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION)
SUN
24
MON
Remember the many migrant workers, military personnel and others who are away from their families for long periods. Ask God to enrich their relationships, helping them to stay close through shared aims and values - and modern communication.
TUES
Pray for families you know that are undergoing difficulties at this time, that they would trust the Lord to meet all their needs, experience the love of His people and know His joy and peace even in the most testing times.
WED
Lord, we pray for children in ‘troubled families’ affected by poverty, instability, anti-social behaviour and other problems. Please bring any situations of neglect or abuse to light and grant wisdom and compassion to those responsible for their safety and care. Amen.
25 26 27
THURS
28
Remember the 250,000 children experiencing their parents’ separation each year, and those whose families have already split, for whatever reason. Pray for strength and courage in the midst of these experiences and for the most vulnerable young people to be well-supported.
FRI
THANKSGIVING: for families that share their love and lives - through adoption, foster care, hospitality, child sponsorship and neighbourly concern for others in their community. Ask God to continue to provide for them so they can keep being generous.
SAT
Pray for families that include a child or adult with special needs, serious health issues or a disability that limits their lives. Ask God to provide the daily love and strength needed to care for every family member so they can grow in unity and kindness.
29 30
6
Thank You, Father, for families in our churches, each experiencing their seasons of success, sadness, celebration and change. Help parents and other Christian carers to share Your truth and love with children and teenagers, encouraging them to follow Jesus. Amen.
‘Family - a primary social group consisting of parents and their offspring, the principal function of which is provision for its members; a group of persons related by blood; a group descended from a common ancestor; all the persons living together in one household.’ (Collins English Dictionary) ‘God sets the lonely in families.’ (Psalms 68:6)
AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 6
CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT ‘For all nature waits expectantly and longs earnestly ... creation was subjected to frailty ... yet with the hope that it will be set free from its bondage to decay and corruption and gain entrance into the glorious freedom of God’s children.’ ROMANS 8:19-21 (AMPLIFIED VERSION)
SUN
31
THIS IS ZERO WASTE WEEK (www.zerowasteweek.co.uk) Creator God, we praise You for the beauty and fruitfulness of all You have made. Please help those who work to protect and nurture our world’s habitats; that plants, animals, birds, sea life and insects under threat of extinction may be saved. Amen.
MON
Pray that people will increasingly live in eco-friendly ways: reducing food waste, recycling and caring for the natural world. Pray for those responsible for rubbish collection and disposal to operate these services diligently and efficiently.
TUES
Pray about the controversial issue of ‘fracking’ - drilling thousands of feet down to release oil and natural gas trapped in the rock. Ask God to grant discernment and integrity to those exploring this possibility and to frustrate any plans that would damage the environment.
WED
Dear Lord, please grant fresh strength and encouragement to people whose homes, businesses and farmland have been devastated by floods, forest fires and other extreme weather conditions. Send the help they need to recover and rebuild. Amen.
1 2
3
THURS
4
Remember those who live and work in badly polluted environments that affect their health and wellbeing. Pray for inhabitants of overcrowded cities and shanty-towns in some of the poorest parts of the world that lack clean air and safe water and food.
FRI
THANKSGIVING: for A Rocha and Christian Ecology Link, both concerned about the environment and encouraging Christian prayer, campaigning and practical action to care for our world and all that is alive within it. (www.arocha.org and www.greenchristian.org.uk)
SAT
Intercede that efforts to reduce desertification, especially in parts of Africa, Peru and China, especially by planting ‘green walls’ of millions of trees in strategic locations, will continue to succeed. Pray for the planners of these projects and all who are planting the trees.
5
6
Every year, 24 billion tons of fertile soil disappears due to ‘desertification’ which affects one quarter of the total land surface of the globe. It is caused by permanent changes in climate, particularly rainfall, overgrazing, build up of salt in irrigated soils and topsoil erosion. The most effective way to prevent this major threat is by improving agricultural methods and, especially, planting trees.
7
SEPTEMBER 7-13
SCHOOLS ‘And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.’ 2 CORINTHIANS 9:8 (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION)
SUN
7
MON
INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY ‘Lift Off to Literacy’ Remember those who teach reading and writing to children and adults throughout the world. Especially pray for those who find literacy a major challenge to grow in their confidence and skill.
TUES
Pray that God will guide and equip Pray for Schools to see even more UK schools being prayed for by individuals, local churches and groups of concerned Christian parents, teachers and friends. Ask God to fill these people with faith as they bring requests to Him. (www.prayforschools.org)
WED
Father, please grant wisdom and effective communication abilities to the leadership and volunteers working with CARE’s relationship and sex education programme as they deliver these presentations to children in primary and secondary schools. (www.evaluate.org.uk)
8
9
10
THURS
Please remember all who contribute to the work of schools in Birmingham, especially following recent Ofsted inspections. Pray that the education the children receive will enable them to grow and flourish in every area of their lives.
FRI
THANKSGIVING: for the opportunities Christians have to communicate life-giving messages and offer counselling and other support in so many schools. Intercede that these doors of opportunity will remain open for as long as possible.
SAT
Pray for the Association of Christian Teachers, providing professional and spiritual support to Christians engaged in education. Ask God to strengthen all teachers and teaching assistants, school leaders, administrative and pastoral staff, Governors and School Board members. (www.christian-teachers.org.uk)
11 12 13
8
BACK TO SCHOOL WITH GOD SUNDAY Lord, please bless all places of learning and those working within them. Grant Your Spirit of wisdom and understanding to dwell in the minds and hearts of teachers and pupils alike at the start of this new academic year. Amen.
In 2013, OFSTED suggested that teaching of Christianity was poor, ‘squeezed out’ and that pupils were leaving school with a ‘very limited understanding’. Meanwhile each week hundreds of thousands of children learn biblical truths in assemblies, CUs, clubs, RE and other lessons from youth workers, volunteer teams, local ministers, music and theatre groups, chaplains, teachers and other Christians in education.
SEPTEMBER 14-20
DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY ‘Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone’. COLOSSIANS 4:5,6 (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION)
SUN
14
RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY Father of all justice, please help us to be outward-looking and welcoming towards people from different ethnic cultures, doing all we can to understand and respect them as individuals, local communities, churches and in wider society. Amen.
MON
Ask God to grant wisdom to those in the UK’s Police Forces who are working to eliminate institutional racism and discrimination towards people from other ethnic backgrounds. Pray for your local police as they seek to carry out their duties as fairly as possible.
TUES
Pray that adults with learning disabilities and other people with physical, mental and other limitations will be helped to enjoy increasingly fulfilling lives - in the workplace, through sport, music, arts and in church activities.
WED
Lord, help us to be tolerant towards those who do not share our beliefs and values, while remaining rooted in Your Word. Please help us listen and respond graciously. Grant us courage to speak the truth humbly and to love others even if they are hostile towards us. Amen.
15 16 17
THURS
18
Pray for Sajid Javid MP, Minister for Equalities at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport – and the civil servants supporting him – in developing wise policies that encourage people in all walks of life to treat others with respect and fairness.
FRI
THANKSGIVING: for the diversity of the Church in Britain; its wealth of different traditions, worship styles, testimonies and ways of serving Christ through evangelism, prayer, communication, education, community involvement and compassionate action.
SAT
Intercede for those living in places that are being torn apart by acts of ethnic violence resulting in deaths, kidnappings, the destruction of communities and people having to flee from their homes. Pray for those seeking to help in such tragic situations.
19
20
‘I look to a day when people will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character.’ (Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.) 9
SEPTEMBER 21-27
PEACE AND JUSTICE ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Execute true justice, Show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother.’ ZECHARIAH 7; 9,10 (NEW KING JAMES VERSION)
SUN
21
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE: ‘Right of Peoples to Peace’ Almighty God, Source of all goodness, we pray for countries where there is little peace and security. Please strengthen those who work for true justice and harmony in Your name. Amen.
MON
Remember diplomats, UN Peacekeepers, negotiators, Christian emissaries and others who go to dangerous places to try to settle disputes. Pray that justice and peace can be secured for all involved.
TUES
Pray that restorative justice, which has led to life-changing effects in many situations, will be increasingly used throughout the criminal justice system to help offenders and victims of crime to reach a place of understanding, repentance and conciliation.
WED
Loving Father, we bring to You people in families, workplaces, churches, neighbourhoods and nations – where there are genuine or perceived grievances. Please help them to be willing to seek restoration and peace. Amen.
22
23
24
THURS
25
Intercede for young men and women in many inner city areas caught up with gangs, involved in knife or gun crime and other lawless activities. Pray that many will be helped to escape, and that ringleaders of violence and robbery will be brought to justice.
FRI
26
THANKSGIVING: for agencies, churches and organisations helping to relieve suffering, encouraging peace and working for justice in the poorest parts of the world. Pray for more opportunities to share the gospel, which is the only true source of truth and love.
SAT
Pray for anyone who is unjustly accused or discriminated against on the grounds of their beliefs. Especially remember Christians at risk because of their stance on moral issues.
27
‘True peace is not merely the absence of tension it is the presence of justice.’ Martin Luther 10
SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 4
NEIGHBOURHOOD CHURCH ‘…A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’ MATTHEW 5:14-16 (ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION)
SUN
28
BACK TO CHURCH WITH GOD SUNDAY Loving Father, please lead many to attend church services today where they will feel welcomed. Inspire those who preach the gospel, lead musical worship and praise and fulfil other roles with Your Holy Spirit of love and truth for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
MON
Pray for wisdom and strong foundations to be laid as mission-focused churches are being planted in communities where few understand the message of the gospel; on rundown estates, among special interest groups, such as bikers, and in coffee shops, pubs and homes.
TUES
Ask God to equip and energise every Christian helping with thousands of Alpha, Christianity Explored and other evangelistic courses this autumn in communities across the UK. Pray for many of the participants to receive the message of salvation gladly.
WED
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR OLDER PERSONS
29
30 1
THURS
2
Lord, please help us in our churches to relate more effectively to those who are older, some with much to offer and others in need of support and care. Grant that many Christians whose faith needs rekindling will be encouraged to recommit their lives and return to church. Amen. Pray that churches will become increasingly aware of the specific needs within their locality; contacting social services, police, rescue services, schools, health centres and charities to find out how to pray and, if appropriate, to offer practical help. (www.neighbourhoodprayer.net)
FRI
THANKSGIVING: for the growing trend of churches celebrating and serving their cities, towns and villages together through prayer, local politics, social action, encouraging children and young people and bringing hope to fragmented communities.
SAT
Pray that the Government will continue to provide grants to churches that start up a Cinnamon Network-recognised project, and that the distinctive Christian ethos of these initiatives will cause people to discover more about the gospel.
3 4
Cinnamon Network has facilitated 50,000 volunteers connected to 3,500 churches leading one of 22 recognised projects to support 700,000 beneficiaries through food banks, mentoring, social action, help with debt, educational support, care for homeless people - and much more. (www.cinnamonnetwork.co.uk) 11
OCTOBER 5-11
SUPPORT AND CARE ‘You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.’ PSALMS 56:8 (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)
SUN
5
Father of all compassion, please help those suffering physically, mentally and spiritually throughout the world - each known and loved by You. May the eternal hope, comfort and peace of the gospel bring relief and healing to them through Your servants. Amen.
MON
Remember the increasing number of people struggling with addiction, whether to alcohol, drugs, gambling or pornography, that often leads to relationship breakdown, health and financial problems. Pray they will face up to their need and seek help.
TUES
Pray for the seven million carers in the UK who look after family members and friends to receive the reassurance and support they need in the way of resources, companionship, advice, professional help, periods of respite and spiritual encouragement.
WED
WORLD HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE DAY Lord, our Healer, thank You for doctors, nurses and others who care for people who are nearing the end of their lives in hospices, hospital wards and in the community. Please fill them with Your great wisdom, compassion and strength each day. Amen.
6
7
8
THURS
9
BABY LOSS AWARENESS WEEK BEGINS Remember the parents and families of the 6,500 babies who die each year in the UK just before, during or soon after birth. Ask God to comfort them through each stage of bereavement. Pray many will participate in special cathedral services for those who have lost a child. (www.sayinggoodbye.org)
FRI
THANKSGIVING: for those with natural gifts of listening and caring, and also practitioners who have learned and honed their skills of counselling and therapy in many areas. Pray for God’s guidance and wisdom, as people come for psychological, emotional and spiritual support .
SAT
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD Pray that today’s activities will alert more people to the various forms of discrimination and abuse suffered by many girls around the world. Intercede for greater respect, concern and care to be demonstrated towards them.
10
11
’Sympathy is your pain in my heart’ (Anon) 12
OCTOBER 12-18
FREEDOM AND RECONCILIATION ‘…He broke down the wall of hostility that separated us ... by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people ... by means of his death on the cross...’ EPHESIANS 2:14-16 (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)
SUN
Lord Jesus, thank You for reconciling us with our Father in heaven. Please inspire and equip us to be Your ambassadors, sharing grace and truth with others longing for freedom, needing forgiveness and seeking peace within themselves. Amen.
MON
Remember those in the UK’s Diplomatic Service based in Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates worldwide, representing British interests and assisting British and other citizens. Pray for protection and safety for those in hostile areas and for skill and wisdom where delicate negotiations are needed.
TUES
Pray about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s involvement with international efforts to prevent violence, to resolve existing disputes and to build peace in post-conflict situations. Ask God to grant wisdom to the civilians and police officers seconded abroad to do this delicate work.
WED
Father, through Your mercy and grace, may individuals and factions in deep conflict with each other find ways to lay down their differences and find an honourable way forward, whether within families, communities, nations, religious or ethnic groups. Amen.
THURS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION DAY Remember all who work in tribunals and other conciliation services helping to resolve disputes in relationships breakdown in: employment, education, health and care, family, business, politics and finance.
12 13
14
15
16
FRI
THANKSGIVING: for the ministry of the Community of the Cross of Nails based at Coventry Cathedral an international network of over 170 Partners in 35 countries who are committed to a shared ministry of reconciliation. (www.crossofnails.org)
SAT
ANTI SLAVERY DAY Remember the groups and individual campaigners who are passionate about ending slavery and human trafficking. Pray for increasing cooperation and effective campaigning on the many aspects of this issue as politicians and the media debate it in the months ahead.
17
18
The trafficking and enslavement of people generates profits around the world of an estimated £88.4bn a year almost two-thirds of it through sexual exploitation, in which almost 30 million people are currently enslaved.
13
OCTOBER 19-25
OUR PARLIAMENTS AND ASSEMBLIES ‘First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.’ 1 TIMOTHY 2:1,2 (ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION)
SUN
God of the nations, we lift to You all the members of the Parliaments and Assemblies in Belfast, Brussels, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Westminster. Please grant Your protection, wisdom and insight, especially to those in positions of authority and influence. Amen.
MON
Pray for the Party leaders and members of the Scottish Parliament following September’s referendum, that sound plans and renewed unity and understanding about the nation’s greatest priorities come together.
TUES
Please ask God to bestow those connected with the European Parliament with increasing political, economic and professional stability, wisdom and integrity, that His highest purposes for each member state and each MEP may be fulfilled.
WED
Lord of life, we pray about ongoing efforts in the Scottish and Westminster Parliaments to change the law regarding end-of-life issues. Please help politicians to recognise the innate dangers of legalising assisted suicide and vote against this. Amen.
19 20 21 22
THURS
23
FRI
THANKSGIVING: for Lord Morrow’s Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation Bill’s progress through the Northern Ireland Assembly. Pray that this legislation will result in better protection and care of victims and many successful prosecutions of those who have abused them.
SAT
Please remember all who serve in the political bodies of the UK and the EU, that each one will recognise which are the most important issues to focus on. Pray for their personal needs, family relationships and for a growing openness to God’s truth and grace.
24
25
14
Remember First Minister of the Welsh Assembly Carwyn Jones, the nine additional cabinet members and remaining 50 Assembly Members. Pray that they will have access to the resources needed, govern wisely and increasingly seek the counsel of Christians.
The United Kingdom has a total of 1,020 elected representatives: 60 Welsh Assembly Members, 73 Members of the European Parliament, 108 Members of the Northern Ireland Legislative Assembly, 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament, 650 Members of Parliament. In addition 825 Peers sit in the House of Lords.
Live and Let Live is CARE’s campaign
to inform and equip you to take action on the issues of assisted suicide and euthanasia. We have produced a booklet by Dr Peter Saunders, exploring what the Bible has to say about the issues involved. It is free and available for you, your church members and Christian friends. It can be obtained from our office. Please go to www.care.org.uk to order, or telephone 020 7233 0455 CARE’s Live and Let Live campaign resources can be read and downloaded from www.care.org.uk/liveandletlive
Making a Christian difference for the sake of the future
equips individual and the local
church for prayer and action
impacts the political world
Edinburgh
provides research and briefings
for parliamentarians
trains Christian graduates through
the Leadership Programme
Belfast
supports the vulnerable
through advocacy
Cardiff
www.facebook.com/careorguk
www.twitter.com/careorguk www.twitter.com/careprayerdiary Brussels
53 Romney Street | London | SW1P 3RF | 020 7233 0455 | mail@care.org.uk Charity No: 1066963 Scottish Charity: SC038911
www.care.org.uk