JULY – OCTOBER 2022
CARE Prayer Diary
In this issue: Gospel Responsibilities Family Pressures Global Peace Generous Justice Education Rescue and Restoration Children and the Church Hidden Disabilities Protecting the Environment Politics and Society Celebrating Diversity Mental Health Matters Freedom
‘How many are your works Lord! In wisdom you made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, Teeming with creatures beyond number – Living things both large and small … I will sing to the Lord all my life I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, As I rejoice in the Lord.’ PSALM 104:24-34 (NIV)
The CARE Prayer Diary is written by Celia Bowring. To read online please visit: care.org.uk/about/our-publications praynow4.org/care To sign up for daily Prayer Diary emails or to update your mailing preferences, please call: 020 7233 0455 or email: mail@care.org.uk.
Celia Bowring
To contribute to CARE’s ongoing ministry, please go to: care.org.uk/donate Would someone you know like to receive a free copy of the Prayer Diary? Get in touch and we’ll post one to them.
JULY 24 – 30
GOSPEL RESPONSIBILITIES
SUN 24
Lord Jesus, thank You for the gospel: that as we trust in Your death and resurrection we are forgiven and transferred from darkness into Your kingdom to become children of the Father and receive Your Holy Spirit into our lives. May many more hear and believe this message gladly. Amen.
MON 25
O God, please forgive us when we fail to respond to Your call to be light and salt in the world: to share the good news of salvation and then work it out through our giving and going to bring healing, peace and provision to those around us. May we increasingly reach out to those in greatest need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
TUES 26
Lord, please continue to provide the financial and other resources needed as local church and other Christian agencies respond to people’s needs: through food banks, advice and counselling, shelter for refugees, care for children and many other activities done in Christ’s name. Amen.
WED 27
Heavenly Father, please strengthen and encourage Christians who have been called to public life in the government of people. May they walk in Your ways, to speak and act with humility, integrity, courage and wisdom to benefit society and do good to those whom they serve. Amen.
‘What good is it if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing … Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?’ JAMES 2:14-17 (NLT) THURS 28
Lord, we pray that we can discern where children and other vulnerable individuals are being neglected or abused. Please help church leaders to be especially vigilant about safeguarding and able to intervene wisely to prevent further suffering. In Christ’s name. Amen.
FRI 29
Gracious God, please inspire us to be generous with all that You give to us and bless others who are in need of our financial help, our time and practical support, our prayers and our hospitality. May this result in others offering You thanks and praise and giving their lives to You. Amen.
SAT 30
WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS Father God, please enable Christians who are engaged in helping victims and survivors of modern slavery to demonstrate excellent professional skills and knowledge that is inspired and empowered by God’s love for every individual who has been so cruelly abused. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
‘Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassionately on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.’ (St Teresa of Avila 1515-82)
3
JULY 31 - AUG 6
FAMILY PRESSURES
SUN 31
God of all compassion, we pray for mothers and fathers who are alone and children who have only one parent because of death, separation and other reasons. Please protect and provide as they face each new season with such a great gap in their lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
MON 1
Loving Shepherd, please bring healing and comfort to children and young people suffering with mental health and other problems stemming from upheaval and discord within their families and breakdown of relationships that undermines their security and peace. In Your mercy. Amen.
TUES 2
Lord our refuge and strength, please help families where a loved one is sick, struggling with a disability, or facing other major challenges. May these situations cause many adults and children to seek Your face and receive the peace, hope and provision that You so freely give. Amen.
WED 3
Father, we pray for families who struggle to make ends meet as the rising cost of living makes it impossible to pay bills and put food on the table. Sometimes too there are huge debts and draining of resources because of addiction, unemployment and other issues. Lord have mercy! Amen
‘... Be merciful in action, kindly in heart, humble in mind. Accept life, and be most patient and tolerant with one another … Forgive as freely as the Lord has forgiven you. And, above everything else, be truly loving, for love is the golden chain of all the virtues.’ COLOSSIANS 3:12-14 (J.B. PHILLIPS) THURS 4
4
Saviour, we intercede for the millions who have fled conflict in Ukraine and other countries, many of them mothers and children whose men have stayed to fight for freedom. Where there is separation, anxiety, grief and fear, please send help through the generosity of host countries, the kindness of strangers and Your Spirit’s presence to comfort their hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
FRI 5
Thank You, Lord, for wise listeners, counsellors and therapists who can help individuals, couples and families through tough times. May more be raised up, especially within the Church, as pressures increase, particularly to reach out to those who cannot pay for this support. In Your grace. Amen.
SAT 6
Holy Spirit, we pray for men and women whose marriage or partnership is in crisis. May they not give up but make every effort to restore their relationship and where there are children, to protect them. Grant them Your steadfast love, wisdom, healing and courage. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Recent Marriage Foundation research found: 1) Nearly nine in ten parents still together with children aged 13-15 are married. 2) Cohabiting parents are three times more likely to break-up. 3) The ‘stability gap’ between marriage and cohabitation are present in all five income groups. Even when mothers age, education, ethnicity, relationship happiness and income are factored in, the odds of cohabiting parents splitting up are consistently twice as high as married parents.
AUGUST 7 – 13
GLOBAL PEACE
SUN 7
Sovereign God, we bring to You our broken world. We know that time is in Your hands and You have appointed a Day to bring about perfect justice and peace, but today we ask You to come against the forces of violence and deceit, and to bring hope to all who fight for freedom. Amen.
MON 8
Lord, we pray for the millions caught up in the storms of war in so many places - Africa, the Middle East, Mexico and Ukraine - helpless and fearful, losing possessions and homes, anxious for loved ones. Please bless all who are seeking to rescue and shelter them. In Your mercy. Amen.
TUES 9
O God, please work in the hearts and minds of leaders representing the 15 member states of the United Nations Security Council. Restrain those who are hungry for domination and grant wisdom and patience to all who earnestly seek a peace that is just and attainable. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
WED 10
Prince of Peace, who came to destroy all the works of the evil one through Your death and resurrection, teach us to put on our spiritual armour and grant us courage to take up Your weapons of truth, love and prayer in spiritual battles we encounter. We rejoice in Your eternal victory! Amen.
‘Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.’ EPHESIANS 6:10-12 (NLT) THURS 11
Jesus, thank You that Christians, through prayer, finance and practical action, have risen up to support the millions who have fled Ukraine to find refuge in other countries. Please help Your Church to persevere in these efforts throughout coming days. By Your grace. Amen.
FRI 12
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY Father, we pray for the millions of young men and women worldwide who serve in their country’s armed forces. Many have to act in ways they know to be wrong. Many will bear scars all their lives. Many will die. In Your mercy, grant them forgiveness and peace through Christ our Saviour. Amen.
SAT 13
Lord, we intercede that the current situation in Eastern Europe will not escalate further and bring more destruction and suffering to neighbouring countries of Russia and Ukraine. Please guide NATO and other groupings of nations to find ways to negotiate for the laying down of arms. Amen.
‘Peace is more than just the absence of war. True peace is justice, true peace is freedom. And true peace dictates the recognition of human rights.’ (Ronald Reagan: former President of USA.) ‘Peace is such a precious jewel that I would give anything for it but truth.’ (Matthew Henry, 17th century Bible commentary author.)
5
AUGUST 14 – 20
GENEROUS JUSTICE
SUN 14
Sovereign God, You alone administer true justice and Your nature is to show mercy and grace. Please inspire and equip Your Church to help people affected by poverty, economic and social exclusion, unemployment and other serious disadvantages, by the power of Your Spirit. Amen.
MON 15
Lord, help us to be wise, tender-hearted and open-handed to the poor whenever we can. Please guide Christian organisations so they can entrust their donations to responsible and honest agencies in the world’s poorest communities in order to benefit people who need it most. Amen.
TUES 16
O God, please grant wisdom as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund considers how best to help the 39 ‘heavily indebted poor countries’ where Covid and increasing interest payments have made things even worse. Wherever possible, may they be generous to forgive debt. According to Your mercy. Amen.
WED 17
Father, we pray for the Government to act decisively to improve the current benefits system so that the needs of families at risk of extreme poverty are met and people are dealt with fairly and without delay. Please help those in greatest need. For Christ’s sake. Amen.
‘I delivered the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to help him. The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; my justice was like a robe and a turban.’ JOB 29:12-14 (ESV) THURS 18
6
Jesus, our Redeemer, thank You for every trustworthy person who works for humanitarian causes. In 2020, 475 aid workers were attacked, 108 killed, 242 wounded and 125 kidnapped. We pray for protection for those in danger and for healing and comfort for victims and their families. Amen.
FRI 19
WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY #RealLifeHeroes Righteous Judge, we intercede for those who work in the courts, the police service and other branches of the criminal justice system. Help them to act with integrity to uphold the law and protect society but also temper judgement with mercy where that is appropriate. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
SAT 20
Lord, please help those in prison to find new hope and resolve to change, especially those who are particularly vulnerable to the temptations of crime. May many respond to the gospel through the work of chaplains, Prison Fellowship, Kairos, Alpha, Daylight and other ministries. In Your mercy. Amen.
‘It is not our lavish good deeds that procure salvation, but God’s lavish love and mercy. That is why the poor are as acceptable before God as the rich. It is the generosity of God, the freeness of his salvation, that lays the foundation for the society of justice for all.’ (Generous Justice – How God’s grace makes us just. Timothy Keller.)
AUGUST 21 – 27
EDUCATION
SUN 21
BACK TO SCHOOL WITH GOD SUNDAY (or another Sunday near the start of term) Lord, we lift to You every child, young person, teacher and all others who work in our schools at the beginning of this new academic year. Please protect and bless them. In Christ’s name. Amen.
MON 22
Father, we long for every UK school to be covered by a canopy of prayer as more individuals, groups, schools workers and churches commit to pray for staff, children and families in each local school, seek Your blessing and intercede for specific situations. In Jesus’ name. Amen. (prayforschools.org)
TUES 23
Our Redeemer, we pray about the rising numbers of young people who are being excluded from school because of unacceptable behaviour, one in five of them aged under twelve. Grant patience and understanding to those who are working to help them. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
WED 24
God of truth, please guide headteachers, senior staff and governors as they shape their schools’ Relationships and Sex Education curriculum; that compulsory content on same-sex relationships and gender issues may be counter-balanced with content shaped by biblical teaching about sexual purity, marriage and truly loving relationships. In Your mercy. Amen.
‘Those who cherish understanding will prosper ... Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.’ Proverbs 19:8,20 (NLT) THURS 25
Lord, we pray for children and teenagers who are anxious about this new year because they are dealing with difficult personal and family situations, mental health issues and worries about catching up with the lessons they missed because of Covid. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
FRI 26
Father, thank You for all who have a vocation to teach, especially those who believe that You have called and led them to do this. Please strengthen all who provide education, pastoral care, creative opportunities and other opportunities for pupils to flourish. By Your grace. Amen.
SAT 27
Lord, we pray for the Association of Christian Teachers whose vision is to serve, equip and inspire Christians working in education. Please help them to encourage their members, especially those who are finding it tough to live out their faith in the midst of pressure. Amen. (christian-teachers.org.uk)
In the UK about 10.3 million pupils are attending just over 32,000 schools. That’s approximately 8.9 million in England, 800,000 in Scotland, 475,00 in Wales and 350,000 in Northern Ireland. Over one fifth of them are eligible for free school meals.
7
AUG 28 – SEPT 3
RESCUE AND RESTORATION
SUN 28
Christ our King, we are so grateful that You humbly came to give Your life on the cross; redeeming our debt of sin and rescuing us from the power of death and evil. Holy Spirit, please inspire Your people to be changed more and more into the likeness of Jesus, giving glory to our Father. Amen.
MON 29
Compassionate God, we remember those working in the UK maritime services to intercept unseaworthy boats perilously carrying desperate migrants across the Channel. We ask that the thousands who have been saved will find a safe place to rebuild their lives. In Your great mercy. Amen.
TUES 30
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE DISAPPEARED Father, we remember the tens of thousands of prisoners who are detained in secret locations in 85 countries so that their families have no news of them. We pray for freedom, endurance and strength to bear harsh conditions, and hope for the future. Help them to call upon Your mercy. Amen.
WED 31
Lord, we continue to intercede for the people of Ukraine whose land, cities and people have been invaded, pulverised and terrorised. Please grant wisdom and courage to nations helping them; to act justly and generously to rescue, restore and maintain peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
‘If you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed … the Lord will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame … Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.’ ISAIAH 58:10-12 (NIV) THURS 1
8
God our Strength, please equip those planning to renew destroyed cities and towns in Ukraine, and in other war-torn places. Grant wisdom about removing mines and bombs, reinstating damaged water systems, power, communications and transport and rebuilding houses, hospitals and schools. For Christ’s sake. Amen.
FRI 2
Father, we remember organisations that work with extremely vulnerable people on our streets and in hidden places of deprivation, abuse and need. Help them as they reach out to those affected by homelessness, addiction, debt, modern slavery and other perilous situations. Amen.
SAT 3
Thank You, Lord, for men and women who are working in our many emergency and rescue services: firefighters, ambulance drivers, police officers, air, sea and mountain rescue, lifeboats, coastguards, St John’s Ambulance and the Red Cross. Please graciously watch over them. Amen.
In the UK, there are 160,000 police officers, 44,000 fire and rescue workers, 17,500 qualified ambulance staff, 32,000 lifeboat crew members, 49 mountain rescue teams of eight, 30,000 St John’s Ambulance and 14,000 Red Cross volunteers. Other organisations also offer help in emergencies.
SEPTEMBER 4 – 10
CHILDREN AND THE CHURCH
SUN 4
Loving Creator, please help local churches in every community to be places where children are welcomed and greatly valued. We pray for them to grow in faith and follow Your ways as they are encouraged, taught and prayed for within Your Family, through Your saving grace. Amen.
MON 5
Lord, we pray that families who are connected to one of the UK’s 27,000 church-run early years projects, and the 50% of children in England who come to parent and toddler groups will be touched by Your love through those who organise these vital services. In Christ’s name. Amen.
TUES 6
Father, thank You that church leaders are becoming increasingly vigilant and well-trained to ensure the safeguarding of children. Please grant Your healing, justice and peace to any who have suffered abuse, and protect those who are most vulnerable. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
WED 7
Father, thank You for the many schools and Further Education colleges that are welcoming Christian chaplains to join their team. Please equip and anoint them to bring Your presence, offering spiritual and pastoral support to pupils and staff. Let Your will be done! Amen
‘Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.’ MATTHEW 19:14 (NLT) THURS 8
INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY Lord, we remember children who have fallen behind, especially through Covid. May the growing number of church-based adult literacy and English language classes and homework clubs to support children with their learning bear much fruit for individuals, families and in the community. Amen.
FRI 9
Thank You, Lord, for the dedication of thousands of Christian workers based in local churches and other organisations, who are sharing the grace and truth of the gospel with children and young people. Please open up more opportunities to reach those who do not yet know You. Through the inspiration of Your Spirit. Amen.
SAT 10
Dear God, please help Christian relief and development agencies around the world to develop Christ-centred, church-based and child-focused projects and partnerships to release children from the trap of poverty to flourish in every aspect of their lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
‘Children are like wet cement. But remember, we only have a short window of time until the wet cement turns to concrete. We must impress God’s Word, wisdom and ways into their lives while we have the opportunity.’ (Dale Hudson: author and creator of inspiring children’s ministry resources.)
9
SEPTEMBER 11 – 17
HIDDEN DISABILITIES
SUN 11
Father, we remember the estimated one billion people worldwide who live with non-visible disabilities that challenge their movements, senses and activities. Help us to be sensitive and helpful to those we meet, especially if their speech and actions are eccentric. In Christ’s name. Amen.
MON 12
Loving Saviour, please bless all who care for children with additional needs. Help them to adjust to limitations, disappointments and hurdles that can prevent them from leading a normal life and exclude them from many worthwhile activities. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
TUES 13
God of compassion. We ask You to strengthen and encourage adults and children who are on the autistic spectrum as they and their families cope daily with difficult communication, sensory and anxiety issues, and with others disapproving of their behaviour. By Your grace. Amen.
WED 14
Lord, please be a ‘very present help’ to people with chronic conditions that others do not see and understand. Give them grace to endure daily pain, mobility challenges, problems with breathing and eating, insomnia, depression, loneliness and fatigue. In Your loving mercy. Amen.
‘Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.’ PSALM 73:25,26 (NIV)
10
THURS 15
Holy Spirit, may those who suffer with unseen disabilities receive faith to know the breadth, length, height and depth of Christ’s redeeming love that surpasses knowledge and brings joy and peace. Lead many to find salvation in His name! Amen.
FRI 16
Thank You, Lord, for ‘Sunflower’ lanyards and cards indicating someone’s hidden disability which enable them to access additional help needed in transport centres, shops, education, health and leisure facilities. Please bless this initiative. For Jesus’ sake. Amen. (hiddndisabilitiesstore.com)
SAT 17
Gentle Shepherd, we pray for people who have dementia and those who care for them. Despite the heartbreak of diminishing memory and failing health, please grant them precious moments of tenderness, laughter and the hope that Your love endures forever. Amen.
An invisible disability is a physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside, yet can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses or activities. Unfortunately the very fact that these symptoms are invisible can lead to misunderstandings, false perceptions and judgements.
SEPTEMBER 18 – 24
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
19-25 SEPTEMBER: RECYCLE WEEK SUN 18
Creator God, we marvel at all You have made – intricately balanced and wonderfully sustained by Your wisdom and power. Forgive our frequent failure to cherish this precious world and help us to protect and nurture all life that grows in the land, sea and air around us. By Your grace. Amen.
MON 19
Father, we pray that Recycle Week will motivate us to be diligent about how we dispose of refuse and unwanted items. Help local councils to educate and facilitate people to recycle items correctly, to reduce the amount that goes to landfill and avoid contamination. In Your mercy Amen.
TUES 20
O Lord, today as we face a wide range of dangers and threats that demand our attention, please give wisdom to our politicians, scientists, industry and business leaders and others with influence to ensure that the urgent need to care for our environment is not neglected. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
WED 21
Lord, we remember those vulnerable to the effects of extreme weather and coastal erosion that can damage property and disrupt people’s lives. Please help those who respond to crises as they carry out rescues, prevent further damage and clear up afterwards. For Christ’s sake. 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
Heavenly Father, we pray that the Environment Agency will be increasingly successful in preventing further damage to our land and waterways from flooding, drought, storms and pollution from farming, industry and sewage. Thank You that there are signs of progress. Amen.
FRI 23
God of life, thank You that so many Christians are responding to the call to care for the natural world with thousands of local churches intentionally seeking to embed creation care into every aspect of church life through A Rocha’s Eco Church initiative. For Christ’s sake. Amen. (ecochurch@arocha.org.uk)
SAT 24
Lord, we ask You to grant wisdom and determination to our local councils and others involved with the growing problems of fly-tipping and littering that mar the appearance of our streets, green spaces and main roads, are costly to clean up and damage the environment. in Jesus’ name. Amen
Almost 48% of people admit to dropping litter. The amount dropped each year in the UK has increased by 500% since the 1960s. Cleaning litter from streets costs taxpayers around £500 million, not including what it costs to clean up parks and other public spaces. Seven out of every ten items of discarded litter are food packaging or wrappers.
11
SEPT 25 – OCT 1
POLITICS AND SOCIETY
SUN 25
Redeemer God, in our society that has replaced many Christian beliefs and values with individualistic secular ideas, please inspire and empower Your people increasingly to speak up for the most vulnerable and proclaim Your unchanging truths in the public square. For Your name’s sake. Amen.
MON 26
Lord, we ask for Your guidance rooted in justice and righteousness, to prevail in the ongoing post-Brexit negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union. Especially help those with strong opposing opinions to reach fair workable agreements. In Your mercy. Amen.
TUES 27
Lord, we pray that the Government’s Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will result in greater equity and investment, training and job opportunities and other initiatives that can bring more prosperity and success to places outside London and South East England. By Your grace. Amen.
WED 28
God of truth, please strengthen with all goodness those who are engaged in the demanding world of UK politics, facing temptations to cut corners, exert power inappropriately and act in self-serving ways. Thank You for everyone who serves with integrity and wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
‘... To God belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.’ DANIEL 2:21,22 (ESV) THURS 29
12
King of kings, we remember states that are seriously weakened by dishonest leaders, where public money is stolen and human rights are violated. We pray for corruption to be exposed and effectively dealt with so that people can lead fruitful lives free from fear. In Your name. Amen.
FRI 30
Mighty God, we pray for elected representatives serving in local councils, the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments and at Westminster. May they seek Your wisdom as they fulfil their responsibilities to those in their constituencies. In Christ’s name. Amen.
SAT 1
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR OLDER PERSONS Thank You, Lord, for the wealth of experience, wisdom and love in so many older people. Please guide those with responsibilities for planning to provide opportunity, protection and care for the growing population of people aged 65 and over throughout the world. In Your mercy. Amen.
The UN sees that population ageing is poised to become one of the most significant social transformations of the 21st century, with implications for nearly all sectors of society: labour and financial markets, the demand for goods and services, such as housing, transportation and social protection, as well as family structures and intergenerational ties.
OCTOBER 2 – 8
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY
OCTOBER IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH SUN 2
Lord our Teacher, thank You for growing awareness of the impact of Black heritage and culture on the UK and across the world. May there be increasing willingness and opportunities to understand and celebrate this history and how it has shaped us. In Christ’s name. Amen.
MON 3
Creator God, we praise You for the astonishing intricacy, beauty, order and diversity of all You have made: planets, constellations, oceans, mountains, forests, fields, coastlines, plains, deserts, polar regions and the trillions of species of flora and fauna living there. How great Thou art! Amen.
TUES 4
God of justice, we pray for Kemi Badenoch MP, Christina McKelvie MSP and Eryl Besse AM in Wales with government responsibility to tackle racial disparities, fairness for those with a disability and equality for women. Grant them wisdom in their efforts, in what are often difficult situations. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
WED 5
Father, Please give us open minds and hearts to appreciate Your creation of each person - made in Your image and unique - bringing such diversity of gifting, personality, appearance, and cultural background and experience and potential to enrich our society. For Your glory! Amen.
‘I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, sanding in front of the throne and before the Lamb … they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God!”’ REVELATION 7:9,10 (NLT) THURS 6
Lord of the Church, we rejoice that the gospel of grace and truth reaches across the world and throughout all generations, drawing men, women and children from every culture, creed and class to be redeemed and adopted into the Family of God. Praise be to Your name! Amen.
FRI 7
Thank You, Lord, for the rich contribution that immigrants to Britain have made over the centuries through their intellectual and creative gifts, spiritual insights, cultural traditions and hard work. We pray for those arriving as they adjust to new surroundings and find new friends. For Christ’s sake. Amen.
SAT 8
Father, we pray for children and adults who feel excluded from education, employment, civic society, organisations and places of worship because they have a disability. Please help us all to welcome everyone and find ways to ‘do life’ together. In Your mercy. Amen.
‘There is a great deal of talk about social inclusion and community cohesion. But surely, we must go beyond … to a vision of true humanity as we see it in the face of Jesus Christ. We, as citizens of this nation, must agree to build our dwelling tent together … talk more about the common good and the values that have shaped this nation and less and less about multiculturalism and cultural diversity.’ (Dr John Sentamu, former Archbishop of York.)
13
OCTOBER 9 – 15
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
OCTOBER 9-15: BABY LOSS AWARENESS WEEK (babyloss-awareness.org) OCTOBER 9-15: PRISONS WEEK (prisonsweek.org) SUN 9
Father, we pray for the significant number of adults and children with learning disabilities who also have mental health problems and find it difficult to access help. Please make a way for them to receive holistic treatment and care to improve their lives. By Your grace. Amen
MON 10
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY Lord our Healer, we pray for people who have no-one to turn to or feel reluctant or afraid to talk about their mental health issues because of stigma and discrimination. Thank You for every effort being made to help them to gain access to the support they need. In Christ’s name. Amen.
TUES 11
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD Father, we pray for an increasing commitment to this Day’s vision of ‘galvanising worldwide enthusiasm for goals to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full potential.’ Please help those for whom this is currently impossible. In Your mercy. Amen.
WED 12
God of compassion, we intercede for bereaved parents, their families and friends as they grieve the death of a baby, during pregnancy, soon after birth or in infancy. May they find peace and comfort and receive the care they need. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
‘I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end - because I am God, your personal God.’ ISAIAH 43:1-3 (MESSAGE) THURS 13
14
Loving God, please draw those with mental health concerns into Christian communities where they can find acceptance, healing and true meaning for their lives. Grant to Your people the ability and compassion to welcome and help them discover Your saving grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
FRI 14
Thank You, Lord, for carers, nurses and doctors who help people with mental health problems. We are also grateful for the many charities that conduct research, raise awareness, provide information and offer practical support. Through Your loving kindness. Amen.
SAT 15
Lord, we remember those caring for a family member or friend who has dementia. Strengthen and encourage them as they try to manage the constant upheaval, anxiety, sadness and strain this brings, and grant precious moments of lucidity and laughter. In Your mercy. Amen.
According to the World Health Organisation, mental health is a state of wellbeing in which every individual - realises their full potential, - can cope with the normal stresses of life, - is able to work productively - can make meaningful contributions to their community.
OCTOBER 16 – 22
FREEDOM
SUN 16
Father, we pray that many more victims of domestic violence will escape from their abusers and find help to rebuild their lives. May the police and legal system treat them with dignity and understanding as they seek justice for themselves and their families. For Christ’s sake. Amen.
MON 17
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR ERADICATION OF POVERTY Lord God, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed tens of millions more people into poverty, mainly in South Asian and Sub-Saharan countries where the situation was already critical. We cry to You on their behalf, that the world will find ways to share its wealth more fairly. In Your great mercy. Amen.
TUES 18
ANTI-SLAVERY DAY Lord, please help us to defeat this appalling global trade that destroys millions of lives, including one and a half million people in slavery-like conditions in Europe, North America, Australia and Japan. We pray for greater efforts to convict perpetrators and to care for victims. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
WED 19
Lord, please grant wisdom and favour to Christian MP Fiona Bruce, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief and her deputy, fellow Christian David Burrowes, as they champion those who are persecuted for their faith across the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
‘Jesus said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life … you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free … If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”’ JOHN 8:12,32,36 (ESV) THURS 20
God our Healer, we bring before You anyone trapped by an addiction. Please help them to realise their need to escape, and lead them to people who can help through counselling, recovery programmes, loving firmness and prayer. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
FRI 21
Thank You, Lord, for all who took part in last week’s Prisons Week of prayer supported by 25 Christian organisations (10-16 October) and for chaplains and others who share the liberating message of the gospel with prisoners and ex-offenders and demonstrate Your love. By Your great grace. Amen.
SAT 22
Jesus, we long to experience more of the freedom You promise as we follow and live according to Your Word. May many who are in physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bondage turn to You for salvation, liberty and new life. According to Your steadfast love. Amen
‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ Jesus Christ (Luke 4:17-19 ESV)
15
FOR MORE THAN 35 YEARS, CARE HAS BEEN A VOICE FOR TRUTH IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE. Our mission is to bring a uniquely Christian insight to the policies and laws that affect our lives. We believe in a better story for our society and culture, one where the life of every human being, from conception to natural end, is respected and upheld.
WHAT WE DO
Equip individuals and the local church for prayer and action
Impact the political world
Provide research briefings for parliamentarians
Train Christian graduates through the CARE Leadership Programme
CAREORGUK
Support the vulnerable through advocacy
CARE.ORG.UK
CARE (Christian Action Research & Education) Chief Executive Ross Hendry | Chairman Rev Lyndon Bowring 53 Romney St, London, SW1P 3RF | 020 7233 0455 mail@care.org.uk | PrayerMate: praynow4.org/care Charity No: 1066963 | Scottish Charity No: SC038911 This product is recyclable