JANUARY – APRIL 2022
CARE Prayer Diary
In this issue: Reflecting on History Our Fragile World Human Relationships Praying for our Schools Justice for Poor People Freedom and Responsibility The Global Community The Entertainment Industry Saving Precious Lives Children’s Wellbeing Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Redeeming Love Rural Communities
Our cover picture is of the ‘Christ in Agony’ mosaic in Church of All Nations, Jerusalem. It depicts Jesus praying alone the night before He was crucified. The Church of all Nations was rebuilt with donations from twelve countries, including the United Kingdom, in the 1920s. A church has stood here since the fourth century, near the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, built over the rock in Gethsemane where Jesus is believed to have prayed.
The CARE Prayer Diary is written by Celia Bowring. To read online please visit: care.org.uk/about/our-publications careprayerdiary
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Celia Bowring
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JANUARY 23 – 29
REFLECTING ON HISTORY
SUN 23
Almighty God, we thank You for the Bible’s revelation of Your holy and loving character, Your eternal purposes throughout history, and our promised future hope. Holy Spirit, please fill us with understanding and faith as we study Your Word and seek to follow Christ. Amen.
MON 24
Lord, please give wise counsel to those responsible for making decisions about controversies around statues and other memorials of people once hailed as heroes, but now decried for their involvement in slavery and other oppressive activities. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
TUES 25
Gracious Lord, as we remember our nation’s rich history, we ask that the too-often unheralded accomplishments of black Britons and members of other overlooked groups will be increasingly recognised and celebrated in our schools and wider society. In Christ’s name. Amen.
WED 26
God of truth, please help historians who write about the past and those who record current events to be as faithful to the facts as possible. May we increasingly understand how history has shaped today’s world, acknowledging any mistakes and bad intentions of our forebears. In Your mercy. Amen.
‘O God, from my youth You have taught me, and I still proclaim Your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to another generation, Your power to all those to come … You who have done great things, O God, who is like You?’ PSALM 71:17-19 (ESV) THURS 27
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY – ‘One Day’ Eternal Father, today we commemorate the millions whose lives were destroyed, and those who perished in the Nazi Holocaust in Europe and genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. We firmly believe that one day Your justice will be made known, through Christ the Lord. Amen.
FRI 28
Messiah, Redeemer and Eternal King, thank You for coming to live among us at a particular time in history, and for the many eyewitnesses who attested to Your life, death and resurrection. We pray for more people to acknowledge You as Son of God, our Saviour of the World. Amen.
SAT 29
Lord of the Church, grant us the desire to learn from the wisdom of those who over the centuries lived before us and are now in heaven. Please help us to honour these heroes of faith and faithfully tell their stories to the next generation. For the glory of Your name. Amen.
‘History is a story written by the finger of God.’ (C.S. Lewis)
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JAN 30 – FEB 5
OUR FRAGILE WORLD
SUN 30
Creator God, You commissioned humans to watch over all You had made, but so much has gone wrong. Please equip and inspire people everywhere to alleviate the effects of climate change, and forgive us for the human neglect and exploitation causing it. In Christ’s name. Amen.
MON 31
Father, we pray that the agreements reached at COP26 will translate into effective action to reduce carbon emissions, stop damage to the environment, deal with pollution and take all other necessary steps to meet the urgent challenges facing our fragile world. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
TUES 1
Lord, we pray about the worrying decline of insects and birds throughout Europe, caused partly by the use of toxic pesticides and the loss of land to development. Please grant insight and strategic plans to experts and those in government to turn this around. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
WED 2
WORLD WETLANDS DAY O God, we pray for more cooperation between governments, conservationists and industry leaders to reverse the serious crisis threatening the world’s wetlands, its ‘kidneys’, by investing resources, addressing pollution, restoring lost areas and wise management. In Christ’s name. Amen.
‘I have heard all about You, Lord. I am filled with awe by Your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as You did in years gone by. And in Your anger, remember Your mercy.’ HABAKKUK 3:2 (NLT) THURS 3
4
Merciful God, please continue to inspire people working in marine conservation, ocean engineering and similar fields to implement innovative measures that can win the war against plastic pollution and other toxic threats to the world’s oceans and seas. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
FRI 4
Lord, thank You for the increased use of clean, low-cost renewable energy, generated by wind, ocean, solar, geothermal, hydroelectricity, biomass and hydrogen. Grant that the aim for these to produce 100 per cent of our energy by 2035 will succeed. In Your mercy. Amen.
SAT 5
God of compassion, we intercede for the millions of people worldwide who are powerless to counter the effects of climate change that threaten their security and livelihoods, driving them further into poverty. Please help richer nations to act urgently and strategically to support countries at risk. In Christ’s name. Amen.
‘Without urgent action, the World Bank estimates that climate change could push an additional 132 million people into poverty in the next ten years. That’s on top of the health and economic impact of Covid-19 which also threatens to undo hard-won development gains.’ (Compassion UK – leading children’s charity – compassionuk.org)
FEBRUARY 6 – 12
HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS
FEBRUARY 7-14 NATIONAL MARRIAGE WEEK SUN 6
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ZERO TOLERANCE OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM) Lord of all compassion, please grant that the barbaric practice of FGM affecting 200 million girls and women in up to 28 countries around the world and exacting such crippling physical and emotional suffering, will end. In Your mercy. Amen.
MON 7
God of justice, please guide those who are standing against racism, especially within institutions like the police service and the world of sport that are seen to be particularly prone to such prejudice. We pray for fairness and equality throughout society. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
TUES 8
SAFER INTERNET DAY: ‘All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online’. God our Protector, may today help to persuade children, young people and other vulnerable individuals to be wise and responsible in their use of digital technology. We pray that effective safeguards will be introduced to protect and enrich their online experience. In Christ’s name. Amen.
WED 9
Lord of the Church, we remember our sisters and brothers being persecuted for their faith. Although most of them are unknown to us, we all belong to Your family so please remind us to be faithful in prayer and to speak up to support them. May they be strengthened in faith by Your loving Spirit. Amen.
‘Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer … Practise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you … Live in harmony with one another … Be willing to associate with people of low position ... Do not repay anyone evil for evil … If it is possible, live at peace with everyone.’ ROMANS 12:12-18 (NIV) THURS 10
Loving Lord, thank You for marriages where spouses demonstrate faithful loyalty and kindness towards one another, to their families and out to the wider world. Please help couples whose relationships are fractured to find lasting healing and reconciliation. In Christ’s name. Amen.
FRI 11
Father, we remember those caring for someone who has advancing dementia. Help them to manage the sadness, strain and anxieties that inevitably come and grant moments of loving connection, precious memories, lucidity and laughter to lift their spirits. By Your grace. Amen.
SAT 12
Saviour, please instil compassion and generosity throughout our land towards refugee families and individuals who have been forced from their homes because of destitution, conflict, oppression and persecution. May we open our hearts to welcome them. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
‘Christianity is not a religion or a philosophy, but a relationship and a lifestyle. The core of that lifestyle is thinking of others, as Jesus did, instead of ourselves.’ (Rick Warren)
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FEBRUARY 13 – 19
PRAYING FOR OUR SCHOOLS
SUN 13
Lord, please bless all places of learning and those who study and work within them. Send Your Spirit of wisdom and understanding to bring light where there is darkness and peace where there is unrest, especially through the witness and love of Christians. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
MON 14
Heavenly Father, please grant compassionate insight to those who are supporting children and young people affected by bullying, low self-esteem, poor mental health and difficulties at home and in school – all made worse by the pandemic. May Your Spirit bless them. Amen.
TUES 15
Lord Jesus, thank You for CARE’s ministry of Pray for Schools and the thousands of Christian teachers, parents and neighbours who regularly pray by themselves, in groups and through the local church. We lift to You the vision for every school across the UK to be a prayed-for school. By Your grace. Amen. (prayforschools.org)
WED 16
Good Shepherd, please watch over the rising numbers of young people – one in five of them aged under twelve – who are excluded from school. Grant patient understanding to those who care for them; to identify underlying problems and bring them help and hope. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
‘I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.’ EPHESIANS 3:16,17 (NLT) THURS 17
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Father, please grant strength, wisdom, compassion and resilience to teachers and all other school staff members as they provide education, pastoral care and other support to pupils. We especially pray for anyone experiencing extra pressure to receive Your grace and peace. Amen.
FRI 18
Lord Jesus, thank You for every opportunity for Christians to be involved with a local school: as staff, parents, Governors and Board members, chaplains, church leaders, school workers, mentors, volunteer teams and others serving in practical ways. By Your grace. Amen.
SAT 19
Father, please help education leaders, teachers and others as they address the epidemic of young people being subjected to sexual harassment and abuse at school, college, in other spaces and online. Please bring transformation to this desperate situation. In Your mighty name we pray. Amen.
Ofsted reports that peer-to-peer sexual harassment, online sexual abuse and sharing nude photos are becoming ‘normalised’ among school children. When 900 young people at 32 schools were asked about this, 90 per cent of the girls and 50 per cent of boys said that being sent unwanted explicit pictures or videos happened ‘a lot’ or ‘sometimes’.
FEBRUARY 20 – 26
JUSTICE FOR POOR PEOPLE
FEBRUARY 21-MARCH 6: FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT SUN 20
Almighty God, You care for the poorest of the poor. Thank You for the thousands of Christian individuals, churches and other ministries that care for people across the world. May we be willing to be Your agents of just love through praying, giving and going. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
MON 21
Lord, please grant wisdom to the UK Government regarding their ongoing overseas aid budget which last year was cut by £4 billion. However, we give thanks that Britain is still among the world’s most generous donor countries to those in need. For Christ’s sake. Amen.
TUES 22
Holy God, we remember the many people in poverty who are denied justice as others exploit, cheat and commit crimes against them. May there be greater legal protection to benefit individuals and promote stability and fairness in their communities. In Your mercy. Amen.
WED 23
Father, please give wisdom to leaders in the Church in this country who are seeking to increase and enhance our Christian response to issues of poverty, homelessness, hunger, debt and other dire situations that disrupt and damage people’s lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
‘He will bring forth justice to the nations … a bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench; He will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till He has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for His law.’ ISAIAH 42:1-4 (ESV) THURS 24
Lord, we pray for the 771 million people without accessible clean water, the 1.7 billion with no decent toilet of their own and the 2.3 billion who lack soap and water to wash at home. Grant success to policy makers, engineers, local communities and campaigning and fundraising organisations that are determined to bring change. In Christ’s name. Amen.
FRI 25
Father, we thank You for the Fairtrade movement which over many years has championed justice for people in poor communities who grow our food, mine our minerals, produce the cotton in our clothes and contribute much else besides. Prosper their work by Your grace! Amen.
SAT 26
Lord, we remember the first UN Sustainable Development Goal, ‘to end poverty in all its forms everywhere’ by 2030. Please bless the social protection systems in place to help people cope with crises and shocks, find jobs, invest in the health and education of children, and care for aging populations. In Your mercy. Amen.
Adding to existing problems of increasing conflict and climate change, Covid-19 has led to the first rise in extreme poverty, people having to live on $1.25 a day, in a generation. Around 120 million were pushed back into it in 2020 with young and female workers disproportionally affected. 7
FEB 27 – MAR 5
FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY
SUN 27
WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE Father, we pray for those living under oppression, in areas of conflict and places severely affected by environmental problems who are denied basic human rights. Please raise up those in the global community to redress such injustices and share with those in need. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
MON 28
Lord, please alert those responsible for protecting society from danger from terrorists and others with evil intent. May they prevent this. Help those in authority to balance people’s freedom to express opinions and beliefs with civic safety and peace. In Your mercy. Amen.
TUES 1
God of truth and grace, we pray for those in the media to be wise, courageous and honourable in how they investigate and report on people and events in the news. May they be accurate and successfully expose cases of injustice, corruption and cruelty. For Christ’s sake. Amen.
WED 2
LENT BEGINS ‘God of mercy and source of justice, pour on your people such love and compassion that we cannot remain silent, we cannot tolerate injustice and poverty. As your grace fills our hearts, may we be stirred into action to demonstrate your love for all the world and for all creatures that live and move on this earth. Amen.’ (Methodist Prayer)
‘You were chosen to be free. So don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want. Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love.’ GALATIANS 5:13 (CEV) THURS 3
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Lord, we intercede for politicians and others to demand radical action to provide better protection for children from the corrupting influence and enduring harm of easily accessible pornography and other violent and destructive material online. In Your mercy. Amen.
FRI 4
Sovereign Lord, thank You for the gospel of total forgiveness and perfect freedom for all, through the death and resurrection of Your Son. We pray for wisdom and courage to share this good news, that many will trust in Him, by the gracious power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
SAT 5
O God, please have mercy on our world – so damaged by human thoughtlessness and greed. Forgive us where we have failed to be good stewards and instil in us fresh determination and skill to be effective in caring for the environment and those living in it. In Christ’s name. Amen.
‘There are two freedoms – the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought.’ (Rev. Charles Kingsley, English social reformer, historian, novelist and poet. 1819-1875)
MARCH 6 – 12
THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY
SUN 6
Almighty God, guard us from those who intend to harm the fragile stability of our world, where people are so closely connected and nations economically, socially, and politically interdependent. May Your Spirit restrain evil and bless all who seek good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
MON 7
Lord of all the earth, following last November’s COP26 in Glasgow, attended by 30,000 people, we intercede that world leaders will take decisive action to achieve the goal of halving carbon emissions by 2030 to reach ‘net zero’ twenty years later. Please send divine help! Amen.
TUES 8
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY God of freedom, may this celebration of female social, economic, cultural and political achievements be a rallying cry for fair treatment and equal opportunities for all women and girls. We pray for those in societies that prevent this; please bring Your liberation and hope into their lives. Amen.
WED 9
God our Healer, we grieve over the devastating effects of the pandemic, causing over 233 million cases and 4.7 million deaths from its start in 2020 to October 2021. Please impress upon world leaders the need to extend financial and healthcare support to the worst hit countries. In Christ’s name. Amen.
‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever … He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.’ DANIEL 2:20-22 (NKJV) THURS 10
Dear Lord, please enable peacemakers to bring an end to wars between and within nations and prevent future conflicts. We pray for UN Peacekeepers across the world as they work to maintain security, protect human rights and help restore the rule of law. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
FRI 11
Jesus Christ, we praise you that Your Church is growing. You said, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few’ so we earnestly ask You to raise up more evangelists, teachers, pastors and other ministries to spread the gospel throughout the earth. In Your powerful name. Amen.
SAT 12
COMMONWEALTH DAY is on 14 March Sovereign God, thank You for the positive influence of the Commonwealth representing 2.5 billion people of 54 nations. Please grant wisdom to its leadership to work towards shared goals of peace, democracy and prosperity, especially supporting small and vulnerable states. In Your mercy. Amen.
‘There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry: “Mine!”’ (Abraham Kuyper, theologian, journalist and Prime Minister of the Netherlands: 1837 – 1920)
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MARCH 13 – 19
THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY SUN 13
Father, thank You for such abundance in our lives, including the wonderful human ability to enjoy the rich variety of artistic gifts in ourselves and in others. Please encourage and inspire actors, musicians and other performers, and those supporting them behind the scenes. By Your grace. Amen.
MON 14
God of truth, we pray for anyone in the world of sport who is tempted to act dishonestly for the sake of financial gain and fame through match fixing and other illegal activities. Help everyone to excel in their profession and act as great role models. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
TUES 15
Lord, as parts of the entertainment industry increase their online presence, we pray that governments will respond with wise and workable regulations that encourage and maintain the highest standards and prevent harmful content being accessed by children. In Christ’s name. Amen.
WED 16
Lord, please inspire those making films, TV and radio programmes, games and other digital productions to focus on what is wholesome and upbuilding. We pray for the work of the British Board of Film Classification, Ofcom and agencies that regulate games and online material. Amen.
‘Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work. It’s God’s gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now.’ ECCLESIASTES 5:19,20 (MSG)
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THURS 17
Father, we pray for increasing opportunities for children and adults with lifelimiting illnesses and disabilities to engage with music, drama, dance, sport and other entertainment opportunities provided in homes, schools, clubs and other settings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
FRI 18
Lord Jesus, thank You for Christians involved in entertainment and professional sport who are determined to be a light for You, promoting ‘whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable – anything excellent or praiseworthy.’ May they be filled with Your Spirit. Amen.
SAT 19
Lord our Provider, we remember actors, musicians and other entertainers who were unable to work during Covid-19 and still cannot find employment. Please provide the means for them to give enjoyment, inspiration and laughter to audiences across the UK. By Your mercy. Amen.
Since its first major 1980 appeal, BBC Children in Need has raised over £1 billion to help make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people around the UK. Hundreds of other entertainers and their charities also raise money for good causes every year.
MARCH 20 – 26
SAVING PRECIOUS LIVES
SUN 20
Holy Spirit, in our daily prayers please direct us to intercede for those – both known and unknown – who are in dire need of Your protection and redemption. May they call on You to be saved from physical danger and also the spiritual consequences of sin, through our Saviour. Amen.
MON 21
WORLD DOWN’S SYNDROME DAY Father, thank You for everyone with Down Syndrome who is lovingly supported to fulfil their potential. Please encourage those who are less fortunate and grant that unborn children with Downs and similar conditions will be protected by law and valued in society. For Christ’s sake. Amen.
TUES 22
WORLD DAY OF WATER – Groundwater, making the invisible, visible Creator God, we pray for advances to be made to act responsibly to steward the groundwater lying beneath earth’s surface that provides drinking water and irrigation for agriculture for millions of people. Help us to be wise and unselfish so that everyone has access to it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
WED 23
God of freedom, we lift to You vulnerable people being trafficked into the UK and sold into modern slavery. We pray that those in the National Crime Agency, Border Force, police and others in the community will be able to rescue many of them. For Christ’s sake. Amen.
‘Have mercy on me, O God! I look to You for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of Your wings until the danger passes by. I cry out to God Most High who will fulfil His purpose for me … My God will send forth His unfailing love and faithfulness.’ PSALM 57:1-3 (NLT) THURS 24
Jesus our Saviour, thank You for raising up evangelists, teachers, pastors and many others who serve You by ‘bringing good news to the poor, binding up the broken hearted, proclaiming liberty to the captives and giving sight to the blind.’ Through Your amazing grace. Amen.
FRI 25
O Lord, grant success to those working to eradicate malaria; providing mosquito nets, sprays and medical treatment, improving surveillance and investing in ways to prevent and cure this disease that kills millions of children and adults especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
SAT 26
Father, please send help to people who are considering or actually preparing to commit suicide – 6,524 died in this way in 2019 in the UK. May their family and friends be comforted in the midst of these tragic situations. In Your loving mercy. Amen.
‘God doesn’t just throw a life preserver to a drowning person. He goes to the bottom of the sea, and pulls out the corpse, takes him to the bank, breathes into him the breath of life and makes him alive. That’s what the Bible says happens in your salvation.’ (Dr. R.C.Sproul, Presbyterian theologian, pastor and teacher: 1939-2017)
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MAR 27 – APR 2
CHILDREN’S WELLBEING
SUN 27
MOTHERING SUNDAY God of compassion, grant grace to mothers in their own families, those who look after other children and women caring for others within the Church. Comfort those who find this day painful because they never had a longed-for child, or have lost a son or daughter. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
MON 28
Lord, we pray for solutions to address the dramatic rise in child poverty, by a third since 2016, where families live on 60 per cent of median income after housing costs, especially in Northeast England, London, Birmingham and areas of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In Your mercy. Amen.
TUES 29
Jesus, Friend of children, we pray for healthy relationships within families, with peers, at school and the wider community and online; to bring stability, security and companionship into young lives. In Your love, please rescue any who are experiencing isolation and abuse. Amen.
WED 30
Father God, true goodness, peace and purpose come from You alone, yet so many children have never heard the gospel. Please bless every endeavour to reveal Your love, share the good news and teach them Your ways in schools, churches and other settings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
‘Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”’ LUKE 18:16 (NIV) THURS 31
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O God, we pray for young people who are susceptible to serious mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, ‘conduct disorders’ leading to behaviour problems, eating disorders, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Please bring relief, healing and hope by Your Spirit’s power. Amen.
FRI 1
Lord, thank You for the life-enhancing gifts of music, art, dance, drama, sport and other activities that build character and bring enjoyment to children. Please enable more young people from every background to benefit from these opportunities. For Christ’s sake. Amen.
SAT 2
WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY – Inclusion in the Workplace Loving Shepherd, please bring help and hope to the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK and 75 million on the spectrum worldwide who have varying support needs, so they can find their right place in the world and know Your peace in their lives. Through Your mercy and grace. Amen.
Approximately 306,000 10-15-year-old children, seven per cent, are not happy with their lives. In 2011, it was 173,000. One in eight boys are unhappy with how they look and one in seven girls feel the pressure of looking good. In 2011, one in eleven children were unhappy with their school lives but now it is one in eight. But 70 per cent of 10-17-year-olds are optimistic about the future. (The Children’s Society’s UK Good Childhood Report 2021)
APRIL 3 – 9
ROBOTICS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) SUN 3
Creator of all wisdom, knowledge and life, thank You for giving humans, made in Your image, the ability to develop technologies that have benefited people down the centuries. In our day, may we promote those that can enhance our lives and bless the world. For Christ’s sake. Amen.
MON 4
God of mercy, please help scientists, technicians, politicians and others considering possible consequences of some AI advances. May they discern how to prevent potential catastrophic harm caused by accidents, military aggression and cybercrime. We trust in You, our Defender. Amen.
TUES 5
Lord, we pray for Christians and others who are working in AI to consider seriously the social and spiritual dimensions of any developments – especially the creating of machines that interact with people and could distort human relationships. Grant insight and wisdom by Your Spirit. Amen.
WED 6
Father, as computerised devices and robots perform more jobs, please help workers to learn relevant skills and find new fulfilling and useful employment. We pray that schools, colleges and universities will adapt to prepare the rising generation for this rapidly changing world. Amen.
‘Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them … Make the most of every opportunity … Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.’ EPHESIANS 5:10,11,16,17 (NLT) THURS 7
Lord, please help scientists developing robots that will become increasingly common in everyday life always to abide by high standards of ethics, transparency and accountability to ensure they do no harm and enhance wellbeing. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
FRI 8
Lord our healer, thank You that robots are revolutionising healthcare: assisting in surgery, delivering items, cleaning and other tasks, helping with rehabilitation and providing social interaction and monitoring of patients, freeing up staff to do other things. For Christ’s sake. Amen.
SAT 9
Father God, grant that people throughout the world, not just the wealthy, will benefit from modern technologies such as drones, robots and AI performing difficult, hazardous and repetitive tasks otherwise done by humans. By Your gracious mercy. Amen.
An algorithm is a series of instructions telling a computer how to transform a set of facts into useful information. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is demonstrated by machines, any system that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chance of achieving its goals. Robots are machines capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically.
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APRIL 10 – 16
REDEEMING LOVE
SUN 10
Sovereign God, may the Church worldwide keep faithfully proclaiming gospel truth, encourage believers in their walk with Christ, speak up for those who are vulnerable and have no voice, and demonstrate mercy and love to people in need. Through the power of Your Spirit. Amen.
MON 11
Father, may the reality of Your healing love be revealed and released to people who feel overwhelmed by painful experiences, are trapped in addictive behaviour patterns and lack any strength of their own. May they trust You to set them free through Christ our Saviour. Amen.
TUES 12
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR STREET CHILDREN Father of the fatherless, please equip and guide the hundreds of organisations that work together ‘to build a world where street-connected children are treated equally; have the right to be heard; and have the right to life, survival and development.’ For the sake of our Redeemer. Amen.
WED 13
God of justice and mercy, please grant wisdom and compassion to governors, prison officers, teachers, counsellors, chaplains and others who work with vulnerable men, women and young people in UK prisons and Young Offenders Institutions. Help them to give support and bring transforming hope. In Christ’s name. Amen.
‘Christ Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.’ 1 PETER 2:24,25 (NKJV) THURS 14
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Lord, we remember individuals in desperate circumstances: refugees and asylum seekers, those who are homeless, unemployed, suffering physically and mentally and pursued by those who would do them harm. Send people to rescue and restore them, in Your mercy. Amen.
FRI 15
GOOD FRIDAY Lord Jesus Christ, You were wounded by cruel nails, crowned with vicious thorns, mocked and disdained by those for whom You died on a cross of shame. We marvel at Your unfailing love and offer ourselves afresh to serve You and Your kingdom with gratitude and praise. Amen.
SAT 16
Lord, we are so thankful for Your desire that all people should humbly receive forgiveness through the cross and be reconciled with the Father. Holy Spirit, please soften hearts and reveal Your grace and truth to those who are far from having faith in You. In Your mercy. Amen.
‘The only love that won’t disappoint you is one that cannot change, that cannot be lost, that is not based on the ups and downs of life or of how well you live. It is something that not even death can take away from you. God’s love is the only thing like that.’ (Dr Timothy Keller)
APRIL 17 – 23
RURAL COMMUNITIES
SUN 17
EASTER SUNDAY ‘Deep peace of the empty tomb. Deep peace of the morning garden. The eye of the Risen Christ be upon us in waking and sleeping. The Risen Christ beside us. The Risen Christ within us. The God of life go with us. This day and always. Amen.’ (Celtic Easter prayer)
MON 18
O God, we pray about the effects of recent reductions in rural healthcare facilities, post offices, transport links and other vital services. Grant wisdom to central and local governments so that local communities and their enterprises can be helped to flourish. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
TUES 19
Lord of the harvest, please bring help to famers worldwide whose livelihoods are threatened by climate change, poverty and conflict. Grant them success in growing crops and raising livestock both to feed themselves and to sell at fair prices. In Christ’s name. Amen.
WED 20
O God, we remember the post-Brexit and post-Covid shortage of agricultural and food processing workers, especially at peak times of the year. We pray that the UK authorities will ensure that gangmasters and other employers provide proper conditions and wages. In Your mercy. Amen.
‘And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you.’ ROMANS 8:11 (NIV) THURS 21
Almighty God, we long for spiritual revival and renewal to sweep through our land, especially in rural communities where many churches are struggling. Please raise up more faith-filled Christians to pray, share the gospel, respond to needs and lead churches. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
FRI 22
Lord, thank You for the Nature Recovery Network’s vision to expand, improve and connect ‘wildlife-rich’ places throughout Britain. May their efforts lead to great improvements in air and water quality and safeguard plants, trees and wildlife species that are under threat. Amen.
SAT 23
God of all beauty, we praise You for our wonderfully varied countryside: mountains, hills, valleys, coastlines, rivers, lakes, forests, meadows, heaths and wetlands. We pray that increasing numbers of adults and children will come to enjoy these responsibly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
About two-thirds of the UK landmass is classed as rural, with over 12 million people living in villages, scattered housing and the smaller country towns. Rural populations are older on average with almost a quarter aged over 65, and very few inhabitants belong to minority ethnic groups. There is growing pressure on health, transport and other community services.
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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