Prayer matters

COMMUNITY

PORT GLASGOW Corps officer Captain Ian Arthur and a team of volunteers have worked with local groups and charities to serve more than 12,000 hot meals to people in need. Their work featured in BBC One Scotland documentary Scotland’s Covid Capital, which looked at how the town’s community has rallied to cope during the coronavirus pandemic. – AR

Uniform banks help kids back to school

UK

SEVERAL corps have opened school uniform banks to support families who need help clothing their children as they return to the classroom.

Demand for second-hand uniforms has soared this year due to the lasting economic effects of the pandemic. Cannock’s school uniform bank provided 279 children aged 3 to 16 with blazers, shirts, PE kits, trousers and skirts in the last two weeks of August. Faversham Fresh Expression supported 134 children within a fortnight of opening its Community Wardrobe.

People are being urged to donate unwanted uniforms for primary and secondary schools to corps. Clothes should be clean, in good to excellent condition and have any personal name tags removed. – AR

NEWS Prayer

OLDER PEOPLE FOCUS by Major Joy Caddy (Chaplain, Furze Hill House)

FRIDAY 2 OCTOBER ‘But Barzillai answered the king, “How many more years shall I live, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king?”’ (2 Samuel 19:34). Barzillai was a wealthy man who served King David. David wanted to show kindness to him in his old age but Barzillai felt like a burden. Lord, we pray for those in old age who feel they are no longer of use and a burden to their friends and family. May they know they will always be special. Amen.

SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER ‘By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion’ (Psalm 137:1). Father God, we pray today for those living with dementia and for their carers. As they move to a strange land within their minds, may the songs sang in Zion remain in their deep subconscious, that one day they may return to the Promised Land and sing a new song. Amen.

SUNDAY 4 OCTOBER ‘Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”’ (Ecclesiastes 12:1). While age can bring many challenges, it also brings the wisdom of years walking with God. Lord God, may we live our lives in your presence today knowing that, whatever our age and whatever our circumstances, you will be with us. Amen

DIVISIONAL PRAYER FOCUS (CENTRAL EAST) by Major Ann Pugh (Farcet and Whittlesey, and Divisional Prayer Co-ordinator)

MONDAY 5 OCTOBER – ACTS 2:43 Before lockdown Whittlesey’s Music Mites toddler group saw an increase in numbers of families attending. Pray that this will continue in the future. There is a new vision and passion for this work, which they hope will extend with outreach into the community. Pray that the church – which is very small – will also grow.

TUESDAY 6 OCTOBER – ACTS 2:44 Leicester West have begun an exciting new missional journey. Pray that they hear the voice of God directing them clearly, enabling the corps to grow numerically and spiritually. Pray too for volunteers and for leadership within the corps setting.

WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER – ACTS 4:31 Hinckley were about to enter into a building project before lockdown, which will eventually see the hall made more attractive and accessible for those needing support. There is a large homelessness problem in the area, and every Wednesday the community kitchen usually welcomes a number of attendees experiencing homelessness. Pray for guidance and wisdom as they endeavour to meet the continuing needs of the community.

THURSDAY 8 OCTOBER – ACTS 2:46 AND 47 Kings Ripton Court Lifehouse has a 36-bed capacity and supports young and vulnerable adults between the ages of 16 and 24. Pray for the residents there, as many of them struggle with mental health issues. Pray for strength, health and guidance for the staff as they support the young people with the right words and effective care.

FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER – ACTS 4:32 Cottenham recently underwent a major building project, which left them temporarily with no hall for worship. Now that they have seen a physical newness with the refurbishment, they are eager for spiritual development. Pray that in the future the hall will be a welcoming place used for bringing the community together. O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources