Prayer pointers Secretary for Spiritual Life Development LieutColonel Jayne Roberts introduces the final week in this series of daily prayer topics.
GATESHEAD: The corps has delivered ration bags to senior members containing essentials, treats, a card, VE Day newspapers and a gift. As some young people connected with the corps have not been in the country very long, the corps is providing additional ‘school’ work, as well as craft boxes, competitions, toys and games. A new social media group has allowed almost everyone to keep in touch, and those without internet access have an individual contact group for inspiration and encouragement. – AH
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URING these weeks of lockdown we pause at noon each day to unite in prayer. This specific time may not be possible for everyone but whenever you take time to pray, the following subjects are offered, which particularly relate to concerns around the impact of the pandemic on daily life.
Monday Let us pray for local and national leaders who continue to instruct and advise us as we seek to move out of lockdown.
Tuesday
GLOUCESTER: Corps folk have found online Sunday morning gatherings beneficial. Before each worship meeting a group of members connect virtually to pray for the meeting and people affected by the coronavirus. After worship everyone enjoys a virtual coffee and a chat, finding out how they all are and sharing requests for prayer or support. – AB
We pray for all key workers today and thank God for the services they provide. May we continue to appreciate them and their work.
Wednesday These past weeks have brought us a new awareness of the wonder of God’s creation. We rejoice to see the spring flowers, clear blue skies, leafy green trees and hear the birdsong. May we continue to appreciate the beauty around us and care for our environment.
Thursday Every Thursday we have taken the opportunity to thank and celebrate NHS staff and all carers at 8 pm. Although this may have ended, let us continue to pray for everyone in our community working for people’s medical, practical and emotional well-being.
Friday
CIRENCESTER: When pupils at Chesterton Primary School reception class produced a video to thank key workers, Monty borrowed his father’s cap and tie and his mother’s epaulettes to represent the Army. Monty and his brother, Maxwell, also created pictures of rainbows and smiley faces to decorate the corps charity shop windows and attract attention to the information on display for those needing assistance. – MG
We ask God’s blessing today on our family members and the close friends we have been unable to visit for many weeks. Lord, we thank you for the anticipation of being together and sharing in conversation face to face.
Saturday Lord, we are grateful for all that we have learnt during this unexpected time of living under various restrictions. Thank you for the peace and safety of our homes. Be near to those who have been bereaved during this time and those who have suffered illness and pain in isolation.
Sunday BELFAST TEMPLE: The corps has adapted its ministry through ‘worship at home’ sheets, delivered with the Army papers, a wave and sometimes other goodies. This is especially valued by those without internet access. Corps Secretary Tom McAuley said: ‘Like so many self-isolating, my weekends are made more bearable by the efforts of kids like Connor, who faithfully delivers my copy of Salvationist every Friday.’ – KW
We thank you God for inspiring so many new expressions of Salvation Army worship, prayer and fellowship online and via printed matter. May we continue to learn from these days when thousands of people have connected. O This
week’s link is to resources available from the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. They have published a book by Tom Wright, God And The Pandemic - A Christian Reflection On The Coronavirus And Its Aftermath. Profits will go towards supporting SPCK initiatives, including free daily bedtime story videos, with printable worksheets (spckpublishing.co.uk/ faith-at-home) and free ebooks from a selection of authors (spckpublishing.co.uk/free-ebooks) Salvationist 6 June 2020
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