Pray with the World Church (December '24 - May '25)
PRAY WITH THE WORLD CHURCH
PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS FROM THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION
USPG is the Anglican mission agency that partners with churches and communities around the world, reflecting the call of God to enliven faith, strengthen relationships, unlock potential and champion justice. We were founded in 1701.
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You are welcome to use this publication for public worship. All Bible verses are taken from New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) unless otherwise stated.
Please note that the views expressed do not necessarily represent the official position of USPG.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to this new edition of the USPG prayer diary.
We are delighted to be bringing you this prayer resource to support your faith life. We hear so often from supporters around the world how important they find this diary to support their daily time of prayer and reflection.
In this edition we have, as always, reflections from our partner churches across the Anglican Communion and you will also see how in 2025, USPG is reflecting and celebrating the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the significance of the ensuing Nicene Creed and its legacy in unifying Christians worldwide.
The Creed reminds us that “we belong” and that we pray for a church that embraces unity in diversity, recognising the richness of different expressions of faith as well as a church that embodies Christ’s message of love, peace, justice, and inclusion for all creation. I hope that when you are praying along with us every day that you are reminded and comforted by being part of a global community unified by our faith and our mission to carry out God’s will here on Earth.
With every blessing to you over the next six months.
Cover photo - Students from the Whom Shall I Send Programme visiting the ancient city of Salamis at their summer school in August 2024.
Previous page photo - Key clergy and faith leaders plant symbolic tree on the grounds of Codrington, Barbados, September 2024.
Meet our contributors
This prayer diary could not exist without the thoughtful contributions and reflections from our partners around the world. Please do remember them as you pray.
The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, Bishop of the Diocese of Manchester and USPG Chair of Trustees
As the Chief Pastor for one of the largest dioceses in England, Bishop David supports the mission and ministry of around 250 parishes, approx 200 schools, and a wide variety of chaplaincies. He is passionate about leading churches in the diocese as they grow, nurture, and serve their communities. As a member of the House of Lords, he seeks to hold the government to account, speaking particularly on housing and homelessness, on international trade, and on matters that relate to Manchester and the North-West.
Esmeralda Pato – Anglican Church of Southern Africa Representative and Chair of USPG’s Communion-Wide Advisory Group
Esmerelda (also known as Essie) lives in Johannesburg, South Africa. She has been actively involved in youth and outreach ministries in both church and corporate institutions, areas that hold special significance for her. Prior to this, Essie lived in Namibia where she utilized her administrative and organisational skills to take on several key assignments for the diocese.
The Revd Sonja Hunter – Priest at All Saints Anglican Church in Samoa, Diocese of Polynesia
Sonja is one of the practicing priests at All Saints Anglican Church in Samoa, part of the Diocese of Polynesia. She is a proud Samoan, formerly occupying the role as CEO of the Samoa Tourism Authority. Her passion for ocean health and environmental concerns stems from her love of God and care for his creation.
The Revd Nitano Muller, Canon for Worship and Welcome, Coventry Cathedral Nitano is the Canon for Worship and Welcome at Coventry Cathedral. He is responsible for the worshipping life of the Cathedral Church including its liturgies and music, as well as its hospitality offered to visitors and pilgrims through its visitor engagement, architecture and social media.
The Revd Lopa Mudra Mistry – Presbyter in the Diocese of Calcutta, Church of North India (CNI)
The Revd Lopa Mudra Mistry serves as a presbyter at the Diocese of Calcutta within the CNI. She is also a board member of the Synodical Board of Social Service, CNI. Prior to her ordination, she participated in the TIM 2015 Council for World Mission, representing CNI. She has a keen interest in leadership, missiology, and spirituality. Her vision is to create a community for God’s region that responds to the call for the restoration of peace, justice, harmony, and dignity of life.
1-7 December Hope – Advent
REFLECTIONS
Esmeralda Pato – Anglican Church of Southern Africa Representative and Chair of USPG’s Communion-Wide Advisory Group
Read Luke 21:25-36
Luke flags three signs that will precede the Advent of God in Christ. He suggests there will be [1] ‘distress among nations’; [2] ‘nations...confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves’; and [3] ‘people will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world’. The scenarios that Luke paints speak to our lived experiences. War and violent conflicts. People, especially the most vulnerable, are confused, anxious and helpless. Greed has consumed the earth resulting in immeasurable plundering and destruction of its resources as implied in verse 25.
And yet God does not leave us in that place. Verses 27-28 are a sign of hope for all. Luke submits that with the coming of the Son of Man, ‘redemption is near’. As a time of waiting Advent serves as a sign of hope for communities longing and waiting for peace and stability. Hope is an important thing. It helps us during significant trial. Hope is not flimsy or merely wishful thinking. It can help us to withstand fire, trials and despair. However, hope is not optimism. Optimism glosses over the present realities and invites us to sit passively and do nothing. But Advent hope is action-oriented. It invites us to trust God; to live carefully; to be watchful and to pray in troubled times.
Advent seasons of our lives can be long, difficult, and painful. But we never face those seasons without signs of hope and reassurance, signs that point to the one who is coming - the Son of Man, our source of strength, our Saviour, and our peace.
Sunday 1 December - First Sunday of Advent /World AIDS Day
Lord, on this World AIDS Day, we lift people living with HIV who face misdiagnosis, stigma, and exclusion. We thank you for places of refuge like Casa A+ (run by the Diocese of Brasilia) and for the love and perseverance of caregivers. As we move into Advent, encourage us to see that you are a God of hope who transforms lives.
PRAYERS
Monday 2 December Lord, we pray for all places suffering from violent conflicts and genocide. Bring peace where hatred reigns, protect the innocent, and strengthen people and activists working for justice. May your love heal wounds and overcome evil.
Tuesday 3 December God of justice, we pray for an end to genderbased violence. Protect vulnerable people and give strength to survivors. Help us all to stand against violence, working for equality, dignity, and safety for all.
Wednesday 4 December Father, we lament the harm done to your creation. Stir hearts and minds to protect the earth, and live as faithful stewards of the earth. Give us wisdom to restore and protect what you have made with wisdom and urgency.
Thursday 5 December Lord, help us turn from greed and selfishness. Inspire us to be generous, seeking the good of others over personal gain. May we value people over possessions and live with contentment in you.
Friday 6 December Lord, as we enter this Advent season, we are reminded of the hope you bring. Help us not only to receive hope, but to be activists of hope—spreading your light and love to people and communities in need.
Saturday 7 December Lord, we praise you for not leaving us in despair by sending your Son Jesus as a sacrifice for our sin and all the wrongs of this world. In times of waiting, draw us closer to you.
8-14 December Peace - Advent
REFLECTIONS
The Revd Nitano Muller, Canon for Worship and Welcome, Coventry Cathedral
Read Luke 3:1-6
John the Baptist’s voice calls out from the wilderness, urging the people to prepare the way for the Lord by making straight paths and levelling mountains—metaphors for transformation. This passage captures a sense of urgency and hope: a new world is possible, but it requires transformation. It raises a fundamental question: Is peace possible in a world marred by violence?
Coventry Cathedral’s story offers a resounding answer: Yes, peace is possible, even in the ruins of war. When the medieval cathedral was bombed in 1940, it could have become a monument to vengeance and loss. But instead, the ruins were preserved alongside the new building as a symbol of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the transformative power of peace. The decision to rebuild not with a spirit of revenge but with a commitment to reconciliation echoes the prophetic message of John the Baptist: prepare the way, make room for healing and restoration.
Peace-building is not an abstract idea to be envisioned, but requires brave individuals who will cry out. Those who will name the injustices experienced in the world and call others to pay attention and act, too. We are all called to consider our voice and part in the ministry of reconciliation, our contributions to domestic and systemic violence and our own experience of forgiveness.
We must actively choose the way of peace every day, as a way of preparing our hearts, homes, churches and our communities for the arrival of the Prince of Peace who is birthed in every decision and action we take in building a culture of justice and peace.
Sunday 8 December - Second Sunday of Advent
Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
PRAYERS
Monday 9 December Lord, today we pray for peace, especially places, regions and countries caught up in war and violence. May peace be restored.
Tuesday 10 December - Human Rights Day This Human Rights Day we celebrate the fundamental rights we share and safeguard the rights of our fellow human beings. We pray for our partners the Iglesia Filipina Independiente as they continue to advocate for the human rights of Indigenous people.
Wednesday 11 December Let us pray for an amplification of prophetic voices, calling out injustice.
Thursday 12 December Heavenly Father, we pray for all people who are silenced and cannot speak out because of oppression or fear, may their voices be heard.
Friday 13 December Father God, we uplift in prayer women, men and children experiencing violence in their homes, relationships and the church. May you bring your peace.
Saturday 14 December As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” (Luke 3:1-6)
15-21 December Joy – Advent
REFLECTIONS
The Revd Sonja Hunter – Priest at All Saints Anglican Church in Samoa, Diocese of Polynesia
Read Zephaniah 3:14-20
We read and see Prophet Zephaniah warning Jerusalem of the punishment that will fall on them because of their rebellious and sinful nature. Whilst they continue in sin, God warned that He will destroy all who continue and those who believe and are humble will be saved and receive His promise to live in joy and peace. So, Zephaniah tells all the believers to sing with joy, praise God, ask for forgiveness, and inherit His promises and blessings. The prophet also told Jerusalem that the King lives amongst them, highlighting His plan of salvation in Christ Jesus. God is revealing that He is delighted with those who love Him and that He will grant them blessings, forgiveness and joy.
In the same way, we in the present day rejoice in God, for despite our sins we have been forgiven through our beloved Saviour, Jesus Christ. And so, we thank Him for thinking of us all the time, saving us from sin, and giving us peace and joy, remembering that Zephaniah tells us believers to sing with joy unto the Lord.
The islands across the Blue Pacific Continent all have their own cultures and traditions. The Anglican Church of Samoa exists within this region to bring the Samoan people together in a common faith. We always have fun in worship because of our joy in Christ. Everything we are and all that we have is thanks to God.
Sunday 15 December – Third Sunday of Advent
'The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? '
Psalm 27:1
PRAYERS
Monday 16 December We thank you Father God for your love which has drawn us closer to you through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. We thank you that through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can hear your voice and be guided on the best path for our lives as you have promised.
Tuesday 17 December Loving Father, we pray for our sisters and brothers in Samoa as families come together and prepare to celebrate Christ’s coming. Fill them with excitement and gratitude as they celebrate Jesus, your greatest gift.
Wednesday 18 December Lord, we pray for The Revd Sonja and the wider ministry team at All Saints, Samoa. Thank you for their love and service of you. Give them rest over this busy period.
Thursday 19 December Father, we pray for the Anglican Church in Samoa and all dioceses across the Communion who welcome many to church over the Christmas period. We pray that churches may be places of welcome, and the services may glorify you and be moments of great joy.
Friday 20 December God, we thank you that the Anglican Church in Samoa is investing in initiatives that tell people about who you are. Please bless their boldness and openness to people of other or no faiths, that many may come to know of your saving grace.
Saturday 21 December Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of Jesus. As we near Christmas, fill every home and church with thankfulness and worship.
22-28 December Love – Advent
REFLECTIONS
The Revd Lopa Mudra Mistry – Presbyter in the Diocese of Calcutta, the Church of North India (CNI)
Read Micah 5:2-5a
The Synodical Board of Social Service (SBSS) Kolkata of CNI has been serving the 11 villages of West Bengal's South 24 Parganas region for over 25 years, focusing on improving malnutrition and increasing family income.
To combat malnutrition issues, a series of nutrition camps, organised by SBSS Kolkata CNI, recently took place in each of the villages. The community gained valuable knowledge about healthy diets and the benefits of local foods. To boost family income, participants learned multi-layer farming techniques and how to create organic fertilisers and pesticides.
Through these camps, the SBSS Kolkata CNI has been able to display God’s love in action and has demonstrated to the community as in Micah 5:2-5a, that God cares for the least and left behind and does not leave them out. God is concerned for them so that they can live in security, the security that food will be available to them from their own fields and that the produce of the Earth will render to them the security of finance from the sale of their produce which is tastier, healthier and locally grown.
God’s love translated into action when he made us in his own image to have communion with Him. The sacrifice of our time and energy cannot compare to the sacrifice of Christ. But in this season of Advent, we can reflect on big and small ways to share the love of Christ.
Sunday 22 December – Fourth Sunday of Advent
Almighty God, help us to show love through actions, caring for all regardless of their background or beliefs. Help us to define ourselves by love of others, and not of self. May our actions, not only our words, reflect true love.
PRAYERS
Monday 23 December Father, as we await your coming, may today be filled with peace and free of any distractions that lead our heart away from you.
Tuesday 24 December – Christmas Eve Thank you for the gift of salvation and the love that you have shown us through Jesus Christ.
Wednesday 25 December – Christmas Day Loving God who has come to dwell among us, we celebrate with joy that with the coming of Jesus you have made a way for us to become like you. We give thanks that you chose to make yourself known in the birth of a child. Help us to receive the Son with childlike faith.
Thursday 26 December – Feast of St Stephen Father God, as we bask in the joy of your coming may we remember at this time of year that many are lonely and suffering. Be with them O Lord.
Friday 27 December – Feast of St John the ApoSTLE and Martyrs Lord, may we grasp with proper understanding what God has revealed to us through the blessed Apostle John.
Saturday 28 December – Feast of the Holy Innocents Lord, heal all who are hurt by injustice - mend spirits, wipe tears, comfort with divine love, bring assurance that justice will prevail.
REFLECTIONS
29 Dec– 4 Jan We Believe, We Belong: Nicene Creed
Dr Paulo Ueti – Theological Advisor and Regional Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean, USPG
Let us reflect critically on the significance of the Council of Nicaea and its legacy in shaping the Christian faith. Convened by Emperor Constantine in 325 AD, the council profoundly impacted Christian doctrine, but it was also a moment when faith and imperial power intersected in complex ways. While the Nicene Creed was intended to unite the church and ensure that the divinity of Christ was firmly established, we must acknowledge the historical context in which this took place – within the framework of the Roman Empire.
The Council of Nicaea was called to resolve the Arian controversy* and stabilise the empire through religious cohesion. This raises important questions about how imperial power shaped the decisions made at the council. Unity was as much a political goal as a theological one. While the creed brought Christians together around shared beliefs, we must be aware of the dangers of equating unity with uniformity. When faith becomes entangled with political power, there is always a risk that diversity will be suppressed in the name of order.
As we commemorate the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, let us pray for a church that embraces unity in diversity, recognising the richness of different expressions of faith without imposing uniformity. In a global context where the church has often been used as an instrument of colonialism and control, we are called to reflect critically on our history and to seek a form of unity that respects cultural and theological diversity. Let us pray for a church that resists the temptation of imperial conformity and instead embodies Christ's message of love, justice and inclusion for all creation.
* The Arian controversy was a series of theological disputes about the nature of Jesus Christ.
Sunday 29 December
Lord, we give thanks for the wisdom and discernment granted to the church at the Council of Nicaea, where the foundation of our faith was affirmed. We praise you for the clarity provided through the Nicene Creed, which proclaims Jesus as fully divine and fully human, one with you in substance and essence.
PRAYERS
Monday 30 December We pray for a Church that embraces diversity in all its forms. Help us recognise the beauty in differing expressions of faith and remain united in Christ without suppressing the unique voices within your Church.
Tuesday 31 December As we prepare to celebrate the new year, may the truth of this Creed continue to inspire us, reminding us that you, O God, have revealed yourself fully in Christ, the Word made flesh. Empower us to live in the fullness of this revelation, proclaiming your love to the world.
Wednesday 1 January – New Year's Day/The Naming and Circumcision of Jesus Father, this new year we declare together that: "We Believe" in one God, one Lord and Holy Spirit. May we also remember that "We Belong"—to you, to one another, and to a global Church.
Thursday 2 January God of justice, help us reflect on how power shapes our faith and lead us toward justice and peace. Guide us to follow Jesus’ example of humble service and self-giving love, becoming a Church that seeks reconciliation in all corners of the world.
Friday 3 January Creator God, as we reflect on the unity of the Trinity proclaimed at Nicaea, we are reminded of you as creator and our responsibility to care for your creation. Teach us to be faithful stewards of the Earth.
Saturday 4 January Father, in a time of climate crisis, may we act boldly and compassionately, living out the faith we proclaim by caring for your world. As we affirm our belief in Christ, let our actions reflect His love for all of creation.
5 – 11
January
PROGRAMME UPDATE
The Melanesian Brotherhood Centenary
Ella Sibley – Regional Manager for Europe and Oceania, USPG
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Melanesian Brotherhood by Ini Kopuria, an Indigenous Solomon Islander and former police officer. His vision was for an order of Indigenous brothers who would share the gospel in Melanesia.
The Melanesian Brotherhood is now the largest Anglican religious order in the world, with brothers living in the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Australia, the Philippines, and across the Pacific Islands. They are known for their work in evangelism, choir singing, and peace-making.
We remember particularly the seven martyrs of the Melanesian Brotherhood. During the conflict in the Solomon Islands in the early 2000s, the brotherhood followed God’s call to peace-making, helping mediate between opposing groups, negotiating the release of hostages, and coordinating a weapons amnesty. In 2003, seven brothers were murdered whilst working for peace: Brother Patteson Gatu, Brother Alfred Hill, Brother Robin Lindsay, Brother Ini Paratabatu, Brother Nathaniel Sado, Brother Tony Sirhi, and Brother Francis Tofi. They are commemorated as martyrs and Christian peacemakers.
In this, their centenary year, we give thanks for Ini Kopuria and his vision, for the life and sacrifice of the martyrs of the brotherhood, and for the one hundred years of faithful witness and service offered by the Melanesian Brotherhood to people across the region.
Sunday 5 January
‘For in him every one of God’s promises is a “Yes.” For this reason it is through him that we say the ‘Amen’, to the glory of God.’
2 Corinthians 1:20
PRAYERS
Monday 6 January – The Epiphany Almighty God, as we celebrate the Epiphany and the revealing of Christ’s light to the nations, we give thanks for the Melanesian Brotherhood and their century of faithful witness. We remember especially the martyrs who, like the Magi, followed your call and gave their lives in the service of peace.
Tuesday 7 January Father, we pray for the centenary celebrations of the Melanesian Brotherhood, asking for your presence as thousands gather to worship and celebrate your faithfulness together.
Wednesday 8 January Lord, bless the evangelistic efforts of the Melanesian Brotherhood in the region, as they share your gospel through songs and dramatised Bible stories. May hearts be touched and lives transformed.
Thursday 9 January God of peace, we pray for the Pacific Islands, asking you to bring unity, stability, and harmony to the region.
Friday 10 January Lord, guide and strengthen the 50 new novices joining the brothers this year, may they grow in faith and service of you.
Saturday 11 January Heavenly Father, we commit the next 100 years of the Melanesian Brotherhood into your hands, praying for continued growth, grace, and impact for your Kingdom.
PROGRAMME UPDATE
12-18 January
A Bag of Flour
Rachel Weller – Communications Officer, USPG
Yusuf* was inside his tent when he learnt that trucks were distributing flour in a nearby town. Getting food had quickly become a great concern for every Palestinian. Leaving his tent, Yusuf joined crowds making the one-hour journey by foot in search of the distribution spot. Some flour would help him bake some bread, perhaps.
Upon arriving, all was not as it seemed. Whirring noises overhead indicated an air strike. Before long, Yusuf had been hit and was unable to walk. In a place where he should have received help, instead he found harm. Miraculously, a stranger passing by carried him onto a cart. The driver mentioned that only Al-Ahli Hospital was still operational in Gaza City. He was losing a lot of blood but maybe they could help.
Arriving at the emergency room, Yusuf was quickly admitted to orthopaedics and rushed into urgent surgery. The doctor, aware of the seriousness of the situation, relied on God for the operation. The hospital medical staff provided Yusuf with all necessary treatment, free of charge. After some time, his condition improved. He thanked the medical staff for the successful surgery as well as the specialist who had attended to him with particular care.
The Shuja'iyya neighbourhood in Gaza has suffered some of the worst destruction from occupying forces due to its proximity to the border. For many like Yusuf, this is home.
*name changed to protect privacy
Our Lent Appeal 2025 will focus on the Diocese of Jerusalem. www.uspg.org.uk
Sunday 12 January – First Sunday of Epiphany
Together we lament with the Psalmist David: ‘How long, O Lord?...How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?’ (extracts from Psalm 13:1-2). The suffering in the Middle East is heartbreaking, and we mourn the injustice committed against innocent people.
PRAYERS
Monday 13 January Lord, we pray for people who are terrified, mourning and suffering. We pray to the God that can heal, asking that they may be saved from despair – for the trauma and violence they’ve experienced not to overshadow hope.
Tuesday 14 January Pray for our partners in the Diocese of Jerusalem – for wisdom and strength to lead people through fear and uncertainty. Pray for bravery as they guide their communities and offer loving support.
Wednesday 15 January Lord, we pray that people like Yusuf may have safe and equitable access to critical aid like food and water.
Thursday 16 January Pray that we remember that all people are made in God’s image and that our hearts should break when we see people suffering. May we not disconnect from injustices happening in other countries just because they are far away or long-lasting.
Friday 17 January Father God, may we be bold with our prayers, actions and words. May our lament turn into action.
Saturday 18 January Heavenly Father, we praise you that Al-Ahli Anglican Hospital can provide important medical services. We thank you for the Anglican Alliance Partnership network that supports the Diocese of Jerusalem in its ministry of healing.
19-25 January Whom Shall I Send?
PROGRAMME UPDATE
Rachael
Anderson –
Senior Communications & Engagement Manager, USPG
The second year of the “Whom Shall I Send” leadership, ministry, and mission training took place on 26 August in Famagusta, in partnership with the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East and the Anglican Alliance. Young people from dioceses across the region, including the United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Jordan, Cyprus, Qatar, and Jerusalem, gathered to strengthen cross-cultural leadership grounded in understanding diverse contexts.
The theme for the week, “Under the Tent of Abraham and Sarah,” guided discussions on welcoming strangers, peacebuilding in religious conflicts, and partnering with God. The group visited key locations such as Nicosia and Varosha, using Cyprus' history of conflict and reconciliation as a learning tool.
Their time together was rooted in worship, prayer, and spiritual reflection, culminating in a Holy Communion service where participants committed to carrying their newfound insights into their local communities.
The Rt Revd Sean Semple, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Cyprus and The Gulf shared at the opening Eucharist: ‘It is important for us to be gathered in a place of division like Cyprus, seeking God’s inspiration to be peacemakers.’
Sunday 19 January – Second Sunday of Epiphany
‘I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.’
Genesis 17:7
PRAYERS
Monday 20 January Father, help these young people to carry the spirit of unity and cross-cultural understanding into their communities, that they may be your instruments of reconciliation in a divided world.
Tuesday 21 January Lord, we pray for the young people who participated in the "Whom Shall I Send?" training. Fill their hearts with your peace and wisdom as they strive to become peacemakers in times of conflict. Like Abraham and Sarah, may they welcome strangers and work for justice, guided by your love and grace.
Wednesday 22 January Heavenly Father, as these young leaders return to their local dioceses, may the lessons they learned and the reflections they shared transform their lives and their communities.
Thursday 23 January Gracious God, we lift to you the leaders and organisers of the "Whom Shall I Send?" training. Thank you for their vision, dedication, and hard work in bringing together young leaders.
Friday 24 January – International Day of Education Lord, we thank you for the gift of education and its power to transform lives. Open doors for young people denied access and inspire us to work for a world where education is available to all.
Saturday 25 January – The Conversion of Paul O Lord, we thank you for the conversion of Paul and the power of your grace to transform lives. Give us the courage to follow your call, spreading the gospel with love and boldness. Like Paul, may we be faithful witnesses to your redeeming power.
26 January –1 February
REFLECTIONS
A Reflection on 2 Timothy
The Revd Canon Dr Nicky Chater – Chair of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Friendly Churches and Chaplain for these communities in the Diocese of Durham
Read 2 Timothy 1:7
Monday 27 January is the International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. We particularly remember the six million Jews deliberately killed. Less well known, at least 500,000 Gypsies and Roma lost their lives; 2-3 August is commemorated as the night the remaining Gypsy and Roma people, over 4,000, were killed in Auschwitz-Birkenau. Genocide requires fear of people who we identify as different, belief that such people threaten us, and encouragement to unthinkingly act on our beliefs.
We know that God does not want us to act unthinkingly from fear. For example, from 2 Timothy 1:7 ‘God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of selfdiscipline’. Gypsy, Roma and Traveller peoples stay marginalised and disadvantaged in all countries and many are Christians with a living faith. In the UK Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Friendly Churches works to challenge negative stereotypes and help church congregations welcome, support and learn from people of these communities.
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Friendly Churches seek to challenge prejudice and work for harmony, understanding and co-operation between communities, churches and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people. There is a wide network of ministers and volunteers working with these communities worldwide.
Sunday 26 January – Third Sunday of Epiphany
‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.’
Psalm 19:14
PRAYERS
Monday 27 January – International Holocaust Remembrance Day (IMHD)
Forgive us when we give space to fear, negativity, and hatred of others, simply because they are different from us. Through our prayers and actions, help us to stand together with people and communities who are suffering, so that light may banish all darkness, love will prevail over hate and good will triumph over evil.
Tuesday 28 January We pray for the work of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Friendly Churches, especially the preparation and planning for a conference with the Diocese of Salisbury in the cathedral in May 2025.
Wednesday 29 January Bless all who work to offer shelter and security to marginalised and vulnerable people and grant us generosity in supporting them.
Thursday 30 January Lord, grant us compassion for people who have no secure place to live, including Gypsies, Roma, and Travellers. Help us to understand how much our wellbeing rests on knowing somewhere as home, and how participating in healthcare, employment and education relies on where we live.
Friday 31 January Holy God, we pray for people who cannot make use of many good things a society can offer because of our systems. We think of people who cannot prove their identity, or understand the necessary language, or fill in forms.
Saturday 1 February Lord, in these times, when we fear we are losing hope or feel our efforts are futile, let us see in our hearts and minds the image of your resurrection, and let that be our source of courage and strength. With that, and in your company, help us to face challenges and struggles against all that is born of injustice.
REFLECTIONS
2-8 February Common Humanity and Love for Religious “Other”
The Revd Dr Salli Effungani – Minister in the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) and Programme Officer for the Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA), and Adjunct Lecturer on Interfaith Relations at St Paul's University, Limuru, Kenya
The first week of February is World Interfaith Harmony Week.
Celebrating our shared humanity and extending love to individuals of diverse religions is essential to our Christian mission today. As societies grow more pluralistic, the interdependence among communities across religious divides becomes crucial for collective growth, peace, and development.
Amidst the growing religious conflicts and the spectre of violent extremism, PROCMURA calls upon the church to adopt an inclusive approach to its mission. This approach, deeply rooted in the biblical teachings of “love of God” (Mark 12:30) and “love of the neighbour” (Mark 12:31), is a transformative reality that transcends our ecclesiastical boundaries and addresses the needs of all people created by God.
This time invites us to reflect on the shared values inherent in all religions and to apply these principles to eliminate intolerance and discrimination based on faith. The moral imperatives found in diverse convictions call for peace, tolerance, and mutual understanding. By fostering an environment of patience and humility, we can utilise our religious diversity to improve the world. Ultimately, we are all citizens of the world, unified by our common humanity, and we must strive to love, respect, understand, and collaborate for a peaceful and prosperous existence.
Sunday 2 February
‘Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.’
Ephesians 4:31-32
PRAYERS
Monday 3 February We thank you for creating us in your image, each unique and precious in your sight. Help us to celebrate our shared humanity and extend love to those of diverse faiths and backgrounds.
Tuesday 4 February God, reveal yourself to us in ways that we can understand, so that we can live a life that is worthy of our calling.
Wednesday 5 February Our dear Father, we bring before you the mission of the church in a growing, changing context. Grow us to trust you through the highs and lows of change, so that you may get the glory.
Thursday 6 February We pray against discrimination, bigotry, and torture meted out by people because of their religious affiliations.
Friday 7 February We pray for love, respect, and collaboration among people from diverse religions for the good of humanity and the world.
Saturday 8 February Lord God, we need your justice, which rolls like a river (Amos 5:24), and your peace, which passes all human understanding (Philippians 4:7).
9-15 FebruarY
Founders’ Day
REFLECTIONS
Dr Jo Sadgrove – Research & Learning Advisor, USPG
USPG has a complicated historical legacy which encompasses the most violent aspects, including involvement in chattel slavery. Founders’ Day poses acute ethical challenges to an organisation reckoning with such a past.
I was struck by the challenges of this when I attended Founders’ Day at Codrington College. At this event, held on the lawn outside the college, staff, students and community met to recognise the “good intentions” of Christopher Codrington, who bequeathed the plantations to the fledgling SPG to found a theological training institution. How, I wondered, could the Barbadians present, descendants of enslaved Africans who laboured in the unthinkable death spaces of the plantations, stand and utter this man’s name? What cost did doing so pose to their spiritual and mental wellbeing? What was the personal price of this act of remembrance, which mentioned nothing of the economy of death which defined the Codrington Plantations under the SPG’s oversight for over a hundred years?
For USPG, commemoration must require a different imaginary and praxis: one that prioritises lament for all that has been lost and destroyed, and seeks justice through deep and painful selfexamination of all that has followed.
Sunday 9 February – The Fourth Sunday before Lent
‘If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.’
1 John 1:6-7
PRAYERS
Monday 10 February Lord, forgive us for the ways in which your Church has been complicit in systems of oppression and death. Shine your light upon the darkness of our past and lead us into true repentance and healing.
Tuesday 11 February Father, we lament the silence that surrounds the brutal history of Codrington College, where the voices of the enslaved are still not heard. We grieve for the pain that is unspoken and for the erasure of the suffering caused by an economy of death.
Wednesday 12 February Father, teach us to honour truth, and lead us in writing new stories of justice, humility, and reconciliation.
Thursday 13 February Lord, we pray for historians, archivists and researchers across the world who work to uncover truths buried by history. Teach us, like them, to honour good and condemn evil.
Friday 14 February Righteous God, we confess our failure to fully reckon with the sins of the past. Purify our hearts, Lord, and grant us the strength for deep self-examination. May we not only mourn what has been lost, but also commit to building a future rooted in justice, truth, and love.
Saturday 15 February – Founders’ Day We pray for the work of USPG on the day that we remember its founder, Thomas Bray. May we look back with open minds to discover new insights to inform the path we tread.
PROGRAMME UPDATE
16-22 February
The Struggle for Indigenous Land Rights in Brazil
The Revd Dr Rodrigo Espiúca dos Anjos Siqueira – Coordinator of the Department of Advocacy, Human, Environmental and Territorial Rights of the Anglican Diocese of Brasília. Pastor of Espírito Santo Parish, Novo Gama, Goiás
Brazil's Indigenous people have had their rights attacked for centuries. Not least regarding their rights to possession and ownership of ancestral lands. Since the 16th century, with the arrival of Portuguese colonisers, and in the 19th century, with the waves of immigration from Italy, Germany and Poland, the Indigenous people of Brazil have been losing more and more space due to large-scale agriculture, livestock farming and the clearing of forests and jungles. In addition, the indiscriminate use of pesticides is seriously affecting the health of Indigenous populations, especially children.
In this sense, Indigenous peoples and traditional communities (e.g. Quilombolas – Afro Brazilians, farmers, and fishermen) are clamouring for immediate and urgent action to stop the violations of their rights. The most recent violation, comes from the legislative branch itself, which with the approval of a new law, reinforces the “Marco Temporal” clause, according to which only people who were occupying ancestral lands on 5 October 1988 (the date of the promulgation of the 1988 Federal Constitution) would have the right to remain and use the land. Indigenous people and traditional communities who were expelled from their ancestral lands by waves of immigration, and did not obtain official demarcation of their lands before October 1988, therefore do not have the right to occupy the land of their ancestors.
Sunday 16 February – The Third Sunday before Lent
'Thus says the Lord: Act with justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor anyone who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place.'
Jeremiah 22:3
PRAYERS
Monday 17 February May God look with mercy on the Indigenous peoples and traditional communities of Brazil and grant them a place to rest and work the land.
Tuesday 18 February We pray for transparency and honesty, that the political authorities may realise the serious injustice suffered by Indigenous peoples and traditional communities.
Wednesday 19 February May God, in his infinite mercy, give courage, hope and strength to the activists in favour of human, environmental and territorial rights in Brazil.
Thursday 20 February – World Day of Social Justice We pray that churches, faith communities and religious organisations will discover their role in eliminating injustice and defending the rights of the most vulnerable.
Friday 21 February – International Mother Language Day Father God, may the spiritual gifts born of diverse languages and cultures may be released to inspire us all within a truly global Church.
Saturday 22 February Lord, we pray for your blessing on The Revd Dr Rodrigo’s ministry as a vicar and as a lawyer, as he seeks to boldly proclaim your justice in Brasília and beyond.
PROGRAMME UPDATE
23 February –
1 March A Grain of Wheat
The Revd Dr Nevsky Everett – Chaplain of the Church of the Resurrection, Bucharest, Romania, and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s representative to the Romanian Orthodox Patriarchate
On 1 March, Romanians celebrate an ancient Spring festival by wearing intertwined red and white threads. The colours are of blood and snow, recalling a legend in which the hero dies fighting to free the captured sun. Where his warm blood dissolved the snow, the first snowdrop appeared. The story’s themes are profoundly Christian, echoing Jesus’ words about life coming out of death in John 12:24.
This week also marks the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In the face of war, it's hard to believe in the triumph of life over death. On our news screens and in the stories of refugees, we encounter so much suffering and heartache. But Jesus knows the depth of our pain and the cost of the world’s evil. By his death, Jesus brings us the hope of eternal life. That hope doesn’t lessen the grief and tragedy of war, but it points us to a new future where the victory of love is final. In that hope, we can discern the signs of God’s future breaking into our present moment; the radical generosity and hospitality that people have shown to those whose lives are affected by war, the many acts of love and service shown by individuals, institutions and communities.
In our broken and fallen world, we cannot escape our own suffering or the suffering of our neighbours. But Jesus promises us that life will spring from death, like a grain of wheat in the earth.
Sunday 23 February - The Second Sunday before Lent
‘ Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.’
John 12:24
PRAYERS
Monday 24 February – Anniversary of the Invasion of Ukraine Lord, we lift the nation of Ukraine to you. We ask for your divine intervention to bring peace, healing, and reconciliation. Soften the hearts of leaders, bring an end to violence, and lasting peace.
Tuesday 25 February God, we pray for all the aid workers and organisations supporting Ukrainian refugees – especially our partners at the Church of the Resurrection in Bucharest. Grant them strength, resources, and wisdom as they work tirelessly to provide care, shelter, and support to those in need.
Wednesday 26 February Heavenly Father, inspire us to act with generosity and compassion where we are. May our hearts be moved to help those affected by war, whether through giving, prayers, or practical assistance.
Thursday 27 February Lord, in the face of suffering, we ask for hope. Comfort the people of Ukraine, especially those who feel despair and grief. Let them experience your presence and hold fast to the hope that you bring, even in the darkest of times.
Friday 28 February Heavenly Father, we praise you for the Church of the Resurrection and their faithful service to you and their community. Bless Father Nevsky and the team’s ministry with strength, wisdom, and continued impact as they bring hope and healing to those in need.
Saturday 1 March – St David's Day / Zero Discrimination Day ‘Be joyful, keep your faith and your creed, and do the little things’. Today, as we remember David, patron saint of Wales, let us pray to God who calls people in every generation to be faithful witnesses to his son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
PROGRAMME
2-8 March
The World’s Greatest Leader: Jesus Christ
The Rt Revd Filomena Tete Estevão - Bishop of Angola
During Jesus’ earthly ministry, he exercised authority and yet showed simplicity and mercy to all. He impacted the world by transforming man in all areas of life: setting the captives free, healing the sick and performing miracles. We are called to follow his example, our greatest world leader.
He left a promise saying: ‘...the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.’ (John 14:12). These and other promises should reinforce our faith that we have a God who knows everything and can do everything, even when circumstances are less than favourable. To this end, we must lead a life of prayer, because the intimate relationship between the persons of the Trinity is manifested in the doctrine of prayer.
To pray in Jesus' name is to pray as a representative, especially those appointed to exercise his authority and therefore according to his will. Jesus was primarily assuring his disciples and apostles, and their representatives with authority given by him, that God would answer their prayers during their respective ministries. This same assurance on a smaller scale also applies to the Church, which represents Christ on Earth in order that the Father may be glorified.
Sunday 2 March – The Sunday next before Lent
‘ Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.’
John 14:12-14
PRAYERS
Monday 3 March Father, we thank you for the example of Jesus, the greatest leader of all, who served with love, humility, and selfsacrifice. Help leaders to follow in his footsteps, seeking not power or prestige, but the wellbeing and flourishing of those they serve.
Tuesday 4 March Lord, equip us all to live lives rooted in prayer. Help us to seek you daily, finding strength and direction in your presence, and cultivating hearts that are open to your guidance.
Wednesday 5 March – Ash Wednesday Lord forgive the sins of all who are repentant. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our sin, may obtain forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Thursday 6 March We lift the street children of Luanda, who face extreme poverty. Surround the children with your protection and provide them with hope, dignity, and justice. Grant the Anglican Church wisdom and compassion to support the children and campaign against structures of injustice.
Friday 7 March Heavenly Father, we thank you for the Anglican Church of Mozambique and Angola, the youngest Anglican province. We ask your blessing on their ministry.
Saturday 8 March – International Women’s Day Lord, we give you thanks and praise for the strength, resilience, and leadership of women across the world.
9-15 March
The Church and Unity
REFLECTIONS
The Rt Revd Dr Royce M Victor – Bishop in the Diocese of Malabar, Church of South India.
This week marks the first Sunday in Lent and we share an extract from USPG’s 2025 Lent Course focused on the Nicene Creed.
The Nicene Creed, a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith, was formulated in the fourth century as a response to the crisis of disintegration that the church and the empire was facing due to various heresies. Its primary objective was to defend the faith and oneness of the church globally, and it remains relevant even today in bringing together all who believe in Christ Jesus. Its significance in fostering church unity is undeniable and is attributable to several key reasons.
The Nicene Creed establishes essential theological truths that transcend Christian denominational boundaries worldwide. Its affirmation of belief in one God, the Trinity, and the divinity of Jesus Christ provides a common foundation for Christians across the globe. In a diverse and fragmented religious landscape of today, it serves as a rallying point, reminding all believers of their shared core beliefs.
The Creed remains profoundly relevant in fostering unity within the church today. As Christians continue to navigate the complexities of a changing world, it stands as a beacon of unity, guiding them back to the essential truths of their faith.
For the full reflection from our partner churches around the world, you can order or download the course at www.uspg.org.uk
Sunday 9 March - The First Sunday in Lent
‘Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.’
John 17:25-26
PRAYERS
Monday 10 March We pray for this season of Lent, that this time of deep reflection draws us closer to you O Lord.
Tuesday 11 March Let us pray for all believers in our community –may our core beliefs unify us so that we can live in peace.
Wednesday 12 March We pray for all parts of the world where there is religious conflict and unrest. Lord, may we focus on what connects us rather than what divides.
Thursday 13 March We pray for our partner churches in South India –may their work and mission be blessed.
Friday 14 March Father God, we pray for the work of all organisations and charities seeking to work with all faiths and none – may they continue to show how this is an example of tolerance and love.
Saturday 15 March I will lean in, retreat from the pressures I face, and move closer and deeper into your love. I will breathe out, refrain from the distractions I seek, and become open and receiving of your grace. I will linger, encircled by the depth of your care, and receive the endless nature of your mercy.
PRAY WITH THE WORLD CHURCH
Cyprus – Whom Shall I Send? Youth programme
Brazil – Indigenous land rights
1 DeCeMBER 2024 - 31 MAY 2025
RomaniaUkrainian aid
KenyaInterfaith relations
BangladeshCommunity healthcare
MelanesiaMelanesian Brotherhood Centenary
PROGRAMME UPDATE
16-22 March Truth: The Path to Reconciliation
Rachel Weller, Communications Officer, USPG
‘We each have the power to change our world. We’re not all going to be Nobel Peace Prize winners and we’re not all going to have books written about our lives. But we all can impact someone’s life in a positive way.’
This is just some of the wisdom shared by The Revd Nontombi Tutu, Episcopal priest and human rights activist, as she led our inaugural Desmond Tutu Memorial Lecture on 'Truth, the Path to Reconciliation' held at York Minister.
She shared about the importance of being truthful; about our history, our own roles in societal ills and the power that we each must make change. To this end, she referenced a particular testimony that stood out to her during a hearing of Truth and Reconciliation Commission – a legal body tasked with exposing human rights abuses and promoting reconciliation after the apartheid.
The letter, written by a young, white South African, read: ‘I didn’t know about policing in black classrooms. I didn’t know what my government was doing to my black compatriots. I didn’t know...and I recognise that part of me chose not to know’. So often, we stop at what we don’t know and brush things aside. How much more powerful is it, therefore, to courageously listen and speak the truth in love.
Sunday 16 March – The Second Sunday in Lent
‘Finally, brothers and sisters, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that, as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God (as, in fact, you are doing), you should do so more and more. 1
Thessalonians 4:1
PRAYERS
Monday 17 March Dear God, grant us the courage to seek and speak the truth in all aspects of our lives. May we find the strength to acknowledge our own roles in the injustices we witness and strive to be agents of reconciliation.
Tuesday 18 March Gracious Creator, remind us that each of us has the power to make a difference in the world. Let our small actions create ripples of positive change, echoing the legacy of love and justice left by Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Wednesday 19 March – The Feast of St Joseph Heavenly Father, whose Son grew in wisdom and stature in the home of Joseph the carpenter of Nazareth and on the wood of the cross perfected the work of the world’s salvation: help us, strengthened by this sacrament of his passion, to count the wisdom of the world as foolishness, and to walk with him in simplicity and trust; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Thursday 20 March
Loving God, we pray for the healing of our divided communities. Teach us to listen deeply and respond with empathy, following the path of truth that leads to reconciliation.
Friday 21 March – UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Lord, grant us a prophetic consciousness to stand against racial discrimination and injustice. Help us be bold advocates for truth and righteousness, promoting equality and unity among all people. May we create a world where every person is valued and treated with dignity.
Saturday 22 March Lord, bless the Anglican Church of Southern Africa as a beacon of hope and reconciliation, empowering them to advocate for justice and embody Christ’s love.
PROGRAMME UPDATE
23-29 March Towards Reconciliation and Renewal
The Revd Canon Dr Carlton J Turner – Anglican Tutor in Contextual Theology and Mission Studies and Deputy Director of Research at The Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham
7 September 2024 will forever be a significant date in the life of USPG and the Caribbean region. The launch of the joint project seeking to bring reparative justice for the legacies of plantation slavery on the Codrington Estates, Barbados, is the first of its kind for the region. As one of the Church of England’s earliest mission agencies, USPG (then SPG) owned two slave plantations in Barbados as per the bequest of Barbadian planter, Sir Christopher Codrington III in 1710. Between 1710 and 1838, USPG benefitted from the labour of enslaved persons on the Codrington Estate. This is deeply disturbing history that has legacies into the present day, not only for the life of the descendants of the slaves in the community of St John, but for the Church of England generally as it grapples with its deep ties and involvement in human trafficking and enslavement.
In thinking about how the subject of reparations is handled, I’m grateful for the three things that have been placed at the centre of the project. Firstly, there is honesty, acknowledgement, and repentance. Secondly, the project seeks to model partnership and collaboration, but with a key emphasis letting those on the ground take the lead. Finally, there is an insistence on openness and transparency. Being held accountable is a primary aim in the partnership. With these three thoughts in mind, USPG is carrying out the gospel mandate about reconciliation and renewal.
Sunday 23 March – The Third Sunday in Lent
‘There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.’ Galatians 3:28
PRAYERS
Monday 24 March Lord, we pray for healing from the legacies of enslavement around the world. Help us to bring repair and renewal to all people who have been traumatised.
Tuesday 25 March – The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary / International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade Lord, on this day of remembrance, we honour the lives lost and the suffering endured by the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. We pray for healing and justice for those still affected by its legacy. May we remember their stories and strive to create a world free from oppression and discrimination.
Wednesday 26 March Lord, we ask for a Church that is willing to repent for its historic injustices. May we seek forgiveness and work towards healing and justice for all.
Thursday 27 March God, we pray for good governance and stronger relationships in contexts of conflict. May your peace guide leaders as they seek repair and reconciliation.
Friday 28 March Father, we pray for the success and sustainability of the Codrington Project. Bless the Codrington Trust, USPG and their leaders and staff as well as the people it aims to serve. May it honour you as the God who restores and reconciles.
Saturday 29 March Lord, we pray for our partner organisations like the West Midlands Racial Justice Unit and the Anglican Minority Ethnic Network as they work to promote racial justice and eliminate racism, may they move us from lament to action.
REFLECTIONS
30 March – 5 April
Inspiration of the Holy Spirit
The Revd Rock Higgins – Rector of St James the Less Episcopal Church, Ashland, Virginia, and the Triangle of Hope Youth Pilgrimage Lead for the Diocese of Virginia
As we continue to journey through Lent we share an extract from USPG’s 2025 Lent Course focused on the Nicene Creed.
Our work with the Triangle of Hope is a ministry of reconciliation. One of the greatest gifts of my life has been the opportunity to work with sisters and brothers on three continents to overcome the nightmares of the transatlantic slave trade. This is something that none of us can do in isolation, but in and through the humility that comes from being transformed by the Holy Spirit working in and through as “new creations.”
This work comes with much sweat and tears, often stretching us in uncomfortable ways. But like all things worth having, we must work to make it a reality. In our pilgrimages in each of our dioceses, we see the evidence of the legacy of the work done in the past. We cannot wish it away, nor can we ignore it. As we follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we can honestly “worship and glorify” which we promise to do in the Creed.
This season, where can you be about a “ministry of reconciliation”? Where can you put in your sweat and tears to help fulfil God’s dream for our hurting and sin-ravaged world? While the Triangle of Hope stretches across continents, your ministry might be with a neighbour or a family member. Begin where you are and let the Holy Spirit guide you to wholeness and healing.
For the full reflection and others from our partner churches around the world you can order or download the course at www.uspg.org.uk
Sunday 30 March – The Fourth Sunday in Lent / Mothering Sunday
Lord, we thank you for the gift of motherhood. Today, we celebrate the loving sacrifice of mothers, both biological and spiritual, who nurture and guide us in your ways. Bless all who mother with joy, strength, and love. May they feel deeply appreciated and honoured today and every day.
PRAYERS
Monday 31 March Lord, bring us into a communion with you that grows richer and more splendid in time. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who lives inside us, comforting, teaching, correcting and leading us. Enable us to hear the Holy Spirit, and through him know you more deeply.
Tuesday 1 April Let us pray for the work of the Triangle of Hope and all their corresponding dioceses.
Wednesday 2 April Father God, we ask that you open our hearts so we can hear the Holy Spirit’s prompting for our ministry of reconciliation.
Thursday 3 April We pray for all young people undertaking their ministry journeys, may they feel the Holy Spirit working through them in the communities where they are based.
Friday 4 April Heavenly Father, we pray for the ministry of the Holy Spirit in bringing reconciliation to desperately broken areas in the world.
Saturday 5 April ‘So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.’ 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
PROGRAMME UPDATE
6-12 April Healthcare in Bangladesh
Mr Suvojit Mondal – Programme Director for the Church of Bangladesh Community Healthcare Programme, Dhaka, Bangladesh
The Church of Bangladesh Community Healthcare Programme continues to provide vital medical services and health education to rural and marginalised communities in Bangladesh. Many in these areas face barriers to basic healthcare due to economic challenges and geographical isolation. Our programme, which serves over 25 villages in the Dioceses of Dhaka and Barishal, offers free or affordable medical care, health workshops, and guidance on preventive health practices. We employ 33 dedicated staff members who work tirelessly at our community clinics, addressing not just physical ailments but also the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of those we serve.
Through this work, we have witnessed lives transformed—not only through improved health but by the deepening of faith among the people we assist. Our teams collaborate closely with local churches and community leaders, building trust and spreading God’s love through compassionate service. Reflecting the teachings of Christ, we aim to care for the most vulnerable, demonstrating Christ’s compassion and commitment to holistic wellbeing.
We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of USPG, which allows us to sustain and grow this vital work. Together, we continue to bring healing and hope to more communities in need.
Thank you for your generosity to our Christmas Appeal 2024. To find out more about the work your gifts have supported, please go to www.uspg.org.uk
Sunday 6 April – The Fifth Sunday in Lent
‘He heals the broken-hearted, and binds up their wounds.’
Psalm 147:3
PRAYERS
Monday 7 April – World Health Day Pray for the continued success and outreach of the Church of Bangladesh Community Healthcare Programme, as it strives to reach the most marginalised communities, ensuring they receive the medical care and support they need.
Tuesday 8 April Pray for strength, wisdom, and compassion for the healthcare workers, volunteers, and staff who dedicate themselves to this mission, as well as for the leadership of the moderator and deputy moderator, whose guidance and administrative support enable the clinic’s smooth operation.
Wednesday 9 April Pray for the healing and holistic wellbeing of those receiving medical care, that they may experience both physical recovery and spiritual renewal, growing in faith and trust in God.
Thursday 10 April Pray for the ongoing provision of resources, partnerships, and support that will enable the programme to expand its services to reach more villages and communities in need.
Friday 11 April Pray for the Church of Bangladesh to continue being a beacon of hope, demonstrating Christ’s love and compassion through its ministry of healing and service to its communities.
Saturday 12 April Lord, we lift the people of Bangladesh, where malnutrition and ill health persist, especially among women and children. May your healing touch bring hope and wellness to every family.
REFLECTIONS
13-19 April
Holy Week Reflection
The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester and Chair of Trustees, USPG
Read Luke 23:34
The telegram arrived early on Good Friday 1980. It informed me that my bishop had decided to sponsor me to train to be a priest. The very next thing in my diary that morning was to carry the processional cross for the sung liturgy, as all around me the choir of King’s College, Cambridge, where I was researching in mathematics, sang Allegri’s setting of the Miserere. It struck me then, that the message I had just received was my calling to hold up the cross of Jesus before God’s people not just for an hour one Spring Friday morning but for the rest of my life.
What had drawn me first to the Christian faith, and then on to seeking ordination, was the powerful sense I had of the God who, in Jesus Christ, knew me better than any earthly person, and at the same time loved me more deeply than any human being ever could. Jesus showed that limitless love throughout his ministry. He healed the sick, freed those held captive by evil, listened to the voices of outcasts, confronted the perpetrators of injustice. Above all, he forgave sinners, often even before they had plucked up the courage to repent. This was a Jesus I wanted both to follow and to hold up so that others like me could come to know him, or to know him better.
This was the forgiveness and love he showed supremely that first Holy Week, when on what Christians now call Good Friday, he allowed himself to be murdered for love of you and me. Nailed to the cross, Jesus proved conclusively that his love and forgiveness had no limits, not even death itself.
Sunday 13 April – Palm Sunday
‘ This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.’
Psalm 118:20-21
PRAYERS
Monday 14 April Lord, during this Holy Week, we pray that each of us may deeply experience the love that Jesus has for us. May this profound love transform our hearts and guide our actions as we reflect on His sacrifice and grace.
Tuesday 15 April God, we pray for people who are struggling to offer or accept forgiveness. Grant them the strength and courage to heal wounds and embrace reconciliation. Help us all to follow Jesus’ example of mercy and love.
Wednesday 16 April Lord, we remember our sisters and brothers in Christ who are marking this Holy Week in lands where their faith subjects them to persecution. Surround them with your protection and give them courage and strength. May they feel your presence and know they are not alone.
Thursday 17 April – Maundy Thursday Lord, on this sacred night, we remember your great love and sacrifice. As you took the bread and broke it, and shared the cup, you gave us the gift of yourself. We thank you.
Friday 18 April – Good Friday O Suffering Saviour, we lament the weight of our sin you bore. And yet, by the miracle of grace, we find healing and peace in your wounds.
Saturday 19 April Heavenly Father, we pray for those who have newly come to faith in the past year. May this Holy Week be especially blessed for them as they experience the depths of your love and the joy of salvation for the first time. Guide them in their spiritual journey and surround them with supportive community.
REFLECTIONS
20-26 April
Cross-Cultural Mission at Manchester Airport
The Revd Debbie Sawyer, Pastoral Chaplain in the Church in Wales and Airport Chaplain, Manchester
Read Acts 10:34-43
Following the glory of Easter, we focus on the renewal of our covenant and relationship with God as a personal reminder of how we remain within in His Kingdom. Striving to be inclusive within our own faith of all who we meet, we are bound to offer compassion and kindness… and not only to those who already share in His Kingdom. Our troubled world often presents this as a challenge, but as an airport chaplain the need to offer support and guidance across the global spectrum of cultures and faiths, or no faiths, is the very essence of our ministry.
Daily, we encounter displaced people, people fleeing from cultural or domestic adversity, or modern slavery. All receive the warmest welcome into the “kingdom” of our chaplaincy. Just as Peter realised God did not show partiality, neither do we.
The Kingdom of God formed the heart of Jesus’ proclamation in his own mission. It is there for everyone who wishes to enter, with righteousness and repentance as the entry requirements. So often though we witness life dictating otherwise as some simply fall from their righteous pathway through life needing help and redirection.
Airport chaplaincy also forms close connections with staff as we dip in and out of lives affected by bereavement, financial difficulties, and joys too of course!
Regardless of our chaplain’s faith or that of our guests, we are so fortunate to share the peace of God given for ALL people.
Sunday 20 April – Easter Sunday
Read and meditate on this verse:
‘O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!’
Psalm 118:1
PRAYERS
Monday 21 April Help us Lord, to accept into our care anyone who may cross our path in need of support, help and guidance. May we offer to them, all that Jesus would offer through our hospitality and love.
Tuesday 22 April – Earth Day Creator God, help us to care for your Earth with love and respect, preserving its beauty for future generations.
Wednesday 23 April – Saint George's Day On this saint’s day let us pray for the Church of England and churches in Ethiopia and Georgia.
Thursday 24 April Let us pray today for all the displaced people moving through our world as they flee from poverty and war. May a haven of hope and peace await them at journey’s end.
Friday 25 April – Mark the Evangelist In the likeness of St Mark, we pray for ourselves, that we may be true disciples of Christ, boldly proclaiming His Gospel and living humbly with open minds and tender hearts.
Saturday 26 April We pray for everyone working around the globe who assist in repatriations from country to country as families are reunited following extended separation often after many years apart.
PROGRAMME UPDATE
27 April – 3 May
Become Like Children
Rachel Weller –Communications Officer, USPG
The FeAST webinar series is a chance for all to get inspired, learn from and share ideas with theologians around the world. In a recent webinar, The Revd Dr Rohan P Gideon presented his work on the “Agency of the Child and Child-focused Theologies”, exploring the intersection of children’s rights and Christian theology. The Revd Dr Rohan, a Professor of Christian Theology at the United Theological College in Bengaluru, India, combined his expertise on child rights, and theological methods, with a biblical framework.
The Revd Dr Rohan emphasised that children are created in the image of God and serve as signs of God's covenant, deserving of dignity and respect. He highlighted the importance of recognising the agency of children as they have much to teach us about the nature of faith. The Revd Dr Rohan advocated for child-centred theologies or activities that empower children as active participants in the church. What might this look like in your church?
The webinar was also thought-provoking because it challenged participants to reflect on how they use power. The Revd Dr Rohan invited attendees to consider whether they suffer from "selective amnesia"—forgetting the vulnerability they once had as children, now replaced by power and privilege. Instead, he called for a deeprooted sense of solidarity with the powerless, including children.
The webinar served as a compelling reminder of the theological imperative to honour and uplift children’s voices in the church and beyond.
Find out more at www.uspg.org.uk/get_involved/Feast
Sunday 27 April
‘ Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’
Matthew 18:3
PRAYERS
Monday 28 April Gracious God, help us to recognise that every child is created in your image and deserves dignity and respect. Teach us to honour their presence and contributions in our churches.
Tuesday 29 April Lord, grant us the wisdom to reflect on our use of power and privilege. Help us remember our own vulnerability as children and inspire us to act with empathy and compassion towards those who are marginalised.
Wednesday 30 April God of justice, instil in us a deep-rooted sense of solidarity with people who feel powerless, especially children. May we advocate for their rights and ensure they feel valued and heard in our communities.
Thursday 1 May – The Feast of St Philip and James, Apostles Lord, we thank you for the apostles, Philip and James; may their faith inspire us to boldly share your love and truth in our lives.
Friday 2 May Father, bless USPG’s church partners who strive to protect children from harm such as the Church of North India’s antihuman trafficking work and mission hospitals across central and Eastern Africa.
Saturday 3 May Heavenly Father, we thank you for FeAST and the way in which it unites Anglican scholars in creative and critical theological engagement. May it foster mutual learning and strengthen our commitment to justice, peace, and compassion within the Anglican Communion and beyond.
REFLECTIONS
4-10 May Incovenient Migration
Carol Miller – Church Engagement Manager, USPG
I was comfortably sat in a camp chair on the Glade for the Eucharist Service at Greenbelt Festival, surrounded by several thousand people. They were gathered, mostly on blankets, in family or community groupings. Host Guvna B, rapper and author, took the stage and said:
‘Let’s pray for refugees. But let’s pray with our bodies. We’re gonna do something here, together. Could everyone please stand up. Now, I want you to move a few meters… just two or three meters. Yeah, I know it’s uncomfortable. Just gather up everything you came here with and move a bit. We’re doing this as an embodied prayer for refugees. Look out for the little ones, please. It’s not easy, is it?”
Having spent two full days at our USPG stall telling people about our work in Calais and around Europe, I felt I knew the journey of refugees. I’d done all the research and read countless articles and statistics. And our team thoughtfully challenged those who stopped by. But to physically and collectively act out that inconvenient migration, small as it was, undid me. What momentary discomfort I felt in being displaced would need to be multiplied countless times over and amplified through fear and grief and physical exhaustion to even begin to understand the lived experience of refugees in the world today.
A definition of compassion: to suffer together, a feeling that arises when you are confronted with another’s suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering.
Sunday 4 May
‘[We praise you] God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.’
(Based on 2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
PRAYERS
Monday 5 May God of compassion, we ask for your mercy on all refugees and displaced people. Grant your grace, favour and protection. Bring them to safety.
Tuesday 6 May God of compassion, we pray for people who support refugees along the way. May you strengthen and provide resource.
Wednesday 7 May God of compassion, we ask for ample provision for refugees, that food, clothing, essential gear will be given to them along the way.
Thursday 8 May God of compassion, we ask for moments of joy, laughter and creativity for children in this difficult time. Guard their dear hearts.
Friday 9 May God of compassion, we ask for merciful and just decisions by leaders around the globe as policies are made and implemented.
Saturday 10 May Almighty and merciful God, whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own; look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger, homeless and hungry. Bless those who work to bring them relief; inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts; and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
11-17 May Health and Hope in the Manyoni District
Dr Frank Mathew Haji – Integrated Child Health and End Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV Programme, Tanzania
The Integrated Child Health and End Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV Programme is making a significant impact on maternal and child health in the Manyoni district, Singida region, Tanzania. Focused on improving health services for women of childbearing age and children under five, the programme particularly targets the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Ruth*, who contracted HIV in 2018, feared for her future and struggled with her husband as they faced difficulties conceiving. When a mobile clinic from the Anglican Church of Tanzania visited her village, Ruth attended with a friend and received vital medication and counselling. This support not only helped her manage her health but also allowed her and her husband to navigate their challenges together. Today, they are excitedly expecting a healthy baby, thanks to the programme’s interventions. Ruth’s story illustrates how the programme brings hope and better health to families, ensuring that children are born HIV-free and that communities are empowered with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.
*name changed for privacy
Sunday 11 May
‘Bear one another ’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.’
Galatians 6:2
PRAYERS
Monday 12 May – International Mother’s Day Gracious God, on this International Mother’s Day, we thank you for mothers and pray for the success of the Anglican Church of Tanzania’s healthcare programme in the Manyoni district.
Tuesday 13 May Lord, we pray that this project contributes to lowering the national rate of mother and child mortality in the Manyoni district. May lives be saved, and families strengthened as husbands and relatives all gain a greater knowledge and understanding of the issue.
Wednesday 14 May – the Feast of St Matthias Dear God, we continue to pray for positive outcomes from this new programme, especially for the health and wellbeing of HIV-negative babies.
Thursday 15 May – International Day of Families Lord, on this International Day of Families, we give thanks for the gift of family and the love that binds us. We pray for the strength and health of all families, especially those benefiting from the programme in the Manyoni district.
Friday 16 May Lord, we seek the availability of more partners and funds to support the scaling up of this programme in other areas of need within our province. Open doors for collaboration and generosity.
Saturday 17 May Gracious God, we thank you for Dr Frank Mathew Haji and other medical staff like him. May they be strengthened in their service and inspired to continue making a difference in the lives they touch.
Annsli Kabekabe
18-24 May That We May Live Together: A Reflection from the Emerging Leaders Academy
– Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea
Reflecting on my time at the Asian Rural Institute (ARI), I was really inspired by their motto, ‘that we may live together.’ At the ARI, I experienced a vibrant community working together, and it reignited my passion for supporting the marginalised in my home country, Papua New Guinea. While the challenges in rural communities can seem overwhelming, the lessons I learned about sustainable agriculture and servant leadership opened my eyes to new possibilities.
Our visit to Fukushima was particularly inspiring. The Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, along with the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant explosion in 2011, continue to haunt the people of Sendai and Miyagi. What struck me most was the importance of early warning systems to save lives and the need for well-identified evacuation sites to ensure people’s safety. These lessons are so relevant for Papua New Guinea, where natural disasters linked to climate change pose a constant threat.
As I return home, I carry the belief that ‘building better brains for a better future’ begins at the grassroots. The youth and marginalised people in Papua New Guinea have incredible potential, and I believe education is the foundation to build sustainable, thriving futures.
Sunday 18 May
'It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’
Matthew 20:26-28 (NRSV)
PRAYERS
Monday 19 May Father, we praise you for Annsli and young people enrolled in the Emerging Leaders Academy. Thank you for their willingness to serve you and follow your example.
Tuesday 20 May Dear God, we thank you today for the leaders who provide 1-1 mentorship to the ELA participants. We praise you for their wisdom, care and compassion to nurture young leaders.
Wednesday 21 May Loving Father, we ask for your blessing upon the youth of Papua New Guinea. Grant them access to education, opportunities, and guidance to unlock their potential.
Thursday 22 May Lord of peace, we pray for healing in Japan, where the scars of disaster run deep. May Your grace guide efforts towards reconciliation, fostering forgiveness and rebuilding relationships rooted in empathy and understanding.
Friday 23 May Creator God, we thank you for the Asian Rural Institute and its mission to empower rural leaders. Bless their work in teaching sustainable agriculture, servant leadership, and community building.
Saturday 24 May Lord, help us to see beyond first impressions and be slow to judge others. Remind us that everyone carries their own stories, shaped by struggles we may never know. Teach us to listen with empathy so that our communities may be grounded in compassion.
25-31 May Feast of Ascension
REFLECTIONS
Dr Paulo Ueti – Theological Advisor and Regional Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean, USPG
The Feast of the Ascension is not simply about Christ's departure but a call for His disciples to continue His mission of restoring creation, justice, and care for all. When Christ ascended, He did not abandon His followers. Instead, He shared his exousia (authority, power) through the Spirit to carry on His work as voices of justice and stewards of creation. This “mission from below” aligns with Sumak Kawsay/buen vivir (the good life) in Latin America, a vision of living in right relationship with all creation, and Moana theology in the Pacific, where everything is interconnected, everything is sacred. Both theologies invite us to return to ancestral wisdom, valuing the Earth as a living entity deserving of care.
We are called to be stewards of the Earth, the oceans, and those affected by climate change. Bien Vivir opposes colonial exploitation of God’s creation and advocates for respect toward Pachamama, the living earth (the territory we live in and provides identity to all of us). Rather than looking upward in passive expectation, the Ascension urges us to focus on the earth and act as agents of justice, peace, and reconciliation.
This feast is a story of commissioning, not departure. It invites us to live as reconciliation communities, embodying the gospel through care for creation because the earth belongs to God. In this way, we continue Christ’s mission, seeing Him live on through our work for the earth and its most vulnerable beings.
Sunday 25 May
‘Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.’
Matthew 7:28-29
PRAYERS
Monday 26 May Lord creator of the earth, air, waters, and sky, creator of our homeland, we cry out for people and communities most affected by climate change, especially the vulnerable and marginalised. Guide us to act with love, justice, and mercy as stewards of your creation.
Tuesday 27 May Loving God, we pray for healing and reconciliation for Indigenous communities harmed by colonial violence. Help us restore dignity and build relationships rooted in justice.
Wednesday 28 May God of land, sea, and sky, you have entrusted us with your creation. Forgive us the ways we have failed in our stewardship. As we rejoice in the Ascension, guide us to renew our commitment to care for the earth and all its creatures.
Thursday 29 May – Ascension Day Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that as we believe your only-begotten Son to have ascended into heaven, so we may also in heart and mind there ascend, and with him continually dwell; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Friday 30 May Risen Christ, fill us with hope and courage to face today's environmental challenges. Help us embody your gospel of justice and care for creation and our neighbours.
Saturday 31 May – The Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth Lord, as Mary brought the gift of your Son into the world, help us to welcome Christ with the same openness and humility. May we, like Elizabeth, recognise your presence in those around us, and may our hearts be filled with gratitude and awe at the wonders you perform.
Preaching on Sunday?
In a time of climate crisis, we know how powerful a good sermon can be to mobilise action and offer space for lament and hope. We also know that this can be a daunting task.
“Preaching for God’s World” is our free website with weekly reflections, linked to the lectionary, from activists, theologians, and church leaders worldwide, all from the perspective of creation care and ecological justice.
We pray this will resource you and your community as you follow God’s call to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.
www.preachingforgodsworld.org
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