I hope that these emails and prayers are useful, and that you are able to spend a few minutes at noon each day, as we pray together as a church family. Please do keep sending your prayer suggestions to me, so that we can make sure we are praying around the needs, burdens and encouragements of our whole church family.
Monday
Risen Jesus, thank you that you kindly went to where the two disciples had gone astray and gave them the gift, first of your presence, and then of understanding how all of Scripture taught them about you and your saving grace. Thank you that we too can meet you in the Bible. Please help us to do that as we read it this week. Amen
Tuesday
Lord Jesus, as you walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, as we go on our daily walks may your Spirit accompany us so that we go with your blessing, may your Spirit protect us so that we go in safety; may your Spirit guide us so we go with your inspiration and may your Spirit uplift us to that whatever we do we do for your glory. Amen.
Wednesday
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
There are many things in our own lives today, Lord, that we cannot change and would like to. When our limitations make us frustrated, please give us serenity. Where we see needs we can fulfil, or time we can use for you, please give us courage. Please give us wisdom to trust you in this lockdown, so that both our frustration and our fear lead to knowing you better. Amen.
Thursday
Loving Father, we pray for those living or working in care homes today. We pray for the staff, that they will have the strength to care for and encourage the residents, despite the current difficulties they face, with visitors and non-essential staff absent, and illness being especially dangerous. We pray for those who live there, that you would bring clarity where people are confused, peace where people are anxious, and comfort when people are distressed. Please would those who know you have both the courage and the words to offer your hope to those around them. Amen
Friday
Heavenly Father, at this time we pray for the broken-hearted and for those who grieve for loved ones; for all those who are confused by the sickness and pain in our world; for those who travel lonely paths; for the elderly and those in care, and for all who are coming to the end of their journey in this world and walk towards the sunset. Lord, abide with them all and give them your peace. Amen.
Saturday
Today we pray to you, the God who provides, for everyone who has lost their income because of the lockdown. Thank you that in this country there is at least some provision for people who are not coping financially; we pray that you will be with all those who are processing forms and allocating funds, so that the money will get to people quickly, and we thank you for those who are looking after others in need by helping them directly. We pray for provision in less affluent countries, that you will bring food and other aid where it is needed; please be with charity workers and other organisations trying to cope with the needs they see. Amen