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
“With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: ‘He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.’ And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy.” Ezra 3
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain.” Revelation 21:3-4
Thank you Lord that we can now use both of our church buildings on Sundays again. We pray that you will help us to celebrate these gatherings with joy, despite the limitations, to support those who would like to be there but can’t, and to look forwards together to the day when we will be with you, without limitations and without grief, full of joy forever. Amen.
Please also pray today for the Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles.
Tuesday
Lord awaken us to your glory.
Open our eyes to your presence.
Open our ears to your call.
Open our hearts to your love,
that we may proclaim that you are among us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please also pray today for New Caledonia.
Wednesday
We pray today for everyone working with the COVID testing service, under so much pressure as cases rise again. Please would you help those involved in testing to work efficiently, and those involved in planning and strategy to make good decisions as things change so fast. Where there are delays and people are stuck in isolation waiting for tests, please would you give them your peace. Amen
Please also pray today for New Zealand.
Thursday
We pray today for families with babies and young children, who have limited access to networks and groups under the COVID guidance. Please would you walk with them and help them to find the support that they need, especially as social meetings are now so limited. Amen
Please also pray today for Nicaragua.
Friday
O Lord, look down from heaven, and visit and relieve those who are ill. Look upon them with mercy; comfort them; give them a sure confidence in you; defend them from the attacks of the evil one; and keep them in perpetual peace and safety; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please pray today for Niger.
Saturday
We pray today for those who still feel isolated by the threat of COVID, especially those who are shielding themselves or a relative. Please would you especially comfort the very vulnerable and those who are feeling the strain of being apart from others for so long. Please help us to see where we can be part of the comfort you bring. Amen
Please continue to pray today for Niger.