I hope that these prayers are useful, and that you are able to spend a few minutes at 6pm 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.
During February, the Archbishops have invited everyone to pray for our nation at 6pm each day. Our weekly prayer email will use many of the prayers published on the website.
Monday
Schools and colleges, children and young people
We pray for all those involved in the shaping of young lives.
We give God thanks for the sacrifice and commitment of teachers and all those involved in serving children and young people in education.
We pray that all might be nurtured and cared for and that every needful resource would be made available – that all lives can flourish even in these difficult times and that no-one would be overlooked.
Operation World suggests that we spend most of this week praying for Europe. Please pray as you choose; however, to supplement the general prayer request, each day we will suggest one topic to pray for the continent of Europe. Today we suggest praying for the three poorest countries in Europe: Moldova, Ukraine and Kosovo (which have struggled since the collapse of the Soviet Union and what was Yugoslavia).
Tuesday
Elderly, isolated and vulnerable
We echo God’s commitment to those most at risk of this virus by praying today for those who are particularly vulnerable and isolated: praying for their deliverance, protection and comfort.
We hold before God those who care for them – that they would be strengthened and encouraged in this work.
Please continue to pray today for Europe. You could pray today for good relationships within the EU as the various member counties balance the needs of their own citizens against the needs of the Union as a whole.
Wednesday
Businesses, the workplace and economic wellbeing
In this time of great challenge, we pray for the economic wellbeing of the country.
We remember before God those who face great uncertainty in their work. We lift before God those who have lost their jobs and face an uncertain and difficult future.
We pray for a renewed commitment to our common life together.
Please continue to pray today for Europe. You could pray today for wisdom for leaders of each nation, as they make decisions about COVID restrictions and treatments in their respective countries.
Thursday
The NHS and other key workers
Our God is the great healer – and the agent used more than any other is the NHS.
Today we voice our gratitude for those who serve this country in the National Health Service and pray for that God would prosper the work of their hands – that they would all be encouraged in their continued work of sacrifice and care amongst us.
Please continue to pray today for Europe. You could pray today for both workers and residents in the many refugee camps across Europe, dealing with the loss of homes, the winter weather, and the high risk of COVID in close quarters with limited sanitation. Please pray for safety and for hope.
Friday
National and Local government
We pray for those who are in positions of authority with responsibility for decision making at national and local level at this difficult time.
We ask that God would give great wisdom, deep commitment to all and right judgment.
Please continue to pray today for Europe. You could pray today for generous hearts in all European leaders, that we will use our comparative riches for the good of God's whole world.
Saturday
All who are grieving, and all suffering with physical and mental ill-health
‘Lord the one you love is ill…’ (John 11:3)
We bring to God all those who suffer in body, mind, spirit or with grief. We ask that in God’s great loving kindness they might know God’s sustaining presence amidst their pain.
We pray for those who are stretched beyond their own capacity to cope and remain hopeful – that in the roar of these waterfalls God would bring a sense of coherence, comfort and strength.
Please pray for the Pacific.