Prayer diary: Thursday 15th March 2018

Today’s Bible reading: Isaih 55 vv 6-9
Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

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Our churches

We pray for all Christian churches in our country, of any or no denomination.

Heavenly Father,  we lift up to You Your churches in this country as they seek to do Your will. We pray for the leaders, whether they are called bishops, ministers, vicars , deacons or elders and that they will be prayer led, spirit filled men and women, on fire for You, Lord.
We pray that the truths of the gospel will be preached without fear or compromise and that congregations will grow spiritually and build one another up in the faith.
We thank You for our Christian country and for all that implies, Lord. We lift up the name of Jesus Christ as we know from Your Word that He is the only way to You, and Salvation.
We pray that You will appoint sound teachers of the Word in churches, that Your whole Word goes out week by week for us to learn Your ways, Your love and Your plans for our lives in Christ, through whom we pray, Amen.

U.K.

When Jesus said “No one is good except God” (Mark 10:18) he was completely serious. Mankind is not good and the Bible describes our best offerings as filthy rags in God’s eyes. Does that mean we should be discouraged? No, because the apostle Paul said that “I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me”.
The recent events in Salisbury are just a symptom of the evil that pervades mankind. Every one of us needs to come to Christ for forgiveness, to repent and be saved. We confess our sins and God is faithful in restoring us, as he sees the perfection of Christ within us, giving us eternal life.
Let’s pray that God’s ways and purposes are being fulfilled in current days events, which may make little sense to us as they are veiled in secrecy.

Heavenly Father, We thank You and praise You for Your creation, for the gift of each of our own lives on Earth. We give You all the worship and honour that Your Holy name deserves and we thank You for your steadfastness and faithfulness. We acknowledge that Your ways are not ours and sometimes we try to figure out Your purposes, when it is quite futile. Lord, we have faith in You and Your plan that was put into place before creation, and that Your Will shall  be done.
Lord, inspire us to tell others of Your goodness and of the salvation available by Your Grace, through Jesus’  sacrifice in our place for our sins. Prepare the hearts and minds of people who we meet as we go about our daily lives. May we never miss an opportunity to proclaim the Good News of Jesus’ love for us, that others may know the Grace, and Goodness of God in their lives, as they also run the race towards the goal.
Father we ask it all in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Prayer diary: Friday 16th February 2018

Today’s Bible reading: James 1: 16-21
Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of all he created.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Firstly, apologies for the recent lack of entries in the prayer diary.  We have had some disruption at “prayersharers HQ” as (Praise the Lord) we’ve had our kitchen gutted and fitted out!

Aid agencies

The recent revelations about the behaviour of a small minority of Oxfam staff has been damaging to all NGOs and aid agencies.
The notion of giving aid in return for sex is sickening and needs to be eradicated from aid agencies, many of which have Christian roots and would hope to always display moral ethics.
We pray for them.

Heavenly Father,  we thank You for the immense amount of good work done in the Name of Jesus all around the world and over the decades, even centuries.
We pray for the aid agencies, many are based upon the Word of God, others we know are more secular and humanitarian. We pray that their staff will be well chosen people who will act properly and morally.
We pray that the many charities dealing with hunger will do so in Your Name, that others will know not just of humanitarian aid, but of the salvation and eternal life that comes from knowing Christ as our Saviour.
We ask it all in the name of our Lord Jesus, Amen.

U.S.A.

After yet another mass shooting, this time at a school in Florida, we pray that America will return to God and be a great nation, where the Name of Jesus Christ and the Word of God is important in their lives.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the great nation of America, which has given birth to many Christian evangelists over the years. We thank you for Billy Graham and for the late J Vernon McGee who we still listen to today.
Father we know that on each dollar bill it says “In God we trust”, and we pray that will become the truth for America, once again.
We pray against the trust that people have in materialism, in alcohol, in drugs, in possessing weapons and pray that they will discover the spiritual armour of Christ and put it on daily in their lives.
Father we pray for the friends and families of those killed and injured in this latest attack. May they know Your comfort and Your peace as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened. Father, have Your way amongst us, in Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

Israel

According to Israel, last Saturday (Feb 10th) they destroyed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which had been launched by Iranians operating from an air base in Syria. Israel then launched aircraft of their own to attack the command and control vehicle operating the drone. Two pilots were injured after their F16 was downed by Syrian anti-aircraft fire. This is a new provocation by Iran against Israel. Iran have vowed to destroy Israel which they commonly refer to as the “Zionist entity”. 

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Israel and for all of the blessings that it brings to the World, particularly in medicine and in technology. We pray for the safety of the country You chose for Your Son to be incarnated upon the Earth.
One again we pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. We acknowledge that Jerusalem is a City set apart like no other and the place where Jesus will return in Glory.
Father may Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Amen.

Prayer diary: Thursday 28th December 2017

Today’s Bible reading: Matthew 28 16-20
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The whole World

See how soon the years go around!
On our last Thursday of 2017 we are looking forward to another new year.
This morning we have been remembering the work of “Thru the Bible” again and praying for people in Europe, Asia, South America and many places where Christians live in a hostile environment.
The significant point we note is that people respond to the Word of God, when it is preached and heard. We pray for more to hear and respond to the truth of God’s Word in 2018 around the whole world.

Heavenly Father,  we thank You for the inspiration that You have given to evangelists and Bible teachers over the years and for the resources available to spread the truth of Your Word abroad.
Lord, we ask You to build Your Church that as many souls as possible can be saved by Your Grace. Father we lift up all that are hearing the Gospel of Christ, that their hearts may be softened, that they will accept the truth of Your Grace and Salvation, that they will turn to You and Your Son Jesus Christ for their Salvation and eternal life.
We thank You for the promises in Your Word, all of them are true and we can stand firmly upon them. Father, inspire us in 2018 as we pray for governments, for situations, for people and for all to hear and respond to Your Word.
In Jesus’ Holy Name we pray, Amen.

N. Korea

The threat of conflict is high in this region with all the displays and threats of military force.

Heavenly Father, we lift up this country of North Korea to You as we hope for a peaceful solution to the growing crisis.
Father, we know that with You, anything is possible, that You always have a way that we have not even thought of. Lord, we lift up the oppressed people that live in the North. We pray that they will be motivated by Your hand, rather than the hands of evil men.
We pray that Your Will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven, in faith we pray, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer diary: Thursday 14th December 2017

Today’s Bible reading: John 15: 5-8
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

Listen to this as a podcast: Podcast_14Dec2017

Advent

It is good to hear the name of Jesus Christ from many carols in shops and malls at this time of year. We pray that the Holy Spirit will be present in the lives of people as Christmas approaches and they understand that Christ is The Gift of Grace for them.

Heavenly Father,  we thank You for Your Gift of Jesus Christ as our Saviour, the plan You always had to save us from our sins.
As the party atmosphere of Christmas increases, we pray for individuals who see this time of year in different ways.
For children with the excitement of “Santa” coming with gifts.
For parents , many working, with busy lives trying to have everything organised.
For older people who struggle to get about in bad weather and with winter ailments.
For widows and widowers who have a hole in their lives which seems bigger at Christmas.
Father, we pray that You will surround each of us with Your loving kindness as we express ourselves about the birth of Jesus, in many different ways. May each one of us know that the presence of Christ within us is so much more important than any physical thing that man has created. Lord we thank You again for the freedom in Britain  to say and show that Jesus is our Lord and Saviour, as the bells ring out from local churches, telling the good news of redemption and everlasting life. Through Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

U.K.

If there is one certainty currently in the UK, it is political uncertainty. Our government is under pressure from within its own party, from the opposition and the press, and from our friends in Europe. Political uncertainty is never helpful to any country and we pray for our leaders as they consider and make difficult decisions for our future.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the peace that exists within our country and for the United Kingdom and pray that this continues. We pray especially for our politicians at this time as they continue to negotiate an exit from the European Union. We pray for them that they may find paths where there seem to be none, compromises which benefit us all, and sustaining our economic health, which is good for everyone. Father, we pray that they will seek Godly solutions and ethical and moral solutions to the problems ahead.
Lord, we pray that this country will remain strong in its economy and that stability will return to government. Above all we pray that the country will profess a strong faith in Jesus Christ, the Rock of our salvation. Amen.

Israel

Since President Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel  the extreme factions of their enemies have used that as an excuse to launch attacks, including firing rockets from Gaza. We pray forIsrael and Jerusalem. 

Heavenly Father, We pray for the peace of Jerusalem: that they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within Jerusalem’s walls, and prosperity within its palaces. For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good. (From Psalm 122)

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Prayer diary: Thursday 30th November 2017

Today’s Bible reading: 2 Peter 3: 11-14
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.
That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

United Kingdom

We pray for elderly and vulnerable people as winter approaches and the frosty nights are here.

Heavenly Father,  we give thanks to You for the changing seasons.
As winter approaches we pray for those in society who are vulnerable. We remember older frail people, many who live alone and struggle to keep warm in their own homes. Lord, we pray that friends and relatives will remember them and give them support and help.
We pray also for carers who visit needy people daily to help them to manage at home. We thank You for their work.
Father, we pray that You will be with people who live alone and that You will bring them Peace and Joy in their hearts as Christmas approaches.
Father, we also remember the mentally ill in society, many of which are living rough or just moving from one place to another, unsettled in mind and spirit. We pray that they will know Your presence and peace, by Your Spirit.
Bring people alongside them who are helpful and faithful to Your Word.
In Jesus’ Name we pray,
Amen.

Bali and Indonesia

There is a volcano erupting on the tourist Island of Bali and we pray for the people living there and for the country of Indonesia.
In Indonesia there are over 260 million people, about 10% are Christians, most of the rest are adherents of Islam.

Heavenly Father, we pray for those people living on the Island of Bali, as their livelihood and source of their economy is under threat from a possible natural disaster. We pray for Indonesia as a whole, especially for the Christians who are in a minority. We pray for them to spread the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We pray that hearts of those who oppose the truth of Jesus’ saving power will be softened, that they may receive the Holy Spirit and be convinced of their sin and turn to Jesus Christ as Saviour.
We pray for the gospel as it goes out in Indonesia, by Internet, radio and TV, that it will be effective so that people can be saved.
We pray that the name of Jesus Christ will be lifted high in Indonesia – that Jesus will be more important to everyone than any volcano. Bless Indonesia, Lord and bring people to Your side, in Jesus´Name we ask it,
Amen.