Prayer Diary

Sunday 13^th October

Today is our harvest celebrations. Take time to thank God for his goodness and faithfulness. Pray for those whose harvest has failed and so face a year struggling to put food on the table. Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3: 22-23)

Monday 14^th October

It is over a year since the October 7^th attacks on Israel and still families are waiting on news of loved ones taken hostage and the pain of those who mourn will never be taken away. Take time to pray for those who have been affected most by those attacks.

Tuesday 15^th October

The attacks on Israel sparked the war in Gazza and one year on that city has been left in ruins. Countless thousands are dead or wounded, millions displaced and as is always the case it is the poor and vulnerable who suffer the most. Pray for an end to the war. Pray that Israel’s calling to be a light and blessing to the nations would be fulfilled.

Wednesday 16^th October

The invasion of Gazza has provoked increased rocket fire by Hezbollah from Lebanon into Israel. This in turn has provoked Israel’s attacks in Lebanon, including the pager and walkie talkie attacks as well as a new ground offensive. This expansion of the war further increases suffering and destabilises the whole region. Pray for wise counsel on both sides that enables a drawing back from a full scale war and yet more suffering for the poorest in society.

Thursday 17^th October  

The ripples of October 7^th widened further with Iran and Israel inflicting military strikes on each other. This not only widens conflict in the region but draws western powers such as the US and the UK in as they provide assistance to Israel. Pray for a drawing back from the brink and a means of both countries saving face and so being able to draw a line under this particular tension.

Friday 18^th October

Shipping in the Red Sea continues to face attack from Houthi rebels in Yemen. Pray for the merchant sailors who are defenceless against such attacks and rely on western warships being in the right place at the right time to defend them.

Saturday 19^th October

It is easy to lose hope when we look at our world, the suffering endured by so many and the apparent victory of evil over good. Take time to remind yourself and to thank God that there will be a day when evil will be banished, and Christ’s rule established. Therefore God has exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)